Milestones
• Timothy Roger Brown, 57, of Readsboro. Died peacefully at his home, surrounded by family members, on Oct. 2, 2024. Born Oct. 8, 1966, in North Adams, Massachusetts to Roger and Sue Ellen (Yorke) Brown. Timothy was a lifelong resident of Readsboro and a graduate of Whitingham High School, Class of 1984. He showed remarkable resilience, bouncing back from a house fire that tested his strength and spirit. He worked at Long Falls Paper Board in Brattleboro, dedicating 24 years of service to the company. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending quality time with his father - moments that brought him great joy. He will be remembered for his love of nature and the cherished memories with loved ones. He was preceded in death by his brother, Ricky James Brown, and survived by his parents, Roger and Sue Ellen Brown of Readsboro; his daughters Danielle Hewey, Madeline Giard, and Samatha Johnson; and his granddaughter, Desarae Johnson. Memorial information: Services were held at Readsboro Village Cemetery on Oct. 15. Donations to St. Jude's Children's Hospital in care of Flynn & Dagnoli Funeral Home-Central Chapel, 74 Marshall St., North Adams, MA 01247. To send condolences, visit flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com.
• Ruth Hamilton Daigneault, 83, of Brookline. Died at her home on Sept. 8, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Born on June 28, 1941, Ruth was the matriarch of her family and, in many ways, her community; embodying strength, kindness and generosity. She was adored by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family and too many friends to count. Ruth said the greatest accomplishment and joy were her four children. Ruth had the gift of making everyone in her presence feel special. She put others before herself, always ready to help anyone, and the word "no" was never part of her vocabulary. Whether it be family or friend, her door was open and there was a place at her table for unexpected visitors. Ruth's educational journey began at Newfane Elementary and culminated at Leland & Gray Seminary, graduating with the Class of 1959. She later graduated from Thompson School of Practical Nursing in Brattleboro, setting the foundation for a lifelong career in healthcare. For more than 35 years, Ruth served as a nurse at Grace Cottage Hospital in Townshend. Her commitment extended beyond nursing as she also worked as an EMT on the hospital's ambulance service, a phlebotomist, and a pharmacy technician at Messenger Pharmacy. Ruth was very involved in her community, serving as Townshend's Commissioner of Cemeteries in the 1970s and teaching her children a strong work ethic. She served on the Townshend Selectboard, volunteered with NewBrook Fire Department on the Women's Auxiliary, worked many years at the Newfane Heritage Festival in roles that included organizing and cooking and, in her last years, making her special doughnuts with attitude. Most recently, she was a Leland & Gray Class of 2025's advisor, attending all their fundraising events and chaperoning their prom this past May. She loved adventure, travel, time with family, and a good off-color joke. She was our Lucy Ricardo (her sister Berenice, Ethel Mertz) and could keep us laughing until our sides ached. The beach was a special place for Ruth; spending summers in Kennebunkport, Maine, and several winters in Englewood, Florida. Other favorites included theater, concerts, knitting, puzzles, felting, board games with family, watching TV (especially "Naked and Afraid!"), and she loved to attend any event her family played or participated in. Even after retirement, Ruth continued to impact her community through various roles, including working with the Kennebunkport Police Department, working on a lobster boat, and as a substitute nurse for the Windham Central Supervisory Union. Her dedication and zest for life were highlighted when she was featured on WCAX as a "Super Senior." Ruth's legacy of compassion and dedication will continue to inspire all those who knew her. She leaves behind her husband, Joseph C. Daigneault III; her children, Heidi Nystrom (Kip), Jorda Daigneault (Sam Fisher), Joseph "Charlie" Daigneault IV (Susan), and Andre Daigneault (Alisa); brother-in-law Tom Daigneault; 12 grandchildren (Logan, Laine, Ryan, Derek, Max, Noah, Colin, Rachel, Chelby, Asa, Corey, and Evan) and 18 great-grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews. Ruth was preceded in death by her sister Berenice Brooks, brother George Hamilton, her parents Leslie and Frank Hamilton, brother-in-law David Brooks, and her dear friend Arthur Monette. Memorial information: In accordance with Ruth's wishes, there will be no formal services. Donation to the Windham County Humane Society or the NewBrook Fire Department, causes close to her heart. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Ann Wilder "Annie" Richards, 45, of Dummerston. Died on October 11, 2024. A beloved daughter, sister, and friend, Annie was born May 3, 1979 to Mark and Elizabeth Richards of Dummerston. She received her earliest care and education locally at Winston Prouty and Dummerston School and went on to graduate from Brattleboro Union High School in 1997 and Williams College in 2001 with a bachelor's degree in psychology. She earned her bachelor's degree in nursing from University of Massachusetts in 2003 and an M.S. in nursing from Yale University with a concentration in child and adolescent psychiatry, in 2006. She was nationally certified in trauma-based cognitive behavioral therapy. As an extremely engaged resident of Windham County, Annie was a member of the diversion board of Youth Services, a member of the multi-disciplinary Team for Windham County Safe Place, a board member of the Downtown Brattleboro Alliance, and a corporator of Brattleboro Memorial Hospital as well as a St. Michael's School Halloween Parade candy-stop for the entire school. For many years, Annie ran AWR Associates, LLC on Walnut Street, where she created an oasis for children to engage, connect, and heal through the power of play along with her unique caregiver-child bonding