Obituaries
• Judith B. "Judy" Domingue, 78, of Newport, New Hampshire. Died on Sept. 23, 2024, at Valley Regional Hospital in Claremont, New Hampshire. Born on Sept. 10, 1946, she was the daughter of the late Robert and Evelyn (Proctor) Burnham. Judy was a valued member of the Brattleboro Union High School Class of 1964. During high school, Judy always displayed a great sense of humor and was a friend to all. Throughout those four years, she enjoyed playing her clarinet and marching in the band with her classmates. She was also a member of the BUHS Business Club, which sparked an interest toward her long career in banking. She worked as a loan officer at Claremont Savings Bank. She will always be remembered by her classmates and now more recently, close friends, as a happy-go-lucky woman who especially loved her pet terrier "Bonnie" and a more recent add parakeet named "Clyde." Judy loved spending time visiting, playing board games and, especially, eating out. Her favorite meal always included cheeseburgers, which she enjoyed to the last bite with delight. Her ever-present smile and the warmth and passion with which lived will be long be remembered. She was predeceased by her husband Myron Domingue in 2020. Memorial information: A private burial will be held in Pine Crest Cemetery next to her husband in Charlestown, New Hampshire. To send condolences, visit stringerfh.com.
• Dirk Peter Jager, 85, of Rye, New York. Died Sept. 9, 2024, surrounded by loving family in his home in Westminster West. Dirk was born in Port Chester, New York, to Adrianna Hamilton and Dirk Jager. He attended Rye High School before receiving an associate's degree from Westchester Community College. In 1957, he joined the Army and served as a paratrooper for several years in various overseas locations. He devoted 33 years of work to Westchester County in New York as a civil engineer. He was a humble family man who consistently took on additional work to benefit the security of his loved ones. After Dirk's well-earned retirement with wife Peggy in 1995, he took great pride in stewarding his family's beautiful home and land in Westminster West. Dirk was preceded in death by his parents, sister Shirley Seibert, brother-in-law Art Seibert, and cousins Connie and Gordon Van Vliet. He is survived by his loving wife, Peggy Jager; daughter Kathrine Jager; grandchildren Christopher and Kayla Jager; grandchildren-in-law Brittany Hill and Jeremy Kirk; great-grandchildren Ava Jager, Benjamin Jager-Siemiaszko, Margaux Kirk-Jager, Moss Muratori Kirk, and Leah Edwards; niece and nephew Michael and Cheryl Seibert; and children and beloved friend and chosen family Pam Mock. Memorial information: Donations in Dirk's memory to the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302.
• Mark Eugene Russ, 62, of Townshend. Died unexpectedly on Sept. 29, 2024. He was surrounded by his beloved family and friends during his final moments on earth. His unexpected departure has left an irreplaceable void in their lives. Mark was a remarkable man whose presence made a profound impact on the community. He found joy in simple pleasures such as taking rides in his Jeep along the back roads and spending weekends with friends at Horseshoe Acres in Andover, playing cornhole and cruising around on his golf cart for booze cruises. His favorite vacation spot was in York, Maine, where he cherished visiting the Noble lighthouse. Mark and his sister Chrissy were inseparable and he cherished every moment spent with her. Mark adored his two daughters and four grandchildren, holding them in the highest regard and always going above and beyond for them. Known as the "dollar man" to his nieces and nephews, he would never miss an opportunity to share his love with them. Every moment spent with his family and friends was treasured dearly. Mark is survived by his daughters, Ashley Paquette (Eric) of Brattleboro, and Amber Russ (Colin) of Dalton, Massachusetts; grandchildren: Brentley Paradee, Layla Paquette, Raelee DeZess, and Spencer DeZess; siblings Christine Aither of Townshend, Bonnie Thomas (Richard) of Townshend, Darlene Perkins (Brian) of Brattleboro, and Jeff Russ (Heidi) of Townshend; his uncle and aunt Stanley Russ (Madonna) of Bethel, and many cousins and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends who held him dear. He was predeceased by his parents, Eugene and Bernice Russ; his sister Noreen Russ; and his great-niece Alexis June Giallella, who lit up his world with laughter. He is now at peace with his beloved dog, Copper. Memorial information: A celebration of his life will be held on Oct. 20 at 108 Deer Valley Rd., Townshend. There will be shuttle parking at his niece's house. At 11 a.m., everyone will meet at the Townshend Common with Jeeps and classic cars and trucks in a convoy for Mark's last ride. All are welcome to join in. Burial will be held at a later date privately.
