Obituaries
• L. Bruce Chapin, 91, of Jamaica. Died on Jan. 11, 2025, in his home that he and his wife Shirley had built, with his loving family by his side. Bruce was born May 15, 1933, in Williamsville, a devoted son of Elsie Geneva (Farr) and Mark George Chapin. Bruce and his younger brother, Pug, were raised in South Windham on the Farr homestead in a close-knit community surrounded by family. Bruce graduated in 1952 from Leland & Gray Seminary, where he loved sports, particularly baseball and basketball. In 1953, Bruce graduated from the State College of Agriculture in Randolph with a degree in animal husbandry. He was active in college, participating in many clubs and organizations. After college, Bruce was a herdsman at the Morgan Holstein Farm in Townshend. Knowing that he would be drafted, Bruce enlisted in the Army in 1954 and served as a mechanic in Germany and Austria. He disliked working as a mechanic so much that he never again worked on an automobile. Following his military service, Bruce worked as a logger and a mason, and as a carpenter for Bob Gale. In 1960, Bruce began what would become a long and successful building and remodeling career. He and his large crew built countless houses in Jamaica and the surrounding area over the years. A believer in hard work, Bruce tried to retire three times. He finally retired in his 90th year. In 1957, Bruce met and fell in love with Shirley Morse of West Jay. A recent graduate of Johnson Teaching College, Shirley taught first, second, and third grades at Jamaica Village School. The couple shared many interests, particularly hunting, fishing, and gardening. They also loved to roller skate together in the evenings in the school hallway, an activity that left the school custodian a bit mystified as to why he often found black marks on the tile floors when he arrived at the school in the morning. The couple married in 1962 and lived a simple and healthy life together. Shirley died in 1977, leaving Bruce a widower with four young daughters. He never got over losing the love of his life, and he never remarried. He was an active and loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who loved spending time with his family, especially around the holidays. Bruce was an old-school Vermont Republican, firmly believing in fiscal responsibility and non-interference by government in the personal lives of its citizens. He was an early supporter of civil unions in Vermont, and he and Shirley were early adopters of organic farming methods. The couple went completely organic, selling organic fertilizer and vegetables in the early 1970s. Bruce strongly believed in community and public service. He served on the Selectboard and was its chair for many years, as well as a Planning Commissioner, Sexton of Cemeteries, Tree Warden, Health Officer, Fire Chief, Justice of the Peace (having the privilege of officiating at many ceremonies), and Deacon of the Jamaica Community Church, where he served as board chair for many years. Bruce served on the Jamaica Old Home Days committee, Rawsonville School House committee, the Town Hall Restoration Committee, and the Jamaica Historical Foundation. He was the (unofficial) "official Jamaica historian," collecting thousands of photos, ephemera, and memorabilia. Bruce also spent countless hours giving help to anyone in need in the community. Bruce entered the last stage of his life with independence and grace, deciding to enter into hospice care. Besides his wife and parents, Bruce was predeceased by his much-loved in-laws, Elnora and Chauncey Morse; his great-granddaughter, Hailey Willette; and his sons-in-law, Dale Ameden and George Jackson. He is survived by his brother, Alan "Pug" Chapin and his wife, Marilyn; his sister-in-law, Marilyn Morse Ciufo; his daughters and their spouses: Karen Ameden; Colleen and Randy Holton; Kathleen "Duffy" and Doug Jacobs; Denise Chapin and Ross Parker; his grandchildren and their spouses: Danielle and Joe Cersosimo, Kristi and Andrew Lembke, Dustin Ameden, Kevin and Lauren Ameden, Drew Ameden and Courtney Couture, Samantha and Robert Roy, Heather Jackson and Steve Fletcher, Elizabeth Bills and Nick Lovergine, Denny Bills, Aysia Goddard, Ashley and Philip Perkins, and Diana Chapin-Parker; great-grandchildren Liliana and Juliet Cersosimo, Sophie Lembke, Isaiah and Lexi Roy, Joshua and Emily Fletcher, Nevaeh, Khyleia, Aaliyah, and Cameron Goddard; and Elliot and Tyler Perkins; and many beloved nieces and nephews. Memorial information: Visiting hours will be held on Friday, Feb. 28, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Jamaica Community Church. The funeral will take place Saturday, March 1, at 11 a.m. at Jamaica Community Church, with a reception to follow at the Town Hall. A private burial will be held in the spring. Donations to Grace Cottage Hospital, P.O. Box 216, Townshend, VT 05353, the Jamaica Historical Foundation, 3417 VT Route 30, Jamaica, VT 05343, or Jamaica Community Church, P.O. Box 54, Jamaica, VT 05343. