Obituaries
• Lisa Theresa (Fowler) Caslin, 55, of Brattleboro. Died on Sept. 23, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Lisa was born in Baltimore, Maryland, on May 28, 1969, the daughter of Frank and Patricia (Beaudry) Fowler. A lifelong resident of the Brattleboro area, she attended schools in Guilford and Brattleboro. Lisa enjoyed writing song lyrics, singing and playing the guitar, crossword puzzles, and spending time with her family, especially her sons. In 1987, she married Mark Caslin of Bennington. Lisa worked for Jad's Family Restaurant on Canal Street for many years and, later, for C&S Wholesale Grocers as well as The Edge Company. She will be remembered for her quick and comedic wit, her neverending love and loyalty to her family and friends, and her big, beautiful brown eyes. Survivors include her two sons, Mark (MJ) Caslin of Berlin, Vermont, and Tyler Caslin of Brattleboro; a brother, Michael Mowel and his partner Kim Lecco of Riverview, Florida; sisters Laverne Ells and husband Corey of Palmer, Texas, and Lillian Hale and husband Brian of Greenfield, Massachusetts. She also leaves a grandson, Marcus Caslin Peacock of San Antonio, Texas; many nieces, nephews and cousins; and her favorite Jack Russell terrier, Ellie. She was predeceased by her parents; her maternal and paternal grandparents; and siblings Alan Mowel, Linda Zuverino, and Laurie Fowler. Memorial information: A funeral Mass will be held at St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church, 47 Walnut St., Brattleboro on Saturday, Oct. 12, at 10:30 a.m. Donations to projectfeedthethousands.org. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Raymond J. "Ray" Chamberland, 74, of Bellows Falls. Died Sept. 13, 2024, surrounded by his loving family, at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire, after a long battle with cancer. Ray was born on April 10, 1950, in Bellows Falls, one of five children of Raymond and Leona (Pouliot) Chamberland. He was raised in Cambridgeport and graduated from Vermont Academy in 1968 and also attended Bellows Falls High School during his sophomore year. He then studied at the University of Vermont and earned his B.S. in Mathematics, graduating with high honors in 1972. During his one year at BFHS, he became good friends with Chris Barry, which led Ray to meet the Barry family and his future wife. During his senior year of college, he married the love of his life, Julie Barry, during a blizzard on Jan. 2, 1972. Ray and Julie were married for 52 years until the time of his death, and they raised three sons together whom they devoted their lives to and shared many wonderful memories with. After graduating from UVM, Ray trained as an apprentice electrician at A.L. Tyler and Sons in Brattleboro. Honing his skill and with his drive to getting the job done correctly, Ray was honored as Vermont's Electricians Apprentice of the Year. To be closer to home, Ray moved to Crowley Electric in Bellows Falls. Drawing upon his business acumen, his meticulous attention to details, and his extraordinary understanding of his craft, Ray founded Chamberland Electric in 1978. Ray took great pride in his work and whatever the job, always did things the right way to the best of his ability. Due to Ray's rare combination of skill, ingenuity, and fair-mindedness, Chamberland Electric provided exemplary electrical contracting services to southern Vermont and New Hampshire for 33 years before he retired in 2011. Ray was an integral part of the community of Bellows Falls. With his passion for community service, he was a member of the Elks and Knights of Columbus for many years. However, with his admirable reserve and modesty, Ray primarily chose to help people in the community one-on-one with projects they were working on. His lifelong commitment to others made him a rock of support for family and friends. Besides his life's work providing service to his community, he was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He was affectionately referred to by his family and friends as "Big Ray" or "Big Joe" and "Poppy" to his eight grandchildren. Ray was known to one and all as a man of great integrity. Within his large extended family and among a wide circle of friends who recognized his ability, energy, and uncanny knack to imagine and construct solutions to problems that challenged homeowners, Ray would do anything to help family and friends at any time in any place. Although Ray retired from Chamberland Electric more than a decade ago, true to his passion for innovative work and craftsmanship, and his delight in improving the lives of those around him, he never truly retired. Thus, he was excited to use his wide array of skills to help his sons remodel their homes, and after Barry bought his grandparents' house in 2019, Ray dedicated himself to renovate the home, for as long as his health allowed, with a commitment that continued to prove his dedication to his family and his craft. Ray was predeceased by his parents; his brother, Frank; his cousin, Arthur Lundberg (who lived with him growing up); and his parents-in-law, John and Topsy Barry. Ray is survived by his wife, Julie; sons Raymond P. (wife, Wanda), Michael (partner, Erin), and Barry (fiancée, Katie); grandchildren Evelyn, Raymond, Hatteras, Nash, Reghan, Dean, Livia, and Adeline; his brother, Richard (wife, Eileen); and sisters Diana (husband, Jerry Pirnie) and Suzanne (who was predeceased by her husband, Warren Albrecht), and his brother Frank's wife, Diane; along with his brothers-in-law, Chris Barry (wife, Julie) Steve Barry (wife, Valerie), sisters-in-law, Mary Kay (husband, Tim Pfadenhauer), and Barbie (husband, Michael Janiszyn). Memorial information: A funeral Mass will take place on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, at 11 a.m., at St. Charles Catholic Church in Bellows Falls, followed by a celebration of Ray's life at the Moose Club, 59 Westminster St., in Bellows Falls. Donations to the American Cancer Society or American Heart Association in his memory.
