Obituaries
Obituaries 09/07/09
Phyllis L. Bergedick
MIDDLEBURY — Phyllis L. Bergedick, 88, died Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2009, at Porter Hospital following a period of failing health.
Born Feb. 3, 1921, in Dayton, Ohio, she was the daughter of the late Ralph and Marie (Geis) Heffner. Phyllis had lived in Middlebury since 1966, moving here from Fayetteville, Ark.
Mrs. Bergedick was a secretary to the principal at Middlebury Union High School, retiring in 1981.
She was a proud volunteer for the American Red Cross and Porter Hospital and was a communicant of St. Mary’s Church.
Surviving family members include one son, Robert A. Bergedick Jr. of Middlebury; four daughters, Kay B. Doolan and her husband James of Ripton, Patricia A. Lynch and her husband Paul of Poultney; Nancy L. Bergedick and her companion Gene Connelly of East Bridgewater, Mass., JoAnn Bergedick and her special friend Lauren Aldrich of Brisbane, Australia; one sister, Emma Anderson of Dayton, Ohio; two grandchildren, Shane Lynch of Burlington and Megan Lynch of Poultney; nine step-grandchildren; 20 step-great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews; and a special friend, Louise Forgues.
Phyllis was predeceased by her husband, Robert A. Bergedick Sr. in 1980; a son, Billy Joe Bergedick; and two brothers, Robert and Jack Heffner.
There will be no calling hours.
A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated Saturday at St. Mary’s Church with the Rev. Brian O’Donnell, associate pastor, as celebrant. Burial will take place at a later date in Dayton, Ohio.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Addison County Home Health and Hospice, P.O. Box 754, Middlebury, VT 05753, or to Middlebury Volunteer Ambulance Association, P.O. Box 504, Middlebury, VT 05753.
Arrangements are under the direction of Sanderson Ducharme Funeral Home, Middlebury.
Esther Valentine
LINