Obituaries
Editor's note: The Commons will publish brief biographical information for citizens of Windham County and others, on request, as community news, free of charge.
• Thomas Edward “Tommy” Finnell, 47, of Putney. Died Dec. 21 at the home of his sister, Kathleen Babbitt, and her fiancé, Mike Lowe, with whom he resided with for the past several years. Son of the late Michael and Theresa (LaValley) Finnell. Brother of Brian Scott Finnell of Westminster West. Predeceased by a brother, Roderick Finnell. Born in Brattleboro and attended the former Francis Hicks School and was a graduate of Brattleboro Union High School. While in high school, Tommy served as an assistant manager for the boys' varsity baseball, football, and basketball teams, a position that he continued for more than 25 years. He also assisted the local American Legion baseball teams during that time. In conjunction with his love for local sports, he was an avid Boston Red Sox, Boston Celtics, and New England Patriots fan. Up until his illness prevented him from working, he had been employed at Fleming Oil Company on Putney Road. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held on Dec. 27 at St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church in Brattleboro, with burial in the Finnell family lot in St. Michael's Parish Cemetery. Donations to the BUHS Varsity Sports Program, 131 Fairground Road, Brattleboro, VT 05301, Attn: Chris Sawyer. Condolences may be sent to Atamaniuk Funeral Home at www.atamaniuk.com.
• Mary C. Folsom, 80, of West Townshend. Died Dec. 26 at Thompson House in Brattleboro. Wife of the late Hugh C. Folsom for nearly 47 years. Mother of Hubey Folsom of Brattleboro; Cathy Folsom of Dayton, Ohio; and Elizabeth Folsom of Newton, Kan. Sister of William S.. Calkin of Golden, Colo.; Hannah S. Parris, of Modesto, Calif.; and Abigail B. Calkin, of Gustavus, Ark. She was born in Framingham, Mass., graduated Walnut Hill School in 1947, and graduated from Mount Holyoke College in 1951. She, her husband, and his parents started Windham Hill Inn in 1962, selling it in 1978. She oversaw a huge garden and cooked gourmet meals for her many guests. Having traveled all over the nation, she favored protecting our environment, national parks, and open spaces and fostered a love for the outdoors and all of nature. Memorial information: No services are planned.
• Albert E. French, 85, of Westminster. Died Dec. 20 at his home. Husband of Jane Burney for 57 years. Father of Gail Davis of Saxtons River; Laurie and David Noyes of Bellows Falls; Cynthia and Ron Cole of Pocomoke City, Md.; and Thom and Hyon Suk “An” French of Bellows Falls. Brother of Madeline Kinney of Bellows Falls and Beatrice Perry of Cambridgeport. Predeceased by siblings Bertha, Hattie, Robert, Clifford, and Richard. Attended schools in Westminster West. Worked for Vermont Copper Craft in Townshend and retired from Bryant Grinder in 1985 after 36 years. He was a dealer at Newfane Flea Market, Stone House Antiques, and the Big Red Barn for many years. He was great for knowing “what's this” when anyone asked. Was an avid gardener and loved his flowers, and was a member and faithful trustee of the First Baptist Church in Bellows Falls for more than 50 years. Memorial information: A funeral service was held Dec. 23 at the First Baptist Church in Bellows Falls. Donations to the First Baptist Church, 9 Church Sr., Bellows Falls, VT 05101 or to a charity of choice.
• Nicholas Gladke, 85, of Spofford, N.H. Died Dec. 23. Husband of Helen Chomitz for 51 years. Father of Nicholas Stephan of Spofford; Darlene Bialowski of Spofford; Helena Queenie of Wilmington and Mountain Village, Ark.; and Nikola Gladke of Spofford. Born in Yonkers, N.Y., the son of Russian immigrant parents Stephan and Eva (Tutko) Gladke. Attended Pace University before serving in the Army Air Corps from 1943 to 1945 as a B-29 tail gunner in the 881st Bomb Squadron during World War II. He flew in many missions over Japan, receiving decorations and citations. He was lost at sea for four days in the Mariana Islands when his plane was shot down, but he and his crew all survived. Worked for Armour Meat Packing Co. in New York and purchased the Hillside Tavern in Yonkers, N.Y., operating it until 1964. Later, he and his family moved to Brattleboro, and they purchased and operated the former Alfredo's Restaurant in Brattleboro, renaming it the Lamplighter Inn. The restaurant, which he operated until he retired in 1989, received many awards, was featured in an issue of Ford Times magazine, and was locally known for its piano bar and weekend player. He enjoyed gardening, keeping the grounds of the inn perfectly manicured, oftentimes not letting guests know that he was the owner and not the gardener. He also enjoyed wine making and playing golf. He was a member of the VFW, American Legion, Shriners, and Masons, as well as various restaurant associations. Memorial information: Burial in Freidsam Cemetery in Chesterfield, N.H., will take place in the springtime. Condolences may be sent to Atamaniuk Funeral Home at www.atamaniuk.com.