• Donald W. Harlow, 92, of Putney. Died in his sleep at Pine Heights Nursing Home on Sept. 21, 2024, after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. Don was born in Brattleboro on Aug. 5, 1932, to Everett and Inez (Scott) Harlow. After graduating from Brattleboro High School, Don enlisted in the Army and was stationed in Germany. He returned home in 1954 to partner with "Uncle Frank" to run Harlow's Sugar House until 2019 when the farm was sold to his son, Bill, and his family. Don was active in the agricultural community, serving on numerous boards and committees. He is survived by his wife, Margaret (Tucker) Harlow; sons, Douglas, Timothy, William, Peter, and Daniel, and their families; eight grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his first wife, Madeline (Bryant) Harlow; brothers William and Everett; and a sister, Rachel Valliere. Memorial information: Graveside committal services with full military honors will be conducted in the Harlow family lot in Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Putney on Saturday, Oct. 12, at 11 a.m. A reception will follow the service at the Putney Fire Station. Friends and family may call at Atamaniuk Funeral Home in Brattleboro on Friday, Oct. 11, from 4-6 p.m. Donations to the Pine Heights Nursing Home Activities Fund, 187 Oak Grove Ave., Brattleboro, VT 05301; or Putney Volunteer Fire Dept., 21 Carl Snyder Drive, Putney, VT 05346. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Arlen H. LaMorder, 81, of Putney. Died peacefully in the comfort of his home, with his family at his side, on Sept. 21, 2024, following an extended illness. Arlen was born in Brattleboro on April 13, 1943, the son of Howard and Arlene (Chamberlin) LaMorder. He grew up in Putney, attending Putney Central School, and graduated from Brattleboro Union High School with the Class of 1961. In his late teens, Arlen went to work for the Harlow family, later becoming an employee at the former Experiment in International Living (now SIT) where he worked as a printer. A skilled carpenter, Arlen later established his own general contracting business building a client base in the greater Putney area. He was especially proud of the beautiful home he constructed on Sun Hill Road. Arlen served on the board of directors for the Putney Credit Union, where he was a past president of the board. A somewhat quiet and unassuming man, he was known for his spirit of friendship and easy-going personality. He was generous with his time, always willing to help anyone in need. Arlen was also a devoted husband, father and grandfather whose life centered around his family and friends. He enjoyed the outdoors, camping, and reading - especially the daily news, The Old Farmer's Almanac, and local and national history. He also enjoyed music, especially of the older Country & Western variety, and he enjoyed square dancing with his wife. On July 14, 1962, at Putney Federated Church, he was married to Mae Provenchia who survives. Besides his loving and faithful wife of 62 years, he leaves two daughters, Veronica Gogel and husband, Tony, of Swanzey, New Hampshire, and Verlaine Edwards and husband, Lee, of St. Albans; two grandchildren, Garrett and Mallory; and four nephews, three great-nieces, and a great-nephew. Arlen was predeceased by a sister, Leonora Docherty. Memorial information: In keeping with his final wishes, there are no formal funeral services scheduled. Donations to Putney Volunteer Fire Dept., 21 Carl Snyder Drive, Putney, VT 05346. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Donna M. Powers, 75, of Hinsdale, New Hampshire. Died unexpectedly at home on Sept. 21, 2024, following a brief illness. Donna was born in Brattleboro on Dec. 29, 1948, the daughter of Frederick and Wilma (Mears) Rabideau. She was raised and educated in Brattleboro, graduating from Brattleboro Union High School with the Class of 1966. She worked as a store manager at the Dunham Shoe Company retail store in Keene, New Hampshire, for many years and previously had been employed as a sales associate at the former Montgomery Ward Store in Brattleboro. Most recently, Donna worked at