College news
• Liliana Buettner of Dummerston was named to the fall 2024 Dean's List at Hartwick College in Oneonta, New York.
• Django Grace of Brattleboro and Cole Nelson of Putney were both named to the fall 2024 Dean's List at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri.
Obituaries
• Stephen W. Ames, 68, of Hinsdale, New Hampshire. Died at his home on March 9, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. Steve was born on Feb. 23, 1957, in Greenfield, Massachusetts. He lived in Greenfield until 1972, when his family moved to Brattleboro. He graduated with the Class of 1975 at Brattleboro Union High School. He was a car enthusiast all through his younger life, then ventured into trucks in his adult life. He loved hunting, fishing, and being outdoors working in his garden. He could fix just about anything and loved to have a project to tinker with. For 24 years, Steve worked as a maintenance tech at Westgate Apartments in Brattleboro. After retiring from Westgate, he did some part-time work and odd jobs to keep himself busy. Steve leaves behind his wife of 30 years, Kathy Ames; his daughter, Miranda Ames; his son, Tanner Ames; stepdaughters Dawn Cote and Tonia Maughan; his brother, Larry Ames; sisters Barb Croteau, Lori Ames, Brenda Ames, and Tracy Ames; sons and daughters in-law, many nieces and nephews, and three grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents, Harold and Hazel Ames, and his sister, Cindy Ames. He will forever be loved and missed by all. Memorial information: A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, April 6, from 1 to 5 p.m., at the Brattleboro Lodge of Elks, No. 1499, 75 Putney Rd.
• Margaret Bemis, 93, died peacefully on March 5, 2025 after a short illness. Margaret was born on July 31, 1931 and raised in Brattleboro. She married Lyle W. Bemis on June 21, 1950, and they had two children. They moved to Westminster West, where they raised Morgan horses as a family for 20 years. She loved to play cards and was an avid reader. She is survived by her two children, Deborah Janelle of Spring Hill, Florida, and Bennett Bemis of Thetford; as well as five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Memorial information: There will be no services.
• Judith Ann "Judi" Berthiaume Butynski, 74, died peacefully in her home on Feb. 22, 2025. A beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, she was born on June 30, 1950, to John and Lenore Berthiaume and grew up in Hinsdale, New Hampshire, where she attended elementary and high school. A longtime resident of the Brattleboro area, Judi was an active member of the Brattleboro Eagles, F.O.E. 2445, and the Brattleboro Lodge of Elks, No. 1499, where she formed lasting friendships and enjoyed being part of her community. She was a passionate lover of animals and took great pleasure in boating, fishing, and anything related to Harley-Davidsons. Above all, Judi cherished the special moments she shared with her grandchildren - Spencer Butynski, Peyton Butynski, and Ryder Butynski - who were the loves of her life. Judi was known for her candid nature and her ability to speak her mind. Whether offering a compliment or sharing her honest opinion, she never held back. She was a woman of strong convictions and great heart. Judi was predeceased by her parents; her beloved daughter, Erin Alissa Butynski; her granddaughter, Shea Alissa Butynski; and her fiancé, Steve Baldwin. She is survived by her son, Jeremy Butynski, and her three grandchildren, Spencer, Peyton, and Ryder. Judi is also survived by her brother, John Berthiaume, and his wife, Kate; her brother, Gene Berthiaume, and his wife, Sherry; as well as many nieces, nephews, and close friends, including Jenna Staats, Cherish Clark, Jean Wilde, Shelly Streeter, and Trilby Whitcomb. Memorial information: A celebration of Judi's life will be held on Sunday, March 30, at 1 p.m., at the Brattleboro Lodge of Elks, No. 1499. Family and friends are invited to bring a dish to share as they come together to honor Judi's memory.
• Frederick "Fred" Carsten, 85, of Chesterfield, New Hampshire. Died at his home on March 12, 2025. Born on June 14, 1939 in Hopkinton, Rhode Island, Fred lived a life defined by integrity, wisdom, and an unwavering love for his family. Fred was the beloved husband of Alice Carsten for 62 years, a partnership built on deep devotion and mutual respect. Together, they created a loving family that includes their children: Anne Keem and her husband Todd Keem, Duane Carsten and his wife Shelley Carsten, and Terry Gabriel and her husband Raymond Gabriel. His legacy continues through his cherished grandchildren-Breanna Catania and her husband Christopher Catania, Dylan Keem and his wife AnneMarie Keem, Morgan Mason and her husband Derek Mason, Alec Gabriel, Logan Carsten and his wife Trina Carsten, Jack Gabriel, and Maddie Steele and her husband Logan Steele-as well as his great-grandchildren Lee Stone, Reese Mason, Blake Mason, Weston Carsten and Charlotte Rose Catania. Fred grew up alongside his siblings Viola Paige, John Carsten, Raymond Carsten, and Julia Moon with her husband Jim Moon. He was predeceased by his parents, Frederick and Maude Carsten, as well as his sister Lana Vertuccio. A hardworking man with a humble spirit, Fred was known for telling things exactly as he saw them. His blue eyes reflected the depth of his character-straightforward yet kind-hearted. His hands skillfully shaped not only iron and wood but also the lives of those around him. He was a man of strength who stood firm in his beliefs while always offering unconditional love to those around him. Beyond his dedication to family, Fred had several passions that brought him joy. He was an accomplished gardener who found peace in nurturing the earth. He was an avid horse jumper and barbecuer - pursuits that reflected both his adventurous spirit and his love for bringing people together. Anyone who knew him well, knew he was infamous for creating the perfect pineapple pie, his love of snickerdoodle cookies and the satisfaction of a well-prepared bourbon Manhattan made his unique way. Fred's presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His honesty, warmth, and steadfast nature left an indelible mark on those fortunate enough to share in his life. May his memory bring comfort to those who loved him. Memorial information: To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Richard M. "Dick" Gale, 86, formerly of Brattleboro. Died on Feb. 23, 2025 in Louisville, Colorado. He was born on Sept. 16, 1938, in Brattleboro, the elder son of Richard E. Gale and Florence M. Gale. He is survived by his wife, Judith Schrom; his three sons, Ted and his wife Martha, Jon, and Andrew and his wife Tara; and by his two stepsons, Benjamin Schrom and his wife Poppy, and Will Schrom and his wife Jacky. He is also survived by his brother, Edwin, and his sister-in-law, Mary Beth, and eight grandchildren. Richard graduated from Brattleboro High School in 1956 and the University of Pennsylvania in 1960. After six months of active military duty at Fort Dix, New Jersey (followed by 5 1/2 years of reserve duty with the 103rd Engineering Battalion, Pennsylvania National Guard), he was employed at the home office of The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company and, subsequently, at the Insurance Company of North America (INA). During Dick's final four years at INA, he attended the night program at Temple University's law school, earning his law degree in 1971. Immediately thereafter, he returned to Brattleboro with his family, where he joined his father in the practice of law. He retired from his firm (then known as Gale, Corum, Mabie & Cook) at the end of 2003. His competence, dedication, and warm and friendly nature were grandly celebrated in a memorable retirement party attended by many of his colleagues at the bar, and other members of the community to whom he had devoted his professional life. He then enjoyed 2 1/2 years of retirement during which he participated in one of his great passions, saltwater sailing. He then returned to the law he loved and served the Vermont judicial system as Probate Register in Brattleboro until his final retirement in June 2013. The following year, Dick and Judith moved west to be nearer sons and grandchildren in Colorado and California. For more than 10 years, they visited the natural wonders of that part of the world, hiked the many trails, and delighted in the prairie dogs in their backyard. Dick also loved the English language, literature, and theater. As an amateur actor, he appeared in more than 30 local Brattleboro productions, beginning with a production of Royal Tyler's The Contrast in 1976, staged to commemorate the American bicentennial that year. Dick Gale was steady, selfless, and endlessly curious. He had a great capacity for friendship and thoroughly enjoyed many aspects of his long and productive life. Memorial information: A memorial service will take place in the cemetery of Christ Church in Guilford in August. Donations to the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302, or Colorado Public Radio, P.O. Box 17429, Denver, CO 80217.