• Byllee Kern Lloyd Gould, 94, of Newfane. Died Dec. 29 at Westwood Care Center in Keene, N.H. Wife of the late Aubrey H. Lloyd and the late Donald P. Gould. Mother of Alane Perkins of Newfane and Jean Casceillo and her husband, David, of Fairfield, Conn. Stepmother of James Lloyd of Plain City, Ohio; Donald Lloyd of Dudley, N.C.; Barbara Foreit of Norwalk, Conn.; Patricia Brovender of Stratford, Conn.; and Audrey Buchner of Riverside, Fla. Survived by 22 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren. Born in Silvermine, Conn., daughter of Ernest and Grace Dickens Kern, graduated from Winnepauck High School in 1934 and later went on to Merrill Business School. As a young woman, she worked for Connecticut Hardware for several years and especially enjoyed modeling for the Silvermine artist community. Memorial information: A private graveside service will take place at Riverside Cemetery in Norwalk, Conn.
• Roswell Gilderdale Hebard, 88, of South Royalton. Died Dec. 20. Husband of Nancy (Donelson) Hebard for 55 years. Father of Cristine Carabeau and her husband, Larry, of Tinmouth; Mary Fifield and her husband, Gary, of Buxton, Maine; Linda Crawford of Plymouth, N.H.; Susan Ireland and her husband, William, of Newmarket, N.H.; and Norman Hebard and his wife, Kimberly, of South Royalton. Predeceased by his sister, Claire Dill. Born in Ashfield, Mass., educated in a one-room schoolhouse in Colrain, Mass., and graduated from the former Arms Academy in Shelburne Falls, Mass. Served in the Army in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Was self-employed all of his life, he dairy and tree farmed in Guilford from 1950-1956 and 1956 to 1968 in Whitingham. The family later moved to their farm to South Royalton, where he raised Herefords, strawberries, and vegetables, produced maple syrup, and ran a two-man sawmill for more than 35 years. He had a keen intellect and a quick, dry sense of humor. Gardening was his passion. Memorial information: A funeral service was held Dec. 27 at the Royalton Academy Building in Royalton. A private burial will be held at a later date at the request of the family. Donations to South Royalton Fire and Rescue, P.O. Box 204, South Royalton, VT 05068.
• Richard Edward “Dick” Houle, 80, of Brattleboro. Died Dec. 29 at Pine Heights Nursing Home in Brattleboro. Husband of Ella Cartin Houle for 33 years. Former husband of Paula Haynes. Father of Kelly Parker and husband Milo of Peterborough, N.H.; James Houle and wife, Valerie, of Augusta, Maine; Rick Houle and wife, Judy, of Tyngsboro. Mass.; Kevin Houle and wife, Tirzah, of Brattleboro; and David Houle and wife, Kathy, of South Portland, Maine. Stepfather of Thomas Churchill of Brattleboro and Debbie Saltonstall of Severeville, Tenn. Predeceased by siblings Leonard Houle, Jerome “Jerry” Houle, and Jeanette LaBrecque. Born in Ashuelot, N.H., the son of Oliver and Ora (Roy) Houle, he was raised and educated in Ashuelot and was a graduate of Thayer High School in Winchester, N.H., Class of 1949. Served in the Air Force for more than 20 years, including during the Vietnam Conflict, and was honorably discharged from active service in 1972. Worked as club manager for American Legion Post 5 in Brattleboro, and following his retirement, worked as a part-time cook at Hilltop House. Previously worked as a cook at the former Lamplighter Motel and Steakhouse, and at the former Country Kitchen Restaurant, both in Brattleboro. Was a member of American Legion Post 5 and VFW Carl M. Dessaint Post #1034. Enjoyed baseball and was an avid supporter of the Brattleboro Little League program. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held Jan. 3 at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Brattleboro. Burial with full military honors in Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Putney will be held in the springtime when the cemetery reopens. Donations to the Brattleboro Little League program, in care of American Legion Post 5, Linden Street, Brattleboro, VT 05301. Condolences may be sent to Atamaniuk Funeral Home at www.atamaniuk.com.