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Alfred Evariste "Al" Courtemanche Jr., 82, of Hinsdale, New Hamsphire. Died Jan. 19, 2025, at Hartford (Conn.) Hospital following a brief illness. Al was born in Turners Falls, Massachusetts, on Jan. 7, 1943, the son of Alfred and Jeanette (Bousquet) Courtemanche. He was raised and educated in Turners Falls, attending St. Anne's Parochial School and graduating from Turners Falls High School, Class of 1961. He served in the National Guard and later attended Dalbecs Barber School in Boston, where he earned his barber's license. On April 24, 1965, at St. Joseph's Church in Hinsdale, he was married to his soulmate and love of his life, Helen Pelis, who predeceased him on Nov. 10, 2010. Fondly known locally as "Al the Barber," he cut hair in Hinsdale, working at the former Roy's Barber Shop. Al worked at Dunham Brothers Shoe Company and at The Book Press, both in Brattleboro. His last full-time position was with the Hinsdale School System, which he retired from in 2006. A devout Catholic, with his wife he was a communicant of St. Joseph's Church, where he also held membership in the Knights of Columbus. An avid reader, Al also enjoyed spectator sports and was an avid New England sports fan. He liked taking long car rides, trips to the beaches of Maine and, following Helen's death, he enjoyed traveling with his brother to many destinations that included Hawaii, the Panama Canal, and Alaska, just to name a few. Additionally, Al enjoyed music, playing the guitar, and kayaking with his family. Survivors include one son, Michael Courtemanche and his wife, Cynthia, of Keene, New Hampshire; his grandson, Dylan Courtemanche, also of Keene; and two sisters, Ann Cenzano and her partner, Milt, of Turners Falls, and Jeanne Deneault and her husband, Tim, of Bernardston, Massachusetts. Additionally, he leaves many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews as well as a host of friends. Besides his wife, he was predeceased by two brothers, Philip and Richard Courtemanche. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was celebrated Jan. 27 at St. Joseph's Church. Burial in Saint Joseph's Cemetery will be held in the springtime. Donations to St. Joseph's Catholic Church, in care of Parish of the Holy Spirit, 173 Main St., Keene, NH 03431. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Joan Marie Flynn, 71, of Newfane. Died Jan. 19, 2025, at Applewood Healthcare Center in Winchester, New Hampshire, following a period of declining health. Joan was born in Brattleboro on Aug. 11, 1953, the daughter of Clarence and Theresa (Casavant) Rinfret. She was raised and educated in Brattleboro, graduating from Brattleboro Union High School with the Class of 1971. For several years, Joan worked as an office administrator for the Famolare Shoe Company in Brattleboro. She later worked as an accounts payable clerk for the former Tree Spirit Corp. which she retired from following many dedicated years with the company. Joan was known for her pleasant personality and spirit of friendship. She enjoyed reading, and loved the outdoors and skiing at Stratton Mountain during the winter months. Additionally, she liked trips to sunny beaches as well as time spent at her camp in the Northeast Kingdom town of Sheffield. Joan also loved nature, birds, and small animals, especially dogs. On Dec. 7, 1985, at a small ceremony at the home they built in Newfane with family present, she married Patrick E. Flynn, who survives. Besides her faithful and devoted husband of 39 years, she leaves two sisters, Mary Filgate of Guilford and Ann Bellstrom of Brattleboro, and many nieces and nephews as well as a host of close friends. Joan was predeceased by her parents and a brother, Michael Rinfret. Memorial information: In keeping with her final wishes, there are no formal funeral services scheduled. A private service will be held later in the springtime. Donations to Grace Cottage Hospital, P.O. Box 216, Townshend, VT 05353; or to the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Alfred Winston "Al" Franklin Sr., 89, of Guilford. Died Jan. 18, 2025, at Rutland Regional Medical Center following a period of declining health. Most recently, he had made his home with his daughter in Pittsford. Al was born in Brattleboro on Jan. 30, 1935, the son of Warren and Nancy (Scranton) Franklin. He was raised and educated in Guilford and graduated from Brattleboro High School with the Class of 1953. He went on to proudly serve his