• Marcia E. (Carlson) Leader, 81, of Putney. Died on March 8, 2025 after a long decline due to Alzheimer's disease. Marcia was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, on April 5, 1943 to Herbert and Helen Carlson. She graduated from Russell Sage College in 1965 with her R.N. certification. In June, 1965, she married John F. Leader, her high school sweetheart. The couple went on to have three children, Jennifer, Kelly, and Thomas, from 1967-1971, while living in Chicago, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and Williamsburg, Massachusetts. Marcia was an energetic, spectacular mother. In 1974, the Leader family moved to Putney where Marcia was active in the community. In the late 1970's, Marcia began working as the school nurse at Austine School For The Deaf. Starting in 1985, Marcia began her tenure at The Grammar School in Putney, teaching third and fourth grades, and later becoming their Director of Admissions. Marcia loved working at The Grammar School, and would visit even after she became sick with dementia - the family appreciated their accommodation of her. After retiring from The Grammar School, Marcia volunteered as a Guardian Ad Litem in the court system. She tirelessly shared her love; both with her family, as well as with people she barely knew. Many will remember her amazing ability to create wonderful food for hoards of people, and her distribution of wonderful Swedish breads at Christmastime. Marcia adored her four grandchildren, Katelyn, Sean, Jax, and Corinne, and would drop everything to enjoy their successes or wipe away their tears. Marcia is survived by her husband of 60 years, John; brother, Jack, and wife, Carol; children: Jennifer Donovan and husband, Casey; Kelly Johnson and husband, Scott; and Thomas Leader; and grandchildren Katelyn and Sean Donovan, and Jax and Corinne Johnson. Memorial information: A celebration of Marcia's life will be held at The Grammar School on Saturday, April 12, at 1 p.m. All are welcome. Donations to The Grammar School, 159 Grammar School Lane, Putney, VT 05346. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Donna L. Rice of Grafton died at Grace Cottage Hospital in Townshend on Feb. 27, 2025. She was born in Bellows Falls to Donald Rice and Mary (Lockerby) Rice. She attended school in Grafton and graduated from Bellows Falls High School. Donna went on to Lewiston, Maine, to become a hairdresser, then worked a majority of her career at Plaza Styling Salon in Springfield, Vermont, and had many wonderful clients over the years. Donna's favorite vacation spot was Old Orchard Beach in Maine. Donna is survived by her son, Shawn Rice and her sister, Barbara Bragg. She i+s also survived by nephews, David and Kevin and niece, Sandra. She was predeceased by her parents and siblings John Rice and Sharon Rice. Memorial information: At this time, there will be no services.
• Allen F. Weeks, 77, died peacefully on March 11, 2025. He was born on May 13, 1947, in Rutland to the late Lyle and Mary Weeks. He graduated from Rutland High School in 1965 and then attended Castleton State College before serving in the Air Force. Following his honorable discharge in 1972, he began working in the grocery industry. After working with the public in the grocery business for several years, Allen realized his true calling and made a total career change. He graduated from the Vermont Police Academy and started his law enforcement career with the Windham County Sheriff's Department, eventually achieving the rank of Chief Deputy. While employed by the Sheriff's Department, Allen attended Community College of Vermont where he attained an associate's degree in criminal justice. After his career with the Sheriff's Department, Allen worked for the U.S. Marshals Service in Brattleboro, where he retired as the lead court security officer in 2011. In 2011, Allen and his wife Donna moved to Milford, Delaware. Soon after moving to Delaware, Allen learned that full retirement was not for him and he took on the position of security officer for the state of Delaware where he worked and eventually retired from. Allen was a very talented musician, having started in his early childhood with the support of his grandmother who paid for his lessons. Allen played a variety of instruments to include the accordion, trumpet, saxophone and trombone. His love of music led him to join the Brattleboro American Legion Band, and the Milford Community Band and the Dover Symphony Orchestra in Delaware. Throughout Allen's life, he was involved in many community events. Allen was particularly proud of helping create the Guilford Little League and coaching his son Scott, and many other young children. Allen had many hobbies which included bowling, softball, hunting, and stock car racing. Allen enjoyed NASCAR and loved Dale Earnhardt. Through these hobbies, he developed many deep and lasting friendships. Allen is survived by his wife of 45 years, Donna Weeks; his stepson, Scott Clark and fiancée Wendy Johnson; grandchildren Sydney, Zachary, and Alec Clark; as well as his future grandchildren, Jake Johnson and his wife Abbie, and Noah Ortiz. Memorial information: A celebration of his life will take place in Vermont at a later date in May. To offer condolences, visit rogersfhmilford.com.
Services
• A Celebration of Life service for Barry Barker Hilton will be held Saturday, March 22, from noon to 3 p.m. at the NewBrook Fire Station on Route 30 in Newfane. Mr. Hilton, of Bellows Falls and a former resident of Townshend, died Dec. 4, 2024, at Grace Cottage Hospital. To view his full obituary and offer condolences to the family, visit atamaniuk.com.
This Milestones item was submitted to The Commons.