Obituaries
• Nancy J. (Rock) Chamberlin, 90, of West Dummerston. Died peacefully on Sept. 2, 2024, surrounded by her loving family, at Vernon Green Nursing Home from complications of cancer and Alzheimer's disease. Nancy was born March 1, 1934, to John and Margaret (Beckius) Rock, and grew up in her extended family's large home. She attended Forestville and Bristol (Conn.) schools and graduated Bristol High School, class of 1952, where she was passionately engaged as a multi-sport athlete, and as yearbook and newspaper editor. Nancy studied business and commercial stenography, and worked at her family's pharmacy and soda fountain, where she developed a lifelong love of ice cream that she happily passed along. Her Catholic faith was very strong and she carried it throughout her lifetime. In 1954, Nancy married Carter Chamberlin of Bristol, and they celebrated more than 50 years of marriage. She was both a stay-at-home mother to their three children, and also worked assisting her husband's accounting firm for many years. They moved to West Dummerston in the early 1970s and enjoyed the peace of country living and small-town life, tending apple trees and roses while still running an accounting practice until retirement. Nancy loved to cook and experiment with recipes and much enjoyed rolling out new dishes at family gatherings for oohs, aahs, ratings, and discussions. Nancy was a kind, gentle soul who wouldn't utter a mean word about anyone. She will be dearly missed. She is survived by children Carter (Bonnie) Chamberlin, Nancie Beth (Michael) Nass, and Clyde (Sharon) Chamberlin, all living in New England, her grandchildren Brian Nass, Natalie Chamberlin, Shawna Chamberlin, Trevor Chamberlin, and Connor Chamberlin, and several great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Nancy was predeceased by her parents, her husband, Carter; her brother, Norman Rock and his wife Lillian; her best friend of more than 80 years, Ann Marie Soulier; and her dear cousin, Sheila Tracy. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held Sept. 9 at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Brattleboro, followed by committal rites and burial in Dummerston Center Cemetery. Donations to St. Michael's Catholic Church, 47 Walnut St., Brattleboro, VT 05301. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Richard H. Damon, 90, of Westminster. Died at home, with his loving family by his side, on Aug. 20, 2024. Richard was born on March 25, 1934, in Bellows Falls to Melvin and Arena (Haskell) Damon. He attended schools in Bellows Falls and graduated from Bellows Falls High School. Richard served his country in the Army. He married Patricia Chapman, who died in 1993. Richard worked as an electrician for Interstate Electric. He loved to play cribbage and spend time with his family and his dog, Marley. Richard is survived by his children, Stephen and Kathleen Damon, three grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and wife, he was predeceased by siblings Melvin and Dennis Damon and Mary Brandt. Memorial information: A graveside service will take place on Saturday, Sept. 14, at 10 a.m., at Rockingham Meeting House Cemetery. A gathering at the Bellows Falls Moose Lodge will follow. Donations to Westminster Cares, 3534 US-5, Westminster, VT 05138.
• Jane Lee (Burney) French, 89, of Bellows Falls. Died on Aug. 31, 2024, at Pine Heights nursing home in Brattleboro. Jane was born April 4, 1935, to Lawrence W. and Phoebe (Dawson) Burney in Charlestown, New Hampshire. Jane attended schools in Charlestown and graduated from Charlestown High School in 1953. On Sept. 27, 1953, Jane married Albert E. French of Cambridgeport, and they made their first home there before moving into Bellows Falls. Jane held positions at Mary Meyer Toy Company as a seamstress, H.A. Manning as a supervisor/compiler, and at 5C Head Start as a daycare worker and family counselor. She thought this job was her most rewarding. It was not unusual to be out and about with Jane and run into one of her "Head Start" kids. Several remembered her and would speak to her and she remembered them all. She also served as a volunteer program chair for the SHARE/SERVE Food Program in the 1990s, distributing free food to the community. Jane and Albert spent their retirement years setting up at flea markets where they enjoyed talking to people and making friends. Jane was a devoted member of the First Baptist Church of Bellows Falls for over 60 years. She held many offices there throughout this time including the position of supervisor/coordinator and teacher of Sunday School for more than 30 years, but the mission programs were her passion, always encouraging the congregation to act as "the hands and feet of Jesus" at home and around the world. Jane was predeceased by her parents; her husband, Albert; and siblings Gale and Spencer Burney, Janice Moore, Glenna Phelps, and Bonnie Mitten. She is survived by children Gail Davis, Laurie Noyes, Cindy Cole (Ron) and Thomas (Hyon Suk-Ann). Jane also leaves eight grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and seven great-great grandchildren, as well as several nieces and nephews. Memorial information: A memorial service will be held at the First Baptist Church in Bellows Falls on Saturday, Sept. 14, at 1 p.m. A private burial will be held at the convenience of the family. Donations to First Baptist Church Missions, 9 Church St., Bellows Falls, VT, 05101, or Westminster Cares, 3534 US-5, Westminster, VT 05158.