country in the Army during the Korean Conflict and was honorably discharged from active service on Nov. 21, 1956. Locally, Al was a member of American Legion Post 5 in Brattleboro. He owned and operated his own farm on Sweet Pond Road for many years and also was a licensed real estate agent for 15 years, representing Martocci & Henry Real Estate. Active civically, Al served as a member of the Guilford Selectboard and was its chair for six years. He was appointed by Congressman James Jeffords to the Vermont Agricultural Advisory Committee, where he served as chair. For 16 years he was active with Rescue Inc. as a trustee representing Guilford, and was chairman of Rescue's board of trustees for several terms. A man of faith, Al was a member of Guilford Community Church, where he served as a deacon for many years. Al was known for his common sense and critical thinking as well as his pleasant personality and spirit of friendship. He was an avid reader and enjoyed time shared with his family. On Christmas Eve, 1955, at West Guilford Church, he married Frieda Petrie, who predeceased him on Dec. 6, 2006. Survivors include two sons, Alfred, Jr. (Andrea) and Dennis, both of Guilford; two daughters, Carolyn Kingsley (Kevin) of Pittsford and Donna Kemper (Ronnie) of Antioch, Tennessee; one sister, Elaine Petrie of Roanoke, Virginia; 13 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and two great-great granddaughters. Additionally, he leaves many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. Besides his wife, Al was predeceased by four brothers, Russell, Gordon, Lawrence, and twin brother, Wilfred; and a sister, Glenice Carter. Memorial information: Funeral services will be conducted on Wednesday, Jan. 29, at Guilford Community Church, starting at 2:30 p.m. with a reception to follow in the church's downstairs fellowship hall. Burial in Baker Cemetery will take place later in the spring. Donations to Rescue Inc., P.O. Box 593, Brattleboro, VT 05302; Guilford Community Church, 38 Church Drive, Guilford, VT 05301; or to Guilford Volunteer Fire Dept., 108 Guilford Center Rd., Guilford, VT 05301. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Bernard "Pete" Haley Sr, 98, of Grafton. Died on Jan. 18, 2025, on his 80th wedding anniversary. As the family patriarch, Pete was a great soul who will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him for his quick wit and incredible sense of humor. Pete was born in Grafton on July 8, 1926, to Pearl and Raymond Haley. He spent most of his life in Grafton just a few houses away from the house he was born in. Pete enlisted in the Navy in 1944 during World War II and was a sea cook on the USS Latona out of Galveston, Texas. He was well known on the ship for making the most delicious pies, cherry pies being his specialty. This was a treat that the sailors looked forward to because it felt like a little piece of home. Pete married the love of his life, Isabelle Buell in Westminster, on Jan. 18, 1945. They raised four children. Pete cared for Isabelle at their home for the last year of her life, always letting her know how loved she was. He said it was the toughest job he had ever done, not physically, but emotionally. He loved her so much. On the day of Pete's death, Isabelle painted him a glorious sunrise to welcome him home to be with her. Pete had several jobs after coming home from the war. Most notably, he worked for Cota & Cota from 1973 until he retired. He was a fleet mechanic and could always be found with a tool in his hand. His favorite phrase to his granddaughters when they would come to him with "something's wrong with my car, it's making noise," he would say "Turn the radio up, you won't hear it" with a chuckle. Pete is survived by his daughters Corinne Miles of Grafton; a son, Reginald Haley/Sharon of Winchester, New Hampshire; daughter-in-law Noreen Agoes Haley of Greensboro, North Carolina; granddaughters Michelle, Regina, Lori, Amy, Heather, Melissa and Samantha; grandsons John and Michael; great-grandchildren Ryan, Brent, Wesley, Troy, Bryana, Alyssa, Tianna, Erin, Sidney, Rafer, John Michael, Tyler, Victoria, Kyle, Tyler, Josh, Hunter, Remington, Tiffany, and Shaina; and several great-great-grandchildren who he was so proud of. Pete was preceded in death by his wife, Isabelle on Dec. 26, 2014; sons Bernard Jr., (Peter) and Raymond; grandchildren Raymond Jr. and Denine; and siblings Ruby, Doris, Cecil, Merton, Lawrence, Lewis, Charlotte, and Gertrude. Memorial information: Calling hours will take place on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with a service at 1 p.m., at Fenton & Hennessey Funeral Home, 55 Westminster St., Bellows Falls. Burial will take place in the spring at Houghtonville Cemetery in Grafton.