proclivities. Annie's mission was for each child to have the support, tools and trust to explore their fullest potential. She strove to work with children and their families to develop the support and social-emotional needs of youth and deepen the quality of family relationships. The impact Annie had on youth in Windham County and beyond is immeasurable. She was truly born to do this work. Those that knew her will recount her sharp wit and remarkable sense of humor. An eternal optimist, she found joy in the simplest forms and routines while reveling in the accomplishments of others. She overcame much in her life through sheer determination but also with the grace and ease reserved for the truly selfless. While she earned and enjoyed a loyal following of supporters wherever she went, she was always most comfortable serving the needs of others. Annie is survived by her parents; her two brothers, Peter and his wife Liz of Brattleboro, and Drew and his wife Tammy of Williamsville; and six loving nieces and nephews who were the light of her life and her best friends. She is remembered fondly by countless cousins, aunts and uncles, friends, and colleagues. Memorial information: A funeral Mass will be held Saturday, Oct. 19, at 11 a.m., at St. Michael's Catholic Church on Walnut Street. It is suggested that friends start arriving at 10:15 a.m. to be greeted by the immediate family outside in front of the church prior to the start of the Mass. Donations to St. Michael's School, 48 Walnut St., Brattleboro, VT 05301, or to any organization that focuses on the well-being, personal growth, and happiness of children and their families. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Jessica Elizabeth "Jes" Ryea, 41, of Windsor, formerly of Westminster West. Died suddenly on Sept. 30, 2024, at her home. Jessica was born in Brattleboro on May 18, 1983, to Diana (Williams) and the late Bradley Ryea. Jes attended schools in Westminster and Bellows Falls. She loved the outdoors, woodworking (a passion she got from her dad), cooking, and spending time with her friends and family. Jes was the life of the party! She always had a smile on her face and a hug to share with all. She had many friends both near and far. Jes is survived by her mother, Diana; her brother, Braden Ryea; her partner, Alethea Rivera; her stepson, Blake Sargent; her niece, Reghan Ryea; her nephew, Dean Ryea, her grandparents, Hollis and Sally Ryea; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Jes was predeceased by her father; her maternal grandparents, Robert and Jacqueline (Johnson) Williams; and her beloved dog, Brooklyn. Memorial information: A graveside service was held on Oct. 12 at the Westminster New Cemetery.
• Florence T. Staats, 98, of South Newfane. Died peacefully at home, with her family at her side, on Sept. 5, 2024. Florence was born in Brooklyn, New York, on Feb. 20, 1926, the daughter of Margaret (Kaiser) Schaefer and William Schaefer. She grew up, along with her three sisters, in the neighborhood of her grandparents' greenhouses and flower farm, in the company of her many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Florence attended Our Lady of Miraculous Medal schools and, after graduating, she commuted into Manhattan where she worked for Metropolitan Life, making lifelong friends - two of whom she kept in touch with until weeks before she died. On Dec. 6, 1952, she married the love of her life, William Staats Jr. After Bill's honorable discharge from the Marines, they moved to Jamaica, where they bought a small, two-rope-tow ski area, running it and a small tourist business for a number of years. It was an ideal place to raise a family. In 2023, Florence and Bill celebrated 71 years together. Florence was a mother and a homemaker with a flair, never taking shortcuts. She enjoyed new recipes and complicated sewing projects. She spent her "retirement" years quilting, bestowing her creations upon each of her children and grandchildren, as well as crafting special wedding and baby gifts. She and Bill enjoyed exploring coasts in Maine, Mystic, Connecticut, and into the South, taking in the nautical history that was in Bill's DNA. They also shared a colorful and well-planned trip to Germany with family, savoring the country's cuisine, pubs, and local history. In Vermont, Florence and Bill shared an interest in gardening and landscape ideas and were regulars at the local gardener's plant swaps and garden tours - creating their own woodland gardens at home. Above all, Florence was a great friend, keeping in touch with long, newsy letters, always remembering the birthdays, anniversaries, and life milestones of those she loved. Florence was also a devout Roman Catholic and was recognized and celebrated by Vermont's Bishop for her leadership and involvement in bringing religious instruction to children in the West River Valley in a ceremony held in Rutland in 1999. Her faith sustained her through her life, and her spirituality comforted her in her death. Florence will be remembered by her numerous friends and family for her great sense of humor and her positive outlook, always grateful for the life she had. Florence leaves her eight children, William Staats III, Barbara Bourne (Kerry), Thomas Staats (Joanne), Michael Staats, Dolores Clark, Steven Staats, Jean Wilde, and Jenna Staats. She is also survived by her nine grandchildren, Adrien, Billy, Kara, Stephanie, Haley, Dylan, Sam, Emma, and Aubrey; seven great-grandchildren; and nieces Liz Korpos and Kristine Hatch, and their families. Florence was predeceased by her infant daughter, Diane; her husband William; sisters Marguerite, Eleanor, and Theresa; her brother-in-law Richard Staats, and his wife Mary. Memorial information: There will be a funeral Mass on Oct. 26, at 11 a.m. at Saint Michael's Catholic Church in Brattleboro, followed by a celebration of Florence and Bill's lives at the Newfane Inn. Burial will be private. Donations to Grace Cottage Hospital, 185 Grafton Road, Townshend, VT 05353, or St Jude's Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
This Milestones item was submitted to The Commons.