• Alice Margaret Kriz, 60, of Brattleboro. Died suddenly of cardiac arrest on August 12, 2024. She is survived by her husband of 31 years, Mitchell Warren; their son, Luke of Brooklyn, New York; and daughter, Sam of Brattleboro. Born in New York City on Sept. 10, 1963, Alice was a vibrant adventurer, committed to home and garden design, bringing friends and colleagues together and, most of all, her family. Upon graduation from Georgetown University in 1986, Alice became the Executive Director of the French-American Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C., beginning a life-long career of building organizations and communities. Shortly after their marriage in 1993, Alice and Mitchell moved to South Africa for his work in HIV prevention. Alice volunteered with a number of organizations, including a pioneering video effort documenting the first democratic election in South Africa and the inauguration of Nelson Mandela as its first president. Both children were born in South Africa. In 1998, the family relocated to London, before settling in Nyack, New York, in 2000. Alice helped build two local organizations, the Children's Shakespeare Theatre and Riverspace Arts. She then began a decade-long career managing marketing and special projects for Remains Lighting Company. In 2017, Alice and Mitchell moved to Brattleboro. Alice served as a founding advisory board member of the Marlboro Studio School and volunteered at Groundworks Collaborative. Alice's life was marked by a spirit of adventure, love of travel, an uncanny sense of space and design, a passion for gardening, cooking, and welcoming friends and family to her home, with unforgettable hospitality. Her vibrant spirit touched the lives of family and a wide circle of friends, wherever she went. In addition to her husband and children, she is survived by her father, John Kriz; mother, Oriel Eaton; and siblings Michael (and Veronique), Lucy (Tom) and Jennifer (Bob). Memorial information: Donations in her memory to Groundworks Collaborative, P.O. Box 370, Brattleboro, VT 05302, or Marlboro Studio School, P.O. Box 28, Marlboro, VT 05344.
• Erwin Philip Stockwell, 88, of Brattleboro. Died on Sept. 2, 2024. Erwin was born in Putney on Dec. 18, 1935, son of the late Guy and Gladys Stockwell. Erwin was a loving husband, brother, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend to all who knew him. He graduated from St. Michael's High School, Class of 1954, and soon after enlisted in the Army. He was stationed in Germany and was honorably discharged in 1957. Erwin attended New Hampshire Technical College, where he received an associate's degree in automotive technology. His education served him well throughout his life. He worked in several automotive garages and was the family "go-to guy" whenever someone needed help. After more than a decade in the auto industry, he decided to make a career change and went to work for New England Telephone. He remained a loyal and dependable employee, retiring after 33 years. Erwin was a man of many talents. He could fix just about anything, was a consummate, green-thumbed gardener, and loved to sing. For many years he, his sister Irma, and brother Fred performed karaoke shows in several nursing homes throughout the greater Brattleboro area, right up until his death. He was a communicant of St. Michael's Catholic Church and was a man of great faith. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. While his family lost a wonderful man; Heaven gained an angel. He was predeceased by his parents, his brothers Paul and Fred, and his sisters Mary and Undine. Those left to cherish his memories include his loving and devoted wife of 40 years, Mary Young-Stockwell, of Brattleboro; his three children: Brian (Elizabeth) Toney of Long Island, New York; Amy (Kevin) Bolduc of Saco, Maine; Serena Toney (Robbin Scully) of Hoosick Falls, New York; his nine grandchildren: Bethany, Jacob, Benjamin, Lillian, Robbin, Graham, Randy, Luke, and Aiden; his sister Irma Robertson; and several nieces and nephews. Memorial information: will be calling hours at St. Michael's Church, 47 Walnut St., Brattleboro, on Saturday, Sept. 14, at 9:30 a.m. in the church garden, followed by a funeral Mass at 10 a.m. Burial in St. Michael's Cemetery will follow the services. Donations to St. Michael Catholic School, 48 Walnut St., Brattleboro, VT 05301. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Kevin B. Thomas, 74, of Brattleboro. Died on Sept. 1, 2024, after battling a number of illnesses. Kevin was born on Jan. 21, 1950, in New York City. He grew up and attended schools beginning in New York City, then Hamden, Connecticut, with a few years at Boston College. Kevin moved to Vermont in 1975. He loved Vermont, Putney specifically, and made many connections there over the years. He was a skilled carpenter and also an arborist. In 1976 he built a home in Westminster West, the year his daughter was born. Over the years he used his skills in building and tree work in the local area. Living in a number of places over the years, he was often the recipient of goodwill from many friends. Kevin was a great cook and a teller of tales. In his younger years, he enjoyed playing softball with his buddies in Putney. He loved motorcycles, rock and roll, and a good party. Kevin is survived by his daughter, Morgan (Messina-Thomas) Potter (Jeff) of Westminster; his sister, Sr. Barbara Thomas of Hamden; as well as cousins with whom he enjoyed many holidays and gatherings. He was predeceased by his parents and grandmother Edith Thomas. Memorial information: A funeral service was held Sept. 7 at Fenton & Hennessey Funeral Home in Bellows Falls, with burial in Westminster New Cemetery.