• Leona Mary (Grignon) Hazen, 93, of Chester. Died peacefully on Jan. 19, 2025, at the Gill Home in Ludlow. She was born Feb. 6, 1931, in North Walpole, New Hampshire, the daughter of Atwell Joseph and Catherine Mary (Reardon) Grignon. She grew up in the family home on Main Street in North Walpole, attending the local primary school which sat on the hill above her home. Leona would walk across the old arch bridge to the Bellows Falls High School, from which she graduated in 1948. The following year she married George A. Hazen of Chester, and they would make their home on North Street in his hometown. They would raise their three children and lived their lives on North Street until his death in 2009. When it was time to downsize, she moved into the Chester Senior Apartments, where she had many friends. From there, she moved to Sterling House, an assisted living facility in Bellows Falls. More recently, she moved to the Gill Home, where she received loving, compassionate care to the end. Leona was a parishioner at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Chester. Her deep faith sustained her throughout life. Leona enjoyed attending church, reading books, doing crossword puzzles, knitting sweaters and garments, crocheting afghans, and taking care of her family. She was famous for her apple pies and mashed potatoes. Leona is survived by her three children, Deborah Stearns of Proctorsville, George A. Hazen Jr. and his wife Liz Hazen of Manchester, New Hampshire, and Paul Hazen of Charlestown, New Hampshire; grandchildren Tyler Stearns, Angie Hazen, Mallory Hazen, and Kate Hazen; and several great-grandchildren. Leona is also survived by her brother John Grignon of Windham, New Hampshire, and by several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, her sister Helen, and her granddaughter Mercedes. Memorial information: A service will be held in the spring, when she will be laid to rest beside her husband in North Street Cemetery. To offer condolences, visit phaneuf.net.
• Michael "Mike" Jerald, 82, of Brattleboro and Narragansett, Rhode Island. Died Jan. 16, 2025, of complications from Parkinson's disease. He was born in Providence, Rhode Island, on Sept. 18, 1942, to Lewis and Barbara (Washington) Jerald. His brother Jeffrey Jerald (Dale Jerald) died in 2013. Mike leaves his wife of 61 years, Judith "Judie" (Beaudoin) Jerald of Narragansett. Mike also leaves his cherished daughters, Pamela Jerald (Aaron Bristol) of Brattleboro, Mitra Jerald, (Rafael Gonzalez) of Atlanta, Georgia, and Michelle Jerald of Coventry, Rhode Island, as well as his adored granddaughter, Veronica McKay of East Providence, Rhode Island. Mike's nephew Jake Jerald (Kara Churas) was also dear to him. Mike grew up in Warwick, Rhode Island. Mike and Judie dated in high school, graduated from the University of Rhode Island, and married in 1964. They joined the Peace Corps in 1965 and served for two years as English teachers in Kozan, Turkey. After recruiting for the Peace Corps for one year, Mike was selected to be a Peace Corps Fellow in Washington D.C., after which he was appointed to be an Associate Peace Corps Director in Iran. Mike, Judie, and daughter Pam lived in Tehran for 3 1/2 years, where Mitra and Michelle were born. Mike received an M.A. in teaching English as a Second/Foreign Language from the School for International Training (SIT) in Brattleboro in 1974. He then joined the faculty of SIT for 34 years as an associate professor, assistant director, consultant trainer, director of the Japan Masters of Arts in Teaching Program, and the SIT Summer Master Program. He had many roles at SIT and around the world, and was a Fulbright Scholar in El Salvador for a year. During his time at SIT, he helped develop a Certificate in Teaching English which he implemented for local teachers in South Korea and in Haiti. He is most remembered by his colleagues for the joy, fun and laughter that he brought to the SIT campus. His many roles included being the commissioner of the softball league, planning the Founder's Day events, Magical Mystery Tours, surprise guests arriving on campus by helicopter, and many more creative activities. Mike excelled at creating fun. He fostered relationships and built community through creative amusement and a deep level of commitment. Mike retired from SIT in 2002, and joined Judie in Washington, D.C., where he ended his career, full circle, by working as part of the Peace Corps Evaluation team. Mike was a talented teacher with an engaging personality and sense of humor. He didn't tell jokes, he played with language in wonderful ways that left those around him feeling happier and smiling more than before their conversation. He enjoyed theater, photography, writing, and comedy. He was