• Noel Lee Sears, 85, of Hinsdale, New Hampshire. Died unexpectedly on Sept. 30, 2024, in the emergency room at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital following a lengthy period of declining health. Noel wanted to live long enough to experience going over the new Brattleboro/Hinsdale bridge, but crossed over a different bridge instead. Noel was born in Happy Hollow, a hamlet located in Richmond, Virginia, the son of William F. and Ethel (Cheadle) Sears. He was raised in Richmond where he attended local public schools. After arriving in Brattleboro, he worked as a psychiatric aide at the Brattleboro Retreat, later working at the former Melsur Company and American Optical Company up until the time the plant closed. Noel later was employed at Vermont National Bank as building superintendent, at the Country Kitchen bakery in Brattleboro, with his last job being custodian for St. Michael's School on Walnut Street. In his earlier years, Noel drove taxi for the former Yellow Cab Company. Noel loved children and enjoyed his position at St. Michael's School, going beyond his responsibilities assisting at school functions, fundraisers, and special events. A quiet, unassuming man, he was known for his humility, generosity, and spirit of friendship. Noel enjoyed gardening, woodworking, puttering around his home, puzzles, and time shared with his family. He enjoyed following sports and was an avid New York Yankees and New England Patriots fan. On June 26, 1960, at the former All Souls Church on Main Street in Brattleboro, he was married to Barbara A. Benedict who survives. Besides his faithful and devoted wife of 64 years, he leaves two sons, Gregory D. Sears of Hinsdale and James F. Sears of Rising Sun, Maryland; six grandchildren, three great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a daughter, Tammy Leigh, who died in childhood; one brother, William F. Sears Jr.; and three sisters, Jeanne Didra, Lois Sprouse, and June Thurston. Memorial information: A graveside committal service in Meetinghouse Hill Cemetery will be conducted at a later date to be announced by the funeral home. Donations to Hinsdale Volunteer Fire & Rescue, 13 Depot St., Hinsdale, N.H. 03451; or to Rescue Inc., P.O. Box 593, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Richard E. Tacy, 91, died peacefully on Sept 28, 2024, with his loving family by his side in the comfort of his home. He was born in Easthampton, Massachusetts on Nov. 15, 1932, the son of Herman and Loretta (Couette) Tacy. He attended and graduated from Northampton High School. After graduating in 1950, he worked in construction for 2 years before entering the Army and serving in the Korean War. He is an extremely proud veteran who was honorably discharged and was a member of VFW Post 4234 of Hinsdale, New Hampshire, and Post 1034 of Brattleboro. After the war, he worked at The Wall Street Journal's printing and distribution plant in Chicopee, Massachusetts, for 14 years as a distributor. He drove a school bus and also maintained his own business of environmental truck driving. He was a dedicated hard worker who only retired at 75 years of age by a mandate, or he would've still been working. Although he was retired, that did not stop or slow him down. Richard had such an amazing sense of humor and always made everyone laugh. His laugh was infectious. He was an avid watcher of Western movies and enjoyed tending to his yard with great pride. He would lend a hand to anyone at any time and would not hesitate for a minute. He was kind and big-hearted and everyone loved him for his generosity of giving. He had a never ending love of many different sweets, including the KFC chocolate cakes. When the kids were younger they have precious memories of enjoying water sports on the lake at the cottage in Massachusetts. It is often said one man's trash is another one's treasure, thus "Pepe" would acquire many toys that were enjoyed and played with by all of the grandchildren. Richard loved to travel with Judy; he was always up for an adventure. They traveled across the country and including Canada several times. They traveled to Europe and visited several different countries. His love for the water brought them to many oceans and lakes. He lived an adventurous life to the fullest, which is a true blessing.He leaves behind the beautiful love of his life, his wife Judith (Ostroski). He was preceded in death by his sons Russell and Robin Tacy. He also leaves his daughter, Nanci Meuse of Easthampton; a son, Kevin Tacy of Greenfield, Massachusetts; daughter Michelle Tacy of Hinsdale, and Karen Tacy and her partner Chris Anderson, and stepson Kevin Deyo and his wife Julie, all of Brattleboro; and stepdaughter Cindy Musick and her husband David of Concord, New Hamsphire. He is also survived by 21 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, and his beloved cat Queenie. Memorial information: A graveside service with full military honors at Pine Grove Cemetery in Hinsdale on Friday, Oct. 11, at 10 a.m. Family and friends are welcomed. There will be no gathering after the service. To send condolences, visit csnh.com.
• Madeline "Maggie" Taylor, 89, of Bellows Falls. Died at Willows of Windsor on Sept. 28, 2024. She was born on Feb. 6, 1935, to Reuben and Flora Merrill of Gageville, Vermont. She came into the world on her 12-year-old sister Nancy's birthday. Maggie was a well-known figure in Bellows Falls. She frequented local restaurants nearly every day - especially Dari-Joy and T-Bird/PenguinMart. She could be seen walking through the Village to her restaurant and thrift store destinations in rain, sun, and snow. She will always be remembered in her family's hearts - especially for her thoughtful greeting cards, her love of music, dancing, record and doll collecting, and reading romance magazines. She was preceded in death by her husband, Edgar "Scotty" Taylor; her sisters Olive Jimerson, Nancy Narkiewicz, and Barbara Nichols; and brothers Robert Merrill, Winston Merrill, Kenneth Merrill, and Edward Merrill. Maggie is survived by sisters Arlene Blake and Lorna Merrill as well as many friends, nieces and nephews. Many thanks to Bayada Hospice for their compassionate and constant support of Madeline and her caregivers. Memorial information: Fenton & Hennessey Funeral Home in Bellows Falls is in charge of final arrangements.
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