Milestones

College news

• St. Lawrence University in Canton, New York welcomed Caroline D. Tarmy of South Londonderry as a member of the Class of 2028. Tarmy attended Stratton Mountain School.

• The following local students were honored for academic excellence during the summer 2024 semester at Southern New Hampshire University: Sydney McHugh of West Wardsboro, Charlie Slicer of Brattleboro, and Caitlin Haumann of Brattleboro were named to the President's List, while Destinee Learned of Bellows Falls was named to the Dean's List.

Obituaries

• Alan Neil Boyd, 69, of Brattleboro. Died on Sep. 25, 2024, in Bennington. He was born on Sept. 22, 1955, in Bennington, and grew up in Wilmington. He graduated from Wilmington High School in 1973. When asked the question, "Have you lived in Vermont your whole life?" "Not yet" is how Alan would often answer. But in the end, he did live in Vermont his whole life. To say he had a dry sense of humor would be an understatement. Alan worked for the Wilmington Home Center installing carpet and tile until 1981 when he branched out on his own. Alan was a master of his craft and was especially known for his custom tile work. Alan laid miles of carpet over his career. Once after hiking a 14,000-foot peak in Colorado, Alan proclaimed, "I could have carried a carpet up here and laid it on top." Alan also "set" miles of tile in his career. He disliked it when folks called it "laying" tile. Alan would say "chickens lay eggs; tile guys set tile." He was strong and hardworking, always willing to lend a tool or a hand to get the job done. He taught his family so much and will be forever grateful for those lessons. Alan was predeceased by his parents, Francese and Neil Boyd of Marlboro; his brother Brett Duncan Boyd of Chicago, and grandparents. Alan is survived by his wife of 44 years, Patricia (Veigl) Boyd of Franklin Square, New York; and their two children, Collin Boyd of Montgomery Center and Kiley Boyd of Derby Line. He is also survived by his sister, Laurie Boyd of Wilmington; and his brother, Scott Boyd of Rowley, Massachusetts. Together, Alan and Patricia renovated their 130+ year old home in Brattleboro, which he took great pride in. He loved to try his hand at growing vegetables, but didn't quite inherit the green thumb of his father. That did not deter him. He helped coach his children's Small Fry and Babe Ruth baseball teams in Brattleboro. Alan was a member of the Eagles, where he served as president for a term and a member of the Elks. Alan loved to hunt, fish, and play cards, especially Pitch. He was passionate about baseball and was a devoted Red Sox fan. While in Florida, Alan met Don Mattingly of the New York Yankees in an amusement park. After being declined for an autograph for his son, Alan simply stated, "That's alright. We're Red Sox fans anyway." Memorial information: A celebration of Alan's life will be held at his home at 58 Highland St. in Brattleboro on Saturday, Nov. 2, from 1 to 5 p.m.

• Jane D. Bryant, 81, of Houston, Texas. Died peacefully on Sept 25, 2024, after a brief illness. Jane was born on August 20, 1943, the daughter of Charles and Junia Bryant. She was a graduate of Brattleboro Union High School, Class of 1961. She leaves her brothers Ward of Keene, New Hampshire, and Richard and his wife Gail of Dummerston; two nieces and a nephew; and a close-knit group of friends. Memorial information: None provided.

• Martha R. (Whitney) Dunklee, 89, of Vernon. Died peacefully at Vernon Green Nursing Home on Oct. 14, 2024. A lifelong resident of Vernon, she was born on Feb. 4, 1935, in Brattleboro, the daughter of Harlan and Jessie (Frost) Whitney. She graduated from Brattleboro High School in 1953. Upon graduation, Martha worked part-time for the Holstein Association, and then later went to work for National Advertising. Martha married Alfred Dunklee on May 31, 1962, in Manchester, Maryland; they were married for 54 years. Martha was a longtime employee of the town of Vernon as an auditor and assistant to the Listers office while she was also a partner in Vern-Mont Farm where she was in charge of bookkeeping. Martha was a quiet, reserved person who never had a bad thing to say about anyone. She enjoyed reading, collecting magazines and newspapers, traveling, and taking care of her indoor and outdoor cats. In her younger years, she also enjoyed square dancing and later, in her mature years, could be found enjoying golf cart rides touring around the farm and collecting rocks. Martha is survived by her son, Jeffrey and his wife Kelli of Vernon, and granddaughter Whitney; her sister, Laura Schwanneke (Whitney) of Deland, Florida; her sister-in-law Martha (Dunklee) LaMoria of Newfane; and her many nieces and nephews. Martha was predeceased by her husband, her parents, and her beloved cat Ringo, who even after occasionally nipping her toes, she still loved with all her heart. Memorial information: Friends and family may call on Friday, Oct. 25, from 5 to 7 p.m., at Kidder Funeral Home, 1 Parker Ave., Northfield, Massachusetts. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Oct. 26, at 11 a.m. at Vernon Advent Christian Church, 4554 Fort Bridgman Rd. Burial will follow at South Vernon Cemetery. A celebration of her life will be held after the burial at the farm. Donations to Alzheimer's Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, D.C. 20090 or alz.org. To send condolences, visit kidderfuneralhome.net.