part-owner of Pro Lingua, a language teaching publishing company. He loved music and was a good carpenter. Mike was, indeed, a Man of all Seasons. He spent many years as part of the Vermont Theatre Company acting, directing and as a board member. He enjoyed life to the fullest. Family and community were very important to Mike and he participated wholeheartedly in both, serving on many community boards and groups. During his many years in Brattleboro he was one of the founding members of Brattleboro Community Television, served on the BUHS School Board, the Adult Education Board, and delivered Meals on Wheels. The title he enjoyed the most, though, was Inspector of Wood, Shingles, and Lumber, a Brattleboro town appointment carried over from long ago. Mike, along with the help of the Town Crier and other clever friends, created the April 1, 1984, Brattleboro Informer, which was delivered across the region, confusing many people until they realized it was a spoof. Mike was a supportive and loving husband, father, and grandfather. He loved biking, and indoctrinated Pam and Mitra to long distance biking by traveling from Vermont to Rhode Island by bike with them when each turned nine years old. Mike and Michelle shared many a camping trip together where he introduced her to poetry, and he and Veronica spent happy hours shooting baskets and playing catch. He adored his daughters and granddaughter. And Mike loved his trips to Red Sox games with his nephew Jake. Memorial information: There will be a celebration of Mike's life in Brattleboro sometime in late spring.
• John Joseph "Johnny" Kravetz, III, 75, of Saxtons River. Died peacefully at home, surrounded by family and close friends, on Dec. 23, 2024. He was born on Dec. 27, 1948, in Yonkers, New York, the son of Lorraine (McAlinn) and John J. Kravetz Jr. They lived in a large home with an uncle's family and both sets of grandparents, and he thrived on their love and care. He attended Mass daily with his grandparents at Sacred Heart Church. At age 6, he moved with his parents and sister to Fairfield, Connecticut, where he attended Our Lady of the Assumption School and Notre Dame Catholic High School for Boys, graduating in 1966. From a very young age he entertained his family with stories, mimicry, dancing, and singing, and used humor at school "to avoid getting beat up." He formed lifelong friendships with some neighborhood boys who shared his love of music and of animals. He became an excellent athlete and golfer. He attended classes at Norwalk Community College for two years, and served a brief stint in the Coast Guard. Upon regaining his greatly desired freedom, he applied the discipline he had learned to his greatest joys in life: music, drumming, and running. In 1970, he joined friends moving to Vermont, and found his forever home. He loved Vermont's natural beauty, its residents' simpler way of life aligned with nature, and their tolerance for those who danced to the beat of a different drum. Johnny easily gathered a wide community of new friends with his high energy, loving heart, and humorous outlook on life. He became a vegetarian, stopped drinking alcohol, and dedicated his life to music. He became an accomplished drummer, percussionist and drum teacher, known as "Johnny Yuma." He performed with scores of musicians in dozens of bands, and was a force in the area music scene for over 50 years. He created the rhythmic foundation for numerous bands, among them "Cayenne," "The Sun Dog Revolutionary Orchestra," "Green Zone," "The Living Roominators," and "Asante." He was perhaps best known as the kit drummer for "Simba," which played at weddings, parties, summer concerts, benefits, and the highly attended Summer and Winter Solstice dance party celebrations for almost 30 years. Johnny also accompanied modern dance classes at the Brattleboro School of Dance and at the Putney School, and taught kit drum lessons at area private schools and at home. His homes were gathering places for musicians from all over the area to rehearse or jam, often with other friends listening or dancing to the music. Early on, he lived in communal houses in West Brattleboro and in Gageville, then moved to the Shack on Patch Road, and to the Zellmer household in Putney, with a series of roommates. He helped to home-school his daughter in that house. Kravey's sense of humor was legendary, and his quick wit and mimicry will not be forgotten. He was equally quick on his feet playing softball on several league teams, notably "The Master Batters" in Putney, and he coached the women's softball team "The Right Track" for several successful seasons while working at the new Landmark College. He golfed the many courses of Vermont with friends, and shared funny stories about his adventures