• Richard F. "Dick" Tracy Jr., 78, of Hinsdale, New Hampshire. Died at home on Sept. 4, 2024, following a lengthy period of failing health. Dick was born in Brattleboro on March 22, 1946, the son of Richard and Louisa (Gallup) Tracy. He was raised and educated in Guilford and graduated from Brattleboro Union High School with the Class of 1964. Since graduation, members of the Class of '64 regularly kept in communication with each other, something Dick took great value in. A proud veteran, Dick served his nation in the Army during the Vietnam War, stationed in Germany prior to his honorable discharge from active service. For more than 35 years, he owned and operated H.W. Taylor's True Value Hardware on Main Street in Hinsdale. Following the sale of the store and building, he continued working as a mail currier for C&S Wholesale Grocers and in the mailroom at Main Street America Insurance Co. in Keene, New Hampshire. Dick also served as Bail Commissioner for Cheshire County for over 40 years. One of his favorite part-time positions was playing Santa Claus each holiday season at various local venues. Active civically, he served as a selectman for the town of Hinsdale and was an active member for many years for the Hinsdale Volunteer Fire Department. Fraternally, he was a member of the B.P.O. Elks, Brattleboro Lodge #1499, was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Swanzey, New Hampshire, and held membership in American Legion Post 5 in Brattleboro. An avid golfer, Dick was a member of the Brattleboro Country Club and Pine Grove Springs Country Club in Spofford, New Hampshire. He loved attending sporting events, especially his children's, and all things outdoors (gardening, fishing, and snowmobiling). On Jan. 27, 2007, in Swanzey, he married Nancy (Lemieux) Tracy, who survives. Besides his wife of 17 years, he leaves a son, Richard Tracy III of Charleston, South Carolina; a daughter, Shannon Tracy-Ebbighausen, and her husband Ryan, of Hinsdale; stepson Jeffrey Rich and his fiancée Kristy, of Palmyra, Maine; a granddaughter Kamryn Rich; one niece, a nephew, several cousins and his beloved cat, Shadow. He was predeceased by his parents; a sister, Patricia Tracy Bomba O'Brien; and stepfather Albert Hall. Memorial information: Graveside committal services will be conducted Wednesday, Sept. 11, at 11:30 a.m., in Christ Church Cemetery in Guilford. A celebration of life will be held immediately following the service at the B.P.O. Elks, Brattleboro Lodge #1499. Family and friends may call at the Atamaniuk Funeral Home in Brattleboro on Wednesday from 9 to 11 a.m. Donations to the Hinsdale Volunteer Fire Dept., 13 Depot St., Hinsdale, NH 03451. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Jean Anna Baccei Waite, 85, died after a long illness on July 2, 2024, in Middlebury. A loving wife, mother of four, and a dedicated healthcare professional, Jean was born on June 15, 1939, in Proctor, the oldest of three children. She often remembered her childhood surrounded by extended family in Proctor with fondness and humor. She graduated from Proctor High School as a National Merit Scholar and enrolled in the University of Vermont's nursing program. She made several lifelong friends there and graduated in 1961 at the top of her nursing school class. Jean began her professional career in the summer of 1961 working with a mobile polio vaccine clinic in Vermont. She married Conrad W. Waite of Cuttingsville in early 1962, and the couple moved to Glens Falls, New York. Jean welcomed their first daughter in late 1962. She continued to work part time in Catskill, New York, and Proctor. Their second daughter arrived in 1964. In 1966, the family moved to Brattleboro, where identical twins completed the family in fall 1966. Jean continued her career throughout her daughters' growing up, providing an example of competence, dedication, and the importance of marital partnership to her daughters. She was a calm presence during the hectic years of child raising. She was a committed Catholic parishioner at St. Patrick's in Northfield, Massachusetts, where she was an active participant in parish life. She was also the first woman in Vermont to chair a pastoral committee, which she did at St. Michael's in Brattleboro. Jean also volunteered her time at a free