College news
• Elisabeth Keeler, a dental hygiene major from Wilmington, was named to the fall 2024 President's List at Hudson Valley Community College in Troy, New York.
• Georgia Bristol from Dummerston, Liliana Carignan from Brattleboro, Destiny Duke from Vernon, and Cameron Gage from Putney were all named to the Dean's List for the fall 2024 semester at Springfield (Mass.) College.
• Lucy Daly, an education major from Jamaica, was named to the fall 2024 Dean's List at Endicott College in Beverly, Massachusetts.
• Maria Carfora of Brattleboro and Elizabeth Longo of West Townshend were named to the Dean's List for the fall 2024 semester at Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Connecticut.
• The following local students were named to the fall 2024 Dean's List at Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts: Lydia Hazzard-Leal of Brattleboro, Tori D. MacKay of South Newfane, and Roxanne Burt of Marlboro received first honors, while Freddie G. Learey of Brattleboro and Solan Homestead of Putney, who received second honors.
• Munasqa Choque Stenn of Marlboro and Spencer Butynski of Brookline were named to the Dean's List at the University of Hartford (Conn.) for the fall 2024 semester.
• Emeline Stewart of Wilmington was named to the Dean's List for the fall 2024 semester at Fairfield (Conn.) University.
Obituaries
• Wacharee "Dang" Beebe, 73, of Brattleboro. Died unexpectedly on Feb. 5, 2025, at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center Lebanon, New Hampshire, after being taken ill at her home. Affectionately known as Dang, she was born in Udon Thani, Thailand on May 7, 1951, the daughter of Mai Ya's and Wana Noichan. She was raised and educated in Thailand before moving to Brattleboro in the late 1970s with her then husband, Joseph Beebe. Dang worked at the former Country Kitchen Restaurant in West Brattleboro and later was employed at Arden Organics (Quaker Oats), retiring early due to an injury-related disability. She enjoyed sewing, crocheting, gardening, and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. Dang loved animals, especially her miniature schnauzer, Ginger "GinGin." She was married to Joseph Beebe; the marriage later ended in divorce. Survivors include her daughter, Lisa Breault, and husband, Tom, of Hinsdale, New Hampshire; a son, Joe Beebe, of Cape Canaveral, Florida; two daughters in Thailand from a previous marriage, and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents and 12 siblings. Memorial information: In keeping with her final wishes, there are no formal funeral services scheduled. A gathering in celebration of her life will be held at a future date that will be announced. Donations to the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Shayne (Tabor) Berry, 88, died peacefully surrounded by her family on Jan. 29, 2025, at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital. She was born on June 22, 1936, at Gifford Memorial Hospital, in Randolph to Ralph E. Tabor and Dora (Blaisdell) Tabor. After graduating from Randolph High School, she attended college in Chicago to become a laboratory technician. After college, she returned to her hometown to work at Gifford Memorial Hospital, where she was one of the first in Vermont to work with the radiologic fluoroscope. She married Edgar D. Berry at Camp Gordon in Georgia on Nov. 24, 1954. Together they had four children, Wayne, Melissa, Denise, and Diane, and four grandchildren, Johanna, Shane, Hayden, and Joshua. She stayed home to raise her children, and then returned to the medical profession, finally retiring after working for many years as the office manager for Dr. George Idelkope in Hinsdale, New Hampshire. Throughout her life, Shayne profoundly touched many lives, whether it was through her work at hospitals in Vermont and New Hampshire, or through her work in Girl Scouting, serving at times as scout leader, camp director, and service unit coordinator. Shayne was the "keeper" of the Tabor family folklore. In recent years, she worked on enhancing the genealogy with all the fantastic stories associated with being in this large family. Shayne was adamant that the family not forget that their ancestors weren't simply names and dates, but that they lived vibrant lives, just as she did. She was active in the church and loved to travel. Shayne had an uncanny ability to reach people in a deep and positive way and, in doing so, she leaves a circle of loving friends for whom she was quick with a smile, a joke, or a phone call just to check in. She was predeceased by her parents, her beloved brother Monte, and her husband. She is survived by her children Wayne Berry, Melissa (Berry) Brown, Denise Berry, Diane Berry, and grandchildren Johanna, Shane, Hayden and Joshua. Memorial information: At the present time, there are no plans for a funeral. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Albin David "Al" Johnson Jr., 89, of Bellows Falls. Died at his home on Feb. 2, 2025, of melanoma. Albin was born on June 29, 1935, in Gardner, Massachusetts, to Albin D. Johnson Sr. and Hazel L. (Goodrich) Johnson. Albin graduated from Charlestown (N.H.) High School and received a B.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of Maine. Albin served his country in the Navy from 1954-57 as a medic. His life work consisted of civil service, and he worked on the Panama Canal, at Dufresne-Henry Engineering, and Berlin (N.H.) Waterworks as superintendent and chief engineer, from which he retired. Albin served on the Bellows Falls Trustees for five years in the 1970s and was a member of the Elks #1619, American Legion Post 37, K of C of Berlin, and served as past president of the Rotary Club in Berlin and past president of the New Hampshire Waterworks Association. He was also a life member of the American Civil Engineers. Albin also served on an advisory board for the state of New Hampshire. Al is survived by his life partner, Dorothy Roth, whom he loved and shared a home with in both Berlin and Tarpon Springs, Florida. They spent their retirement years traveling on cruises, going out west, and visiting family near and far. He then moved back to Bellows Falls to be close to his children and grandchildren. Al was married to Margaret (Barry) Johnson and they had six children together: Mary Johnson, Barry Johnson, Deborah Johnson (Sy), and Timothy Johnson (Kathy). He is also survived by five grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter whom he cherished. He was predeceased by his parents and his children, David and Daniel (infant son), and siblings Andrew Johnson, Ellen Yell, Robert Miner, Agnes LaMere, and Joyce Carlisle. Memorial information: Calling hours will be held on Saturday, Feb. 15, from 9 to 10:45 a.m. at Fenton & Hennessey Funeral Home, 55 Westminster St., followed by a funeral Mass at 11 a.m. at St. Charles Church, 31 Cherry Hill. Burial will follow at St. Charles Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to The Humane Society.
• 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, on 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.
• Deborah J. (McIntyre) Tomasi, of Gill, Massachusetts, formerly of Brattleboro. Died peacefully at her residence on Jan. 28, 2025, where her family was by her side and provided devoted care, ensuring she could remain at home. Debbie was born in Bethel, and raised in Randolph and Montpelier. She managed and cooked at the family business, The Pines Restaurant in Montpelier, before moving to Brattleboro where she worked for the Experiment in International Living and attended the Community College of Vermont. Debbie was an exceptionally talented and compassionate individual. She successfully managed her own business, boasting an impressive client roster that included one of the creators of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, numerous Northampton restaurants, and authors who would sign books for her personal collection, which she deeply cherished. Prior to transitioning to Murphy Realty, under the guidance of Gordon and Nancy Murphy, where she obtained her real estate license, Deb provided dedicated support to many clients at a 40-office independent building. She was renowned for her warm demeanor, often attracting visitors who would stop by merely to share a pleasant smile, enjoy a witty joke, or engage in conversation. Debbie cherished her family, enjoyed family gatherings, and demonstrated determination at a young age by persevering to participate in sports with boys, but she delighted in engaging in casual games of catch or Frisbee with her children as they grew up. She enjoyed spending time in the family pool and hot tub and, over the years, she welcomed neighborhood children and her kids' friends, who affectionately referred to her as "Mom." Debbie appreciated a good joke and shared her mother's strong-willed nature. Deborah was the daughter of Harold McIntyre and Alice (Thresher) McIntyre, both deceased. Her life partner, Jimmy Tomasi Sr., predeceased her. They met at The Pines Restaurant, while dining with her high school friend Ellen, shortly after graduation. Jimmy's request to kiss her marked the beginning of their lifelong love. Survivors include her daughter Julie (Keith) Pearson of Montague, son Jimmy Jr. (Sindi) Tomasi of Bernardston, son Jeff Tomasi of Gill, and their loyal dog Blue Tomasi. Deb's grandchildren include Ben Pearson, Stephanie Pearson, and Gabriel Tomasi; great-granddaughter Kinsley Rae Pearson whom she adored. Brothers and sister include Ray (Sarah) McIntyre, Kathy (Thurley) Tracey, and David McIntyre. Nephews include Dave (Mark), Mike (Ivy), and Tony (Cecilia) Bingham. Memorial information: Deb's wishes were to have a celebration of her life in the near future. Anyone interested in attending should contact one of her children. To offer condolences, visit kostanskifuneralhome.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 took on Feb. 8 at the Brattleboro Eagles. Donations to the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
This Milestones item was submitted to The Commons.