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.
• Charles Greenleaf Bell, 94, of Putney. Died Dec. 25 in Belgrade, Maine, at the home of one of his five daughters. Former husband of Mildred MacKenzie. Husband of Diana (Danny) Mason. Father of Nona Bell Estrin and Delia Robinson of East Montpelier; Charlotte Bell Samuels of Fairfax, Calif.; Sandra Colt of Belgrade; and Carola Bell of Santa Fe, N.M. Born on Halloween 1916 in Greenville, Miss., he was the son of Judge Percy and Nona Archer Bell. He attended the University of Virginia in 1933 and was a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford, England. Was a vigorous and athletic polymath who had a long and distinguished academic and literary career, including many fellowships and honors. At Princeton, he had a faculty position for five years at the Institute in physics, concurrent with Albert Einstein and other celebrated physicists. At the University of Chicago, he taught with Stringfellow Barr and stumped for Adlai Stevenson. He found his academic home at Saint John's College's Great Books Program, first in Annapolis, Md., and later in Santa Fe. He continued to teach there and present his seminal work, Symbolic History, a series of 80 shows, into his mid-80s. He published two novels, The Married Land and The Half Gods, and three books of poetry: Delta Return, Songs for a New America, and Five Chambered Heart. At age 90, his last book was published, Millennial Harvest, an autobiography. His energy, passion and humor were legendary. Memorial information: None available at this time.
• Elizabeth M. “Betty” Cobb, 90, of Brattleboro. Died Jan. 7 at Vernon Green Nursing Home. Wife of the late Calvin C. Cobb for 19 years. Mother of Calvin Cobb, Jr. and his wife, Janet, of West Chesterfield, N.H., and Leon Cobb and his wife, Susan, of Vernon. Sister of Robert Covey and his wife, Sheila, of Wilmington. Predeceased by a sister, Margaret Green. Born in Wilmington, the daughter of Leon R. and Florence (Reed) Covey, the owners of the Covey & Allen Funeral Home. Graduated from Wilmington High School with the Class of 1938. She had been employed as front desk clerk for the Colonial Motel in Brattleboro and previously had worked at American Optical in Brattleboro. On a part-time basis, she had worked as a crossing guard in the vicinity of her home on Black Mountain Road. Enjoyed knitting, reading, polka music and day trips to Foxwoods. Memorial information: Graveside committal services will be held in Riverview Cemetery in Wilmington in the springtime. Donations to Vernon Green Nursing Home Activities Fund, 61 Greenway Drive, Vernon, VT 05354. Condolences may be sent to Atamaniuk Funeral Home at www.atamaniuk.com.
• Anne Noone Fairchild, 83, of Westminster West. Died Dec. 28 at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital. Wife of the late Robert Fairchild for 52 years. Mother of Beth Anne of Melbourne, Fla.; Michael of Brattleboro; Douglas of Westminster West; Drena of Denver; Kevin of Burlington; Brian of Westminster West; Richard of Putney; and Carolyn of Westminster West. Born in Newton, Mass., she graduated from Boston Latin High School. Attended Northeastern University. Worked as a specifications supervisor at an aircraft assembly plant during World War II. In the late 1940s, she moved to Brattleboro to work as a copywriter. After partnering with her husband in the operation of retail businesses in Brattleboro, the Fairchilds purchased the Putney General Store in 1974, which they operated until they sold the business in 2000. She spearheaded efforts to build an addition to Brattleboro's Oak Grove School, and was also involved in the planning and construction of the Brooks Memorial Library in the 1960s. After moving to Westminster West, she was a trustee of the Grammar School in Putney. In the 1950s and 1960s, she was active in the Democratic Party; she ran John F. Kennedy's 1960 presidential campaign in Windham County. In the Putney/Westminster area, the Fairchilds were known as the owners of the “Big House” on the Westminster West Road and took pleasure in providing a warm meal and good cheer to anyone who found their way to her door. Memorial information: A celebration of her life will take place in the spring, when she will be interred in the Westminster West Cemetery beside her husband, Robert. Donations to the Putney Historical Society to help support the rebuilding of the Putney General Store.