clinic in Brattleboro for years. In 1972, Jean left clinical nursing to teach nursing at Greenfield Community College, where she was respected for her passion and excellence at nursing and teaching. In 1983, Jean enrolled at the University of Lowell, where she achieved the long time goal of becoming a nurse practitioner, a role that wasn't common at the time. She graduated in 1985 and went to work at a small family practice in Hinsdale, New Hampshire. Jean was known for her thoroughness, analytical mind, and openess to new medical ideas. She retired in 2006 and lived with her husband on Lake Champlain in Shoreham. She loved nothing more than sitting on the deck overlooking the lake and the Adirondacks. She volunteered at the Shoreham Library, attended church at St. Genevieve's in Shoreham and Saint Bernadette's in Bridport with her husband. They also attended many local sports events throughout the year. Jean enjoyed sewing, even creating several daughters' wedding gowns. She was an enthusiastic and coveted partner at bridge games with friends, and enjoyed reading and working complicated puzzles. She loved to teach and help people in any way she could. Jean was a skilled and dedicated gardener, supplying the family with vegetables all year round for nearly the entirety of her life. She was adventurous and willing to try new things, including making maple syrup in the family kitchen one memorable spring. She once drove a tank, rode in a hot air balloon, and, with her husband, competed in white water rafting races. Friends and family remember Jean with love for her dedication and passion for her profession, her quick intelligence, sense of humor, and her abiding love for her husband and family. Her daughters especially remember her steadfast support during the ups and downs of their lives - she was always there when she was needed. She believed deeply in the importance of education. Her husband especially remembers her adventurous spirit and commitment to fair play. Jean was preceded in death by her parents Blanche (Payette) Baccei and Almo Thomas Baccei, and brother William Baccei. She is survived by her husband, Conrad, their children Karen, Katherine, Sarah, and Susan, her sister Rita Baccei, and five grandchildren. Memorial information: A celebration of life will be held to remember Jean on Oct. 9, 2024, from 6 to 8 p.m., in a private room at India Masala House at 889 Putney Rd. in Brattleboro. The family invites anyone who knew Jean to remember her with them. Donations to the Alzheimer's Association at alz.org.
• Luann L. Ward, 85, died on Aug. 17, 2024, at the Gill Home in Ludlow. Luann was born on November 1, 1938, in Bellows Falls to Perley and Ada (Miller) Bell, and graduated from Bellows Falls High School. She married Arol Ward Jr. who predeceased her in 2022. Luann worked as a mail carrier at the Grafton post office, later becoming the Postmaster. She also worked alongside her husband taking care of the office details for Ward Excavating. She was a devout Christian who cherished her faith in the Lord. Luann taught Sunday School, was known for her contagious laughter, and loved making ceramics, reading, sewing, and camping, Above all, she loved spending time with her family. Luann is survived by her children, Heidi (Bob) Milbauer, Andrew (Janet) Ward, and Betsy (Edward) Garciadealba; grandchildren Jim (Ashlee) Milbauer, Kurt (Crystal) Milbauer, Erika Milbauer, Jason (Brit) Garciadealba, Carmina Garciadealba, Justin (Madelyn) Garciadealba, Benton (Andrea) Flores, Dillon Ward, Brendon Ward, Lemuel Glorioso, Albert (Nikki) Glorioso, and Blessy Minguillan; and great-grandchildren Kaleb Hathaway, Makenna Milbauer, Jacob Milbauer, James Milbauer IV, Tacomie Milbauer, Bethany Garciadealba and Hailey Garciadealba, Blanca, Blaise, Blake, Ajay and Anji. She is also survived by her sisters, Patsy Aherns of Ludlow, Joan Wacker of Chester, and Nancy Perkins of Wardsboro. She was predeceased by her husband, Arol, her parents, and a sister, Susan Neathhawk. Memorial information: Services were private and burial took place at Houghtonville Cemetery. Donations to Grafton Cares, P.O. Box 134, Grafton, VT 05146, or to the Grafton Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 191, Grafton, VT 05146.
This Milestones item was submitted to The Commons.