with other friends. He ran every day with a small group of friends for over 50 years, in all weather, and knew most of the back roads and swimming holes of southeastern Vermont and southwestern New Hampshire. Running was his time to process his life, tell humorous versions of traumatic or mundane events, and regain his inner peace. He attended Mass at Our Lady of Mercy in Putney, often providing flowers for the altar that he gathered from neighbors' yards (mostly with their permission). His deep abiding faith in the Divine Mother carried him through the challenging times in his life. In later years he attended Mass at St. Charles in Bellows Falls. In 2003, Johnny moved in with the love of his life, Miri, and they spent the next 21 years together, running, improvising music, enjoying each other's companionship, and traveling. He felt blessed to be able to go with her to explore such places as the Great Lakes, both Florida coasts, Montreal and Quebec City for the annual International DrumFests, the Sacred Valley in Peru, Lourdes in France, a bit of Thailand, the Caribbean coast of Mexico, and the west coast of the Big Island of Hawaii. He made friends wherever they went, and felt a special kinship with the indigenous people he met. On return visits they greeted him with hugs, joyous that he remembered their names and their stories. Johnny's lifelong love of animals extended to his neighbors' dogs and cats, and he cared for many of them when their people traveled elsewhere. He continued to gather and arrange flowers with an artist's eye, gracing his home with the beauty and scents of his favorite seasons in Vermont. In his last decade he created a YouTube channel called WLSD Radio where, as "DJ Mustapha Yumajahnee," he shared via email a wide variety of music video selections found on his travels, in his daily search for unique world music, and from his vast repertoire in "the jukebox of my mind." His playlist is available online, though without his pithy comments. Johnny played hand drums with the Island Drummers, and later headed the rhythm section at the BF3F monthly Musical Jams, participating in his final session only three days before his death. John chose to end his life with the help of Bayada Hospice, rather than extend it with medical procedures from the very knowledgeable and compassionate people at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center. His final 12 days were filled with intense beauty as old friends came together to visit, laugh, share stories, and reconnect through their love for him. His rhythms and heartbeat will be missed, yet forever treasured in the hearts of his loving partner, Miriam Wolf of Saxtons River; his beloved daughter, Marielle Stoeltzing of Westminster; his sister, Anne Marie Derr of Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts; his niece, Lori Wulff (Dave) of New Haven, Connecticut; his cousin, Bill Kravetz (Janet) of Naples, Florida; his great-nephew, Dylan of Newport, North Carolina; and his extended family. He also will be missed by many close friends from throughout his life, fellow musicians and drummers, neighbors and community friends, former roommates, teammates, and students, who all carry their own memories of his vibrant, humorous presence in their hearts. Memorial information: A celebration of his life will be held on the weekend of the Summer Solstice, June 20-22. Get updates on obits.csnh.com/john-kravetz and share your comments, memories, or photos of Johnny. Those who wish to make a memorial contribution for the celebration can send it to Miriam Wolf, P.O. Box 423, Saxtons River, VT 05154. Any unspent funds will go to his daughter.
• Wilma Henrietta Schaardt, 95, formerly of Brookline. Died peacefully on Jan. 22, 2025, at Bridgewater (Virginia) Retirement Community. She was born on June 20, 1929, in Long Island, New York, the daughter of the late William Henry and Elsie Salmon Schaardt. Wilma was the last surviving member of her immediate family. She was preceded in death by her twin sisters, Marian Knabbe and Kathryn Reynolds, and her brothers, August, Eugene, and William Schaardt. The siblings all remained very close even though they were spread all across the country. Wilma retired as a Charge Nurse at Grace Cottage Hospital in Townshend, where she dedicated her life to nursing. She was a faithful and active member of Newfane Congregational Church and was an avid outdoor enthusiast her entire life. To know Wilma was to love her. She is survived by her lifelong devoted friend, Pat McIntyre, three nieces, a nephew and a number of great-nieces and -nephews. Memorial information: A private burial will be held at Greenfield Cemetery in Uniondale, New York, at a later date. Online condolences may be sent to johnsonfs.com.