Walmart in Hinsdale, from which she retired in 2011. She was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Brattleboro Aerie #2445, and the American Legion Post 5 Auxiliary in Brattleboro. Donna enjoyed wintering in Beverly Hills, Florida, with her husband, and enjoyed taking cruises, visits to area casinos, and time shared with her family. She was an excellent cook known for her many delicious recipes and dishes. On Jan. 13, 1967, in Brattleboro during a small wedding ceremony for family and close friends, she married Donald M. Powers Jr., who survives. Besides her loving husband of 56 years, she leaves two daughters, Denise Finnell and husband, Craig, and Lynn McLoughlin, all of Hinsdale; three sisters, Geraldine Nadeau of Brattleboro, Bonnie Harris of Colchester, Connecticut, and Becky Vittum of Weathersfield, Vermont; six grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother, Frederick Rabideau, Jr. Memorial information: Private graveside committal rites and burial will take place in the family lot in South Newfane Cemetery. Donations to Hinsdale Volunteer Fire Department, 13 Depot St., Hinsdale, NH 03451. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Donald F. Slie Sr, 88, of Westminster. Died peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Sept. 13, 2024. Donald leaves behind his loving wife, Charlotte; daughters Alice, Leeann, and Holly; stepchildren Kathleen and her husband, Richard, Colleen and her husband, Richard, Eileen, and William and his wife, Jennifer. He also leaves behind grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his son, Donald F, Slie Jr, his parents, Robert and Sadie Slie, and 10 brothers and sisters. Memorial information: There will be a celebration of Donald's life on Saturday, Nov. 9, from 1 to 3 p.m., at the Westminster Institute for family and friends to come together and share memories.
• Marilyn Alice Young, 89, of Springfield, Vermont, formerly of Brattleboro. Died, with her family by her side, on Sept. 20, 2024, at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire, following a period of declining health. Marilyn was born in Brattleboro on March 27, 1935, the daughter of Emory and Ethel (Blaisdell) Felch. She was raised in Brattleboro and was a graduate of Brattleboro High School, Class of 1953. On June 12, 1954, at Centre Congregational Church, she was married to Arnold Young, who survives. Following high school, she attended Hartford (Conn.) Hospital School of Nursing and later earned her B.A. in general studies from Keene State College in 1981. Marilyn worked as a health aide for the Windham Southeast Supervisory Union in the Brattleboro school system. While her sons were being raised, she served as a Cub Scout leader. She was also a very active member of Centre Congregational Church and was active with the Brattleboro Museum & Arts Center, at the time the former train station was being remodeled to house the museum. Marilyn held many interests that included gardening, sewing, and needlepoint, refinishing furniture, arts and crafts, and reading. Mostly, she enjoyed time spent with her family at the family's camp adjacent to Pisgah Park in Winchester, New Hampshire. Later on, she enjoyed many summers in Maine with her husband, working and living at their camp on Kalers Pond in Waldoboro. Besides her devoted husband of 70 years, she leaves three sons, Arnold Jr. (Bette Lynn) of Hebron, Maine, Craig of Newfane, and Duane (Mindy) of Hinsdale, New Hampshire; one daughter, Susan Gray (Christopher) of Springfield; 11 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by one brother, Emory Felch Jr.; a son, Brent Young; and daughter-in-law Diane Young. Memorial information: Graveside committal services will be conducted Saturday, Oct. 5, at 11 a.m., in the Young family lot in Meeting House Hill Cemetery. A reception will follow the service to be held in Centre Church's Reception Parlor, hosted by the church and family. Donations to Centre Congregational Church Book of Remembrance, 193 Main St., Brattleboro, VT 05301. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
This Milestones item was submitted to The Commons.