• Clarence H. Leonard, 94, of East Dummerston, formerly of Brattleboro. Died unexpectedly at his home on Oct. 13, 2024. Clarence was born in Chester, Vermont, on May 5, 1930, the son of George and Bessie (Ballard) Leonard. He attended Brattleboro public schools, including Brattleboro High School. A proud veteran, he enlisted in the Navy, serving stateside until his honorable discharge from active service. He had been employed by American Optical Company for 35 years up until the company closed its Brattleboro plant in 1983. He then worked for the Melsur Corporation in Brattleboro and later at its Bellows Falls location before his retirement. For several years, on a part-time basis, he served as a crossing guard with his post being at the top of Union Hill and Western Avenue. Active in his community, Clarence coached Little League Baseball. He also served as an umpire for both Little League and American Legion Baseball. In his youth, he was a gifted baseball player who was proud to have tried out for the Pittsburgh Pirates organization. He enjoyed all New England sports and was an avid Boston Red Sox, Celtics, and Bruins fan. Clarence also loved horse racing and enjoyed attending the races at Saratoga Springs, New York, each August and never missed a cup of water from the Big Red Spring. Most importantly, he was a devoted family man who enjoyed time shared with his family and friends. On Aug. 2, 1952, in South Newfane, he married Doris Howe. The couple were married for 53 years until her death on May 15, 2005. Survivors include two daughters, Glenda (Dee) Gleason of Old Orchard Beach, Maine, and Jill Howe of East Dummerston; four grandchildren, Kristie Gleason, Jennifer Tacy, Richard Howe, and Kimberlee Howe; six great-grandchildren, Jackson, Peyton, Dylan, Brooklyn, Sutton, and Regan; and several nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Besides his wife, he was predeceased by one son, Mel Leonard; a daughter, Carol Leonard; and a sister, Laura Lois Haskins. Memorial information: Graveside committal services with military honors will be conducted Sunday, Oct. 27, at 2:30 p.m., in the Leonard family lot in Oakwood Cemetery in Townshend Donations to The American Legion, Brattleboro Post 5 Baseball Program, Attn: Eric Libardoni, 32 Linden St., Brattleboro, VT 05301; or to West Dummerston Volunteer Fire & Rescue, P.O. Box 40, West Dummerston, VT 05357. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.

• William "Bill" O'Connor, 91, of Westminster. Died peacefully at his home on Oct. 13, 2024, with his loving wife Marlene by his side and surrounded by his children, Michael, Shannon and Erin, their spouses and his brother Paul. The whole family spent the last month together at their family home, reminiscing and celebrating both Bill and Marlene's birthdays in September. A devoted husband, loving father and mayor of all things good, Bill lived his life with God and gave to his community tenfold. Bill was born in Bellows Falls on Sept. 26, 1933, the third of four sons to Thomas F. and Clara B. (Ostrowski) O'Connor. He grew up on "The Terrace," where he met his beloved Marlene when her family moved next door. Bill attended St. Charles Parochial School and was a 1951 graduate of Bellows Falls High School. After graduation, he proudly served his country in the Army, arriving in Korea shortly after cessation of hostilities. He returned home to marry his sweetheart, Marlene Madge Kenney, who has remained by his side for 69 beautiful years. Bill had many earthly loves. First and foremost was his wife and family. He led with dignity and grace and showed by example how to persevere, especially in his final days. He raised his three children with simple pleasures, family dinners, games on the lawn, and a love of nature. With each generation, he shared his magic, always doting on the little ones with Irish lullabies and his magical touch. Bill loved golf. He started as a caddy in 1945 and eventually became the head greenskeeper at Bellows Falls Country Club, a place he held very near and dear. He inspired many young men who worked with him to enter the same profession, including his son. He loved the land the course was on, the people who played there, and all the sport had to offer. Eighteen holes were never enough. He had been known to play 27 or more, on a Saturday, so Marlene had no choice but to become a golfer herself, that is, if she wanted to see her husband, and so she did. He loved hunting the local hills for white-tailed deer and enjoyed the season with his son, brothers and friends, all while providing for his family. A man of deep faith, Bill was an active member of St. Charles Parish his entire life, from an altar boy in his preteens to Eucharistic Minister, where he delivered the Sacrament of Holy Communion to parishioners in their homes. He was a mainstay every weekend. As an insurance salesman for Metropolitan Life in the 1970s, he would collect premiums in person, always with a biscuit in hand for the family dog and an open arm to hold a baby or toddler. Young mothers would quickly throw in a load of laundry or vacuum a room while he held the little one and completed the paperwork. Bill​ never met a dog he didn't like (or a green pea he would eat) and loved engaging with people and delighting with stories of the good old days. He served as town manager for Westminster from 1982 to 1998. Westminster was his town. He loved that job and that is where he proudly resided for 60 years. His office door was always open for discussion and for many years he cooked and served a Thanksgiving dinner at the Westminster Institute for the senior citizens of the town he so loved. Prior to becoming town manager, he was on the school board and the selectboard, always giving his time to make the community better place. He is survived by his wife, Marlene; his son, Michael and his wife, Barbara O'Connor of Williston; daughters Shannon O'Connor and her husband, Michael Pon of Washington, New Hampshire, and Erin and her husband, John Harding of Boulder, Colorado; and his brother Paul O'Connor of Walpole, New Hampshire. He was blessed with four grandchildren, Brianna Novak of Concord, New Hampshire, Michaela and husband, Pete Herrholz of Dunbarton, New Hampshire, Grace Harding of Spokane, Washington, and Joseph and his wife, Brittney Harding of Longmont, Colorado. His great-grandchildren include Kendal Novak; Harrison, Hayleigh and Alex Herrholz; and Maverick, Ellianna, and Oliver (Stone) Harding. Memorial information: Calling hours are from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 25, at Fenton and Hennessey Funeral Home, 55 Westminster St., Bellows Falls. A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, Oct. 26, at 10 a.m., at St. Charles Parish, 31 Cherry St., Bellows Falls, with burial to follow at St. Charles Cemetery. A reception is planned for 12:30 p.m. at the Bellows Falls Country Club in Rockingham. Donations to Westminster Cares, P.O. Box 312, Westminster, VT 05158 or online at westminstercares.org.