• Clyde Herman Winter, 70, of Brattleboro. Died peacefully on Jan. 19, 2025, at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire, surrounded by his loving family and sharing cherished stories of his life. Clyde was born on Jan. 18, 1955, in Brattleboro to Robert and Cora (Perkins) Winter. He spent his formative years in Brattleboro, where he was educated and developed a strong work ethic that defined his career in the lumber industry. Over 43 years, he dedicated nine years to Allard Lumber, and 34 years to Cersosimo Lumber Company, earning a reputation for his diligence and commitment. Beyond his professional achievements, Clyde was a devoted husband, father, Poppy, and friend to all. He formed deep bonds with many softball players who affectionately referred to him as "Dad." Known for his humor and ability to recall jokes with precision, Clyde had a unique talent for bringing laughter to those around him. His love for the outdoors was evident in his attentive care of his beautiful rose bushes, as well as his enjoyment in fishing, and watching family and friends play softball. Although he never drove, he enjoyed taking rides in town and through the countryside. On May 18, 1996, Clyde married the love of his life, Kimberly McAllister, in a heartfelt wedding on the Brattleboro Common surrounded by close family and friends. They shared 29 joyful years of marriage, having been a couple for 37 years. Besides his devoted wife, he leaves two daughters, Linda Wood and Jennifer Smith (Aaron) of Brattleboro; two sons, Nathan Winter (Samantha) and Travis Winter, all of Brattleboro; four sisters, Donna Cutter (Morris) of Brattleboro, Cheryl Winter of Bellows Falls, Jodi Chaplin (David) of Erving, Massachusetts, and June Wood of Brattleboro; one brother, Robert Winter of Alstead, New Hampshire; and 12 cherished grandchildren, including Kaiden whom he shared a special close relationship with and who gave him the name "Poppy." He also leaves behind one great-grandson, and many nieces and nephews. Clyde also was a proud dad to his four-legged babies, his dog Ratty (Rascal), his two kitties, Taz and Little Bit; and his beloved dog Daisy. He was predeceased by his parents; a daughter, Marie Covey; and Daisy. Memorial information: Per his wishes, no formal funeral services will be held. A potluck celebration of his life will take place on Saturday, Feb. 8, from noon to 5 p.m., at the Brattleboro Eagles, 54 Chickering Drive. Donations to the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• June Forsythe Wood, 92, passed away peacefully on Jan. 13, 2025, in Keene, New Hampshire. Born in 1932 in Rochester, New York, to Clifton and Helen (Wetzel) Forsythe, June was adventurous and spirited from the start. She built a successful career in Philadelphia, New York City, and Washington, D.C., culminating in an exciting 18-year role with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. A quick thinker and resourceful manager, June thrived in the unpredictable circus environment, dealing with everything from the defection of the entire Romanian tumbling team to the theft of Siegfried & Roy's trained white tigers in Manhattan. June was a devoted mother, fostering independence and progressive values in her children. She embraced life with humor and irreverence, her home always a welcoming haven, especially at Thanksgiving. Her adventurous spirit led her to travel the world, from Europe to South America to Mongolia. She was a lover of art, and her home became a gallery of her travels, adorned with her own paintings and collected artwork from abroad. June leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and inspiration. She was married and divorced twice, first to Robert Everett, the father of her three children, and then to Frank O'Neill. Her third husband, John Wood, died in 2016. She is survived by her daughter Jerelyn Wilson (husband Alex) in Dummerston; son Clif (and partner Melody) living on a boat and currently moored in Fiji; son-in-law Stephen Hight in Pittsburg, Kansas; grandchildren Lillian, Frances, Kevin, Clif Jr., June Maria, and Mayon; and great-grandchildren Jack, Harrison, Deacon, and Myles. Her daughter Nancy died tragically in 2000. Memorial information: A celebration of life will be held in Venice, Florida, where she resided for more than 30 years, at a date to be announced. Donations in June's name can be made to Planned Parenthood of Northern New England or Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida.
This Milestones item was submitted to The Commons.