• Rachel L. Witham Goding, 89, of Westford, Mass. Died Dec. 31 at Westford Nursing and Rehab Center. Wife of the late Albert B. Goding. Mother of Susan Sullivan of Derry, N.H.; Stephen Goding of Brattleboro; and Thomas Goding and his wife, Elizabeth, of Springvale, Maine. Predeceased by a son, David Goding, and a sister, Thelma Cibel. Born in Acton, Maine, and was a Billerica, Mass., resident for more than 50 years before moving to Chelmsford, Mass., and most recently Westford. Was a bus driver for the former Vocell and Bent Bus Companies in Billerica, was a longtime Billerica poll worker and had been active at the Chelmsford Senior Center. Memorial information: A funeral service was held Jan. 3 at Sweeney Memorial Funeral Home in Billerica, with burial in Fox Hill Cemetery in Billerica. Donations to the Alzheimer's Association, 311 Arsenal St., Watertown, MA 02472.
• Margaret E. Schollard Pervier, 92, of Guilford. Died Dec. 25 at home. Wife of the late Raymond Pervier for 42 years. Mother of Michael Pervier, and his wife, Marlene, of Erving, Mass.; Kathleen Viens and her husband, Daniel, of Leyden, Mass., Mary Holloway and her husband, Scott, of East Hawley, Mass.; and Lisa Novak and her husband, Ed, of Guilford. Predeceased by a son, James Pervier. Born in Worcester, Mass., she was a 1937 graduate of Shrewsbury (Mass.) High School. Worked for Millers Falls Tool Co. as a time clerk. Attended St. Michael's Church in Brattleboro. Enjoyed crossword puzzles, bird watching, tag sales and music. She loved animals, especially her beloved cat, Sugar. For the past few years, she had attended the Gathering Place Adult Day Facility in Brattleboro. Memorial information: A funeral service was held Jan. 8 at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in West Brookfield, Mass., with burial in the spring in the Sacred Heart Cemetery. Donations to the Gathering Place, 30 Terrace St., Brattleboro, VT 05301.
• Elaine G. Ranney, 65, of Dummerston. Died Dec. 30 at her home. Wife of Charles H. Ranney for 40 years. Sister of Carol Faas of Jamaica and Phillip Grace of Addison. Born in Springfield, Vt., daughter of Leonard and Marion Cyr Grace. Raised and educated in Chester, graduating from Chester High School, Class of 1963, and was a proud member of the Chester High School band, playing the clarinet. Attended Northampton (Mass.) Commercial College, graduating in 1965, and later returned to the school after it became Northampton Junior College, earning her associate's degree. Spent most of her working career in banking and had been employed for 10 years at Brattleboro Savings & Loan, retiring from the mortgage department in 2007 due to her failing health. Previously, she was a commercial loan analyst for 15 years with the former Vermont National Bank. Was a longtime member of the Chester Baptist Church. Loved music and playing the piano, but especially cherished time spent with her family. Memorial information: A funeral service was held Jan. 5 at Dummerston Congregational Church. Burial in Dummerston Center Cemetery will take place in the springtime. Donations to the Oncology Department at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital, 17 Belmont Ave., Brattleboro, VT 05301. Condolences may be sent to Atamaniuk Funeral Home at www.atamaniuk.com.
• Harry Ernest Robins, 69, of Putney. Died Jan. 1 at Grace Cottage Hospital in Townshend. Husband of Diane L. Burke for 44 years. Father of Stacey Robins-Wismann of West Wardsboro; Jody Robins of Putney; Patrick Robins of Crestview, Fla.; and Brian Robins of Mastic, N.Y. Predeceased by a brother, Kenneth Robins, and a sister, Shirley King. Born in Elkton, Md., and raised and educated in Center Moriches, N.Y. He was a graduate of Center Moriches High School, Class of 1959, and served in the Navy. For 31 years, he was employed as superintendent of grounds and maintenance at Calverton National Cemetery in Calverton, N.Y. He was also a master carpenter and previously he worked in the construction industry in New York. Moved to Putney with his family in 2003. Loved the outdoors and enjoyed gardening, riding on his tractor, nature, birds, and woodworking. Memorial information: A graveside committal service with full military honors will be conducted in Calverton National Cemetery. Donations to Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301. Condolences may be sent to Atamaniuk Funeral Home at www.atamaniuk.com.
• Portia Tsehai “Poppy” Shapiro, 39, of Brattleboro. Died Jan. 1. Daughter of Dianne and the late Howard Shapiro. Sister of Noah of Springfield, Vt. Born in Brattleboro, she attended schools in Brattleboro, graduating from Chapel Hill, Chauncy Hall in Waltham, Mass. She went on to attend Bard College. She worked for several years in the family business in Northampton, Mass. She then moved to San Francisco in 1995, where she was a self-employed housekeeper. She loved friends and family, reading and writing, cats, and kitsch and was known for her great kindness and loyalty and a wicked sense of humor. Memorial information: A funeral service was held on Jan. 11 at Ker-Westerlund Funeral Home in Brattleboro, with burial at the Brattleboro Area Jewish Community Cemetery. Donations to the Brattleboro Area Jewish Community, P.O. Box 2353, Brattleboro, VT 05301.
• Leo Francis Sikoski, 89, of Hinsdale, N.H. Died Jan. 2 at Cooley Dickenson Hospital in Northampton, Mass. Husband of Cecelia Czernich for 63 years. Father of Edward L. Sikoski of Erving, Mass.; and Karen F. O'Connor and husband, Brian, of Amherst, Mass. Predeceased by four brothers and five sisters. Born in Hinsdale and graduated from Hinsdale High School, Class of 1939. Served in the Navy during World War II in the Pacific from 1942 to 1945. Was a custodian at the Auto Mall on Putney Road, retiring in 1995. Previously was employed by the state of New Hampshire as manager of the liquor store in Hinsdale and as a ticket agent at the former Hinsdale Raceway. Was a longtime communicant of St. Joseph's Catholic Church of Hinsdale, a member of the former Holy Name Society and held membership in American Legion Post 5. Enjoyed polka music, fishing, and day trips to Foxwoods. He was also an avid New York Yankees fan. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held on Jan. 6 at Mary Queen of Peace Parish (formerly St. Joseph's Church) in Hinsdale. Burial with full military honors will follow in Our Lady of Czestochowa Parish Cemetery in Turners Falls, Mass. Donations to American Legion Post 5, 32 Linden St., Brattleboro, VT 05301 or to, St. Joseph's Church, 35 Brattleboro Rd., Hinsdale, N.H. 03451. Condolences may be sent to Atamaniuk Funeral Home at www.atamaniuk.com.
• Walter Russell Smart Jr., 76, of Vonore Tenn., formerly of Putney. Died Jan. 1 at Ft. Loudoun Medical Center. Marvin Smart and his wife, Katherine, of Winchester, N.H.; Deborah Morton of Waterford, N.J.; Michael Smart and his wife, Robin, of Vonore, Tenn.; and Scott Smart of Keene, N.H. Brother of Geraldine Smart McCullock of Putney and Judy Smart Bell of Green River. Predeceased by his parents, Walter R. and Alta Harriet Graham Smart Sr., and siblings Ramona Bryant and Albert, Stanley, and Marvin Smart. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles in Brattleboro. Memorial information: Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery in Winchester, N.H.
• Dorothy M. Sparrow, 84, of Wilmington. Died Dec. 31 at the Centers for Living and Rehabilitation in Bennington. Wife of Dude Sparrow. Mother of Debra Wilson and her husband, Donald, of Wilmington; Kathy Stearns and her partner Steve Benedetto of Guilderland, N.Y. Born and raised in Wilmington, she graduated from Wilmington High School. She and her husband were the original owners of Dot's Restaurant in Wilmington. After they retired from running the restaurant, she worked as a retail clerk at Coombs Sugar House, the Christmas Barn, and Taddingers. She loved golfing, going for rides, shopping, going out to lunch and dinner, going camping with her family, animals, and flower gardening. Memorial information: A private graveside funeral service was held by the family. Donations to the American Cancer Society or the American Humane Society, in care of Covey & Allen Funeral Home, P.O. Box 215, Wilmington, VT 05363. Condolences may be sent to www.sheafuneralhomes.com.
• Shirley K. Stockwell, 89, of Putney and Fruitland Park, Fla. Died Jan. 3. Wife of Earl W. Stockwell. Mother of Suzannah and Nancy Stockwell of Fruitland Park; and John Stockwell of Leesburg, Fla. Sister of Gertrude Potash of Brattleboro. Born in Ashuelot, N.H., to Polish immigrant parents Wojcieck “John Smith” Kazmierczak and Constance (Sambraska) Kazmierczak. She was raised in Ashuelot and attended grammar and high school there until the family purchased a paper mill in Putney in 1938. Her father moved his family to Putney where they began the enormous task of refurbishing, renovating, and restarting the manufacturing of paper in the small town. She worked in the office and together with family members created the organization that came to be known as the Putney Paper Co. The Stockwells worked side by side until their retirement and the sale of the business in 1984. The business progressed through many phases of growth and expansion under the stewardship of the Stockwells and is still in operation today. After her retirement, she purchased a farm in Ocala, Fla., and became a prominent figure in the breeding and promotion of Polish and Russian Arabian horses. Memorial information: A funeral Mass will be held Jan. 13, at 11 a.m., at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church in Putney. Committal rites and burial in Mount Pleasant Cemetery will take place in the springtime. Donations to the Putney Volunteer Fire Dept., P.O. Box 875, Putney, VT 05346 or Cornerstone Hospice, 601 Casa Bella, The Villages, FL 32162. Condolences may be sent to Atamaniuk Funeral Home at www.atamaniuk.com.