• Dorothy Mock Jones, 89, of Hartford, Vt. Died Dec. 21 at her home in Hartford. Sister of the late Col. Richard Mock. Graduated from Hartford High School, class of 1939. She attended Posse School on a basketball scholarship and earned a B.S. degree in Physical Education at Temple University. Coached and played semi-professional basketball for the Bellows Falls Squaws. Taught physical education at Bellows Falls High School for 25 years and obtained a Master's degree in guidance from Keene State College. Was director of guidance at Bellows Falls Elementary School for 14 years. An early equality advocate for women's sports, she headed the move for the first Vermont state girls' basketball tournament, held in Springfield. She was a very successful coach and also officiated for many years in basketball, softball and field hockey. The “Dot Jones“ League for basketball was started in her honor with eight participating schools. She was inducted into the Bellows Falls Hall of Fame. After she retired from teaching, she served the town of Hartford for 17 years as lister and nine years as a Hartford Town Library trustee. Was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, Eastern Star, the Upper Valley Community Grange, Vermont Retired Teacher's Association, Hartford Women's Club, and Hartford Historical Society, which she served as president for many years. Memorial information: A funeral service was held Dec. 28 at the Greater Hartford United Church of Christ, with burial in Hartford Cemetery. Donations to the Hartford Women's Club, Box 331, Hartford, VT. Condolences may be sent to Knight Funeral Home at www.knightfuneralhomes.com.
• Pastor Leonard Nadeau, 72, of Brattleboro. Died Dec. 19. Son of Yvonne Nadeau and the late Armand J. Nadeau. Husband of Dr. Janice Winchester Nadeau for 52 years. Father of Laurinda, Michael, and Mark Nadeau. Brother of Armand J. Nadeau II, Betty Lou Whipple, Sylvia Heath, Paul Nadeau, and David Nadeau. Predeceased by a daughter, Cindy Nadeau Wetherby, and a brother, Gary Nadeau. Served five years in the Air Force and taught high school English in Rutland for 14 years. He served as a Lutheran pastor at several churches in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Loved dancing, cooking, storytelling, art, books, movies, games, playing piano, and writing poetry. Memorial information: A memorial service in Brattleboro is pending for this summer.
• Rebecca B. Ohni, 79, a.k.a., Joseph Moses. Died Dec. 19. Former husband of Anita Krochmal. Father of Elan and Marc Moses. Born in Springfield, Mass., at age 14, he was sent to Yeshiva in Brooklyn, N.Y., to become a Rabbi. He left at age 17 and hitchhiked across the United States. Upon returning, he put his love of language and puns to work writing ad copy. Completed both his Bachelor's and Master's degrees at the University of Chicago in under four years. Became a professor of English at SUNY-Plattsburgh, and later taught at Hunter and Baruch College of CUNY. He was a writer in many genres, including several children's stories, one of which, The Great Rain Robbery, was published in 1975 by Houghton Mifflin. During this time, he received his Ph.D for a thesis on George Meredith, later published as The Novelist as Comedian in 1983. His poem, Bar Ledge, was published in The New Yorker in 1980. Upon retiring from teaching, he rekindled his love of Judaism, received ordination as a Rabbi, and took leadership of a congregation in New Castle, Pa., where he served for three years. He then returned to a home he had purchased after retiring on the northern-most coast of Maine. In 2003, he moved closer to his son Elan in southern Vermont. At 74, he made a very courageous decision to let the world know that he had always identified internally as a woman. For the last part of her life, she was known as Rebecca Ohni. She was greatly loved and respected by the members of the Brattleboro Area Jewish Community, who referred to her as Reb Rebecca, and were grateful for her extensive knowledge of Torah and love of Jewish melodies. Memorial information: A memorial service was held Dec. 20 at Ker-Westerlund Funeral Home in Brattleboro. Donations to any environmental cause one may support.
• Barbara Pomo, 75, of Whitingham. Died Dec. 18 at her home. Wife of Jim Cormier of Whitingham. Mother of Michael Pomo of Preston, Conn.; Mitchell Pomo of Jewett City, Conn.; Melissa Matylewicz of Montville, Conn. Born in Hartford, Conn., and attended local schools. Was the first female police officer for the Norwich, Conn., Police Department, retiring after 18 years of service. Memorial information: At the request of the family, there are no formal funeral services. Donations to the Whitingham Rescue Squad or the Whitingham Free Public Library, in care of Covey & Allen Funeral Home, P.O. Box 215, Wilmington, VT 05363.
• Anthony Joseph Roy Jr., 25, of Guilford. Died unexpectedly at his home. Son of Anthony J. Roy Sr. and Cindy Butterfield Molitoris. Brother of Denise Roy and Steve Molitoris Jr., both of Guilford. Born in Holyoke, Mass., and attended school in Brattleboro, where he also worked as a cook and in the construction industry. He was a member of the Boy Scouts in Guilford, and enjoyed camping, drawing tattoos, fishing, and hanging out with his friends and family. Memorial information: A funeral service was held Dec. 30 at Fenton & Hennessey Funeral Home in Bellows Falls.
• Eleanor B. Scott, 79, of Brattleboro. Died Dec. 24 at Harborside Applewood Healthcare in Winchester, N.H. Wife of the late Kenneth Howe. Mother of Terry Howe, and his wife, Linda, of Brattleboro; and Patti French, and husband, Lester, also of Brattleboro. Sister of Dorothy Russocki of Dayton, Ohio. Predeceased by a grandson, Nathaniel French, and a brother, Robert Brown. Graduate of Brattleboro High School, Class of 1949. Worked in the cafeteria at Brattleboro Union High School, retiring in 2003. Previously worked as a lens inspector at American Optical for 20 years. Was a longtime member of First United Methodist Church, the United Methodist Women's Group. and held membership in the American Legion Post 5 Auxiliary. Memorial information: A funeral service was held Dec. 29 at First United Methodist Church in Brattleboro, with burial in Meetinghouse Hill Cemetery. Donations to First United Methodist Church, 18 Town Crier Drive, Brattleboro, VT 05301. Condolences may be sent to Atamaniuk Funeral Home at www.atamaniuk.com.
• Roger A. “Sparky” Sparks, Sr., 72, of Newfane. Died Dec. 22 at Samaritan Hospice at Virtua Memorial Hospital in Mount Holly, N.J. Former husband of Mary Boyington and Beverly LaVallee. Father of Deborah Melendy and Donna Howland, both of Winchester, N.H.; Roger Sparks, Jr., of Methuen, Mass., and Jonathan Sparks of Meriden, Conn. Stepfather of Paula Ferguson of Jacksonville, Jerry O'Brien of East Dover, and Joseph Sagendorf of Troy, N.Y. Brother of Harold “Sonny” Sparks of West Brattleboro and Harlan Sparks of New Hartford, N.Y. Predeceased by a daughter, Amanda Rose. Born at home on the family farm, Elm Grove Farm, on Sept. 18, 1938, son of Harold and Hazel Perry Sparks. A lifelong resident of the area, he attended school in Newfane and was a graduate of Brattleboro Union High School, Class of 1956. For many years, he served as lister for the town of Newfane and also worked in numerous positions at Mount Snow in West Dover. He also operated the family farm, primarily raising beef cattle. Also enjoyed haying for numerous clients in the Newfane/Dover area. For many years, he wintered in Florida, owning homes in Titusville and Nims. Memorial information: A funeral service was held Dec. 28 at the East Dover Baptist Church, with burial in the family lot in South Newfane Cemetery. Donations to Samaritan Hospice, 5 Eves Drive, Suite 300, Marlton, NJ 08053. Condolences may be sent to Atamaniuk Funeral Home at www.atamaniuk.com.
• Frank William Walter, 93, of Westminster. Died Dec. 22 at home. Husband of Muriel Holmes and Karen Stookey-Witzig. Father of Amie, David, Leslie, and Roy Walter. Stepfather of Nancy Vezza and Gayle Cruces. Grew up in Queens, N.Y., and was a enthusiastic Eagle Scout in his youth. Attended Pratt Institute and Columbia Teachers College, earning a Masters in Art Education. His first job in display arts was at Bliss Company, designing sets for Macy's holiday windows. After Pearl Harbor, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps and was a photo officer and navigator on B-17 and B-29s. Following the war, he was a teacher in Roslyn, Long Island, N.Y., where he taught art and outdoor education for 37 years. He made life his art, and learning his pleasure. Sharing this was his mission. He loved to travel and guided bicycle trips for American Youth Hostel. On one of these trips, he became enamored of the Connecticut River valley of Vermont and purchased a farm in Westminster in 1964, which became a second home for his family and, ultimately, his retirement home. While in Westminister, he participated in the First Congregational Church, Westminster Cares, New England Kurn Hattin Homes, Westminster Center School, and the Westminster Historical Society. He painted, in watercolors, every week until recently. Memorial information: A memorial service is planned for Jan. 15, at 11:30 a.m., at First Congregational Church in Westminster. Donations to the Westminster Fire and Rescue Squad and the First Congregational Church.
• Stephen S. Stockwell, 58, of West Brattleboro. Died Dec. 19 while visiting his son's home. Son of the late Sherman and Violet (Robinson) Stockwell. Husband of Kathy Stockwell for 36 years. Father of Nicholas and Krystal (Johnson) Stockwell, of Williamsville; and Katie Stockwell of Brattleboro.Graduated from Brattleboro Union High School in 1971, where he received the Harold E. Wagner Award. After working various jobs in town, he retired a few years ago due to failing health. Memorial information: A memorial service was held Dec. 23 at Ker-Westerlund Funeral Home in Brattleboro. Donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
• Katherine “Kay” D. Widness, 92, of Sun City Center, Fla. Died Dec. 26. Wife of the late John E. Widness for 58 years. Mother of John “Jack” Widness and his wife, Michaelanne, of Iowa City, Iowa; and Karen Birch and her husband, Tom, of Prescott, Ariz. Born in Wilmington, where her family operated a farm, restaurant, and grocery store. She was the first in her family to attend college, graduating from the University of Vermont in 1940 with a degree in home economics. She went on to receive a Masters in human nutrition from Iowa State University. She first performed food research for the federal government and, after raising her two children, she went on to teach home economics and nutrition at the secondary school and junior college levels. Memorial information: A graveside memorial service is planned for the summer in Riverview Cemetery in Wilmington. Donations to CARE, The Salvation Army, and United Community Church in Sun City, in care of Covey and Allen Funeral Home, P.O. Box 215, Wilmington, VT 05363.
• Leona L. Wojtowitz, 89, of East Dummerston. Died Dec. 26 at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H., two days prior to her 90th birthday. She was born in Brattleboro, the daughter of Walter and Anna Zamrowski Woztowitz. At age 8, she and her family she moved to Miller Road in East Dummerston. Graduate of Brattleboro High School, Class of 1937. She had been employed at the Windham District Court and previously had worked as a secretary for Dewitt Beverage in Brattleboro. She also assisted with the day to day operation of her family's farm on Miller Road. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Brattleboro, where she served as a trustee, and also served on the cemetery commission for the town of Dummerston. For many years, she was a member of the Dummerston Historical Society. She loved music and was an accomplished vocalist. Enjoyed gardening, flowers, birds, especially cardinals, and her cats. She was predeceased by four brothers: Walter, Jr., Albert, Theodore, and Daniel Wojtowitz. Memorial information: Funeral services were held Dec. 31 at Atamaniuk Funeral Home in Brattleboro. Committal services and burial in the family lot in Dummerston Center Cemetery will take place in the springtime. Donations may be made to a charity of one's choice.
Births
• In Brattleboro (Memorial Hospital), Dec. 21, 2010, a son, Greyson Joseph Bellville, to Lindsay (Sanford) and James Bellville of West Chesterfield, N.H.; grandson to Allen Bellville, Susan Bellville, Loretta Sanford, and Theodore Sanford III.
School news
• Ian Baker, son of Mr. and Mrs. James Francis Baker II of East Dummerston, was named to the Fall Term 2010 Deans' List at Choate Rosemary Hall in Wallingford, Conn.
• Derek J. Sargent of Guilford, Stefan A. Schmidt of South Londonderry, and Matthew M. Sims of Stratton have been nominated by U.S. Sens. Patrick Leahy and Bernie Sanders and Congressman Peter Welch to join the U.S. Service Academies. Sargent has been nominated for the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., Schmidt has been nominated for the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., and Sims has been nominated to the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, N.Y. In all, 29 Vermonters were nominated to the service academies.