• Mary Alice Powers, 70, of Bellows Falls. Died on Oct. 4, 2024. Mary was born on June 13, 1954, in Bellows Falls, the daughter of Dr. Michael F. and Alice (Woynar) Powers. A 1972 graduate of Bellows Falls Union High School, she graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Mount Holyoke College in 1976, where she was also named a Sarah Williston Scholar. She obtained an M.S. in library science from Simmons College in 1978. She served as a reference librarian at Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts, and a senior reference librarian at Baker Library of Harvard Business School before becoming the librarian of Windsor (Vt.) High School in 1988. She was nominated by the faculty and received the 1999 "Outstanding Women Teacher" award from the University of Vermont. In 2013, she was assigned her new position as the K-12 librarian for Windsor Schools, which she held until her retirement in 2017. Thereafter, she substituted as a licensed educator at schools in the Windham Northeast Supervisory Union, particularly the Bellows Falls Middle School. She enjoyed teaching information literacy skills and promoting reading to the elementary, middle, and high school students, as well as swimming and playing piano. She was also a member of the St. Charles Church Choir for many years. Members of her surviving family include two sisters: Michele M. Kosen of Alstead, New Hampshire and Jane M. Steuwe (David) of Rockingham; and three brothers: Peter A. Powers (Jane) of North Walpole, New Hampshire; Timothy Powers (Nancy) of Bellows Falls, and Michael D. Powers of Walpole, New Hampshire. She is also survived by eight nieces and nephews, loving in-laws, as well as grand-nieces/nephews. Mary was predeceased by her parents and brother-in-law, Peter Kosen. Memorial information: There will be no calling hours. A memorial service will be held at the convenience of the family. Donations to the Rockingham Free Public Library, 65 Westminster St., Bellows Falls, VT 05101.

• 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, and 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 is predeceased by his son, Donald F. Slie Jr., his parents, Robert and Sadie Slie, and 10 brothers and sisters. Memorial information: A celebration of Donald's life for family and friends to come together and share memories will be held on Saturday, Nov. 9, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Westminster Institute.

• Mary Elizabeth Taylor, 53, died peacefully on Oct. 16, 2024. Mary was born on Sept. 7, 1971, the daughter of Joseph and Patricia Printon. Mary and her husband Jim loved to travel and enjoyed many adventures together, traveling to Australia, Hawaii, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, their favorite regular trips to Coastal Maine, the White Mountains of New Hampshire, and British Columbia. Mary always enjoyed the Old Orchard Beach Amusement Park and rides. Mary spent many hours solving puzzles with her mother, creating latch hook rugs, and crafting. She was a regular blood donor at the Red Cross and a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church in Brattleboro. Mary worked as a cashier locally and as a switchboard operator at the Brattleboro Retreat. Mary leaves her beloved husband, Jim; her mother, Patricia; brother John (Cathy) Printon, and brother- and sister-in-law Doug (Lisa) Taylor; and nieces Llyn and Laura Printon, Alicia Taylor; and nephew Greg Taylor. Mary was predeceased by her father Joseph and grandparents, Harry and Doris Momaney and Leo and Catherine Printon. Memorial information: A funeral mass will be held on Thursday, Oct. 24, at 10 a.m., at St. Michael's Catholic Church. Committal prayers to immediately follow at St. Michael's Cemetery. Donations to the American Red Cross (redcross.org) or Carl M. Dessaint VFW Post 1034, 40 Black Mountain Rd., Brattleboro, VT 05301. To offer condolences, visit phaneuf.net.

This Milestones item was submitted to The Commons.