• Rev. Charles Allen Waugaman, 78, of Jamaica. Died Dec. 6 in Arlington, Va., while visiting his family. Father of Bradford Waugaman of Jamaica, Seth Waugaman and his wife, Angela, of Arlington, Va.; Marlene Gibson and her husband, Ola, of Stone Mountain, Ga.; Peter Waugaman and his wife, Therese, of Aurora, Colo.; and Nathaniel Waugaman and his wife, Martha of Rockville, Md. Brother of Joan Hoiser and her husband, William, of Wilmington, Del.; and Kathleen Jay and her husband, Ernie, of Laurel, Md. Born in Lorain, Ohio, he was a son of the late Rev. John Waugaman and Ruth Callen Waugaman. Graduated from the University of the Arts and from Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, where he was made art director for the American Baptist churches, USA. Graduated from Allegheny College in 1967, receiving a master's degree in education. Headed the visual arts department at Judson College in Elgin, Ill., and served churches in Maine, Connecticut and Pennsylvania until 1997, when he retired to Vermont. Was a dedicated artist and a widely published poet and illustrator. He authored Time of Singing, a magazine of Christian poetry, and was an ongoing teacher at Baptist writers' conferences. Memorial information: A memorial service was held Jan. 8 at Jamaica Community Church. Condolences to the family may be sent to his son, Brad Waugaman, at P.O. Box 281, Jamaica, VT 05343.
• Donald Walter Williams, 59, of Townshend. Died Jan. 4 at his home. Son of June Brown and the late Lawrence Williams. Husband of Patricia Williams for 30 years. Father of Kristen and her husband, Skip Derry, of Townshend; and Ryan Patrick and his significant other, Katrina Huller, of New Paltz, N.Y. Brother of David and wife, Rindy, of Kentwood La.; Dennis and his wife Barbara of Enosburg Falls; and Douglas and wife, Jane, of East Fairfield. Was born at Grace Cottage Hospital, the first set of triplets born there. Was a 1969 graduate of Leland & Gray Seminary, and later graduated from the New England Fuel Institute at the top of his class. Was past fire chief and lifetime member of NewBrook Fire Department, past member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles, and past president of the Townshend Snowmobile Club. He was employed over the years by Barrow's Oil and Travis Bristol Enterprises. Also owned and operated several companies throughout his life, including Newfane Country Services, Don Williams' Rubbish Removal, and most recently, Affordable Small Engine Repair. Was an avid hunter, fishermen, gardener, and all-around lover of the outdoors. Memorial information: A memorial service was Jan. 9 at the NewBrook Fire Station, with a private burial in Woodlawn Cemetery in Newfane, in the spring. Donations may be made to NewBrook Fire and Rescue, P.O Box 77, Newfane, VT 05345, or to Grace Cottage Hospital, c/o Dr. Robert Backus, 185 Grafton Road, Townshend, VT 05353.
College news
• The following local students were named to the Dean's List for the Fall 2010 semester at Keene (N.H.) State College: Robin Lynn Allen of Brattleboro, Heather Leanne Bertram of Townshend, Amy Duffy of West Townshend, Leigha Elizabeth Geno of Brattleboro, Jocelyn Ashlee Hill of West Halifax, Lenea Brook Jacque of Brattleboro, Kimberly Anne Johnson of Brattleboro, Ignazio Enzo Macaluso of Brattleboro, MacKenzie Carter Prasch of South Londonderry, Travis John Schwartz of South Londonderry, William F. Sevigny of Vernon, Sarah Brooke Szarejko of Wilmington, and Philip Sean Zachariah of Putney.
• Ben Jerome-Lee, a freshman from Dummerston, was named to the Dean's List with a 3.73 GPA for the Fall 2010 semester at Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Conn. Jerome-Lee, a graduate of Brattleboro Union High School, is in Quinnipiac's School of Communications.
School news
• Sela Wang, a junior from Putney, was recently been named to the Honor Roll for the Fall term at the Loomis Chaffee School in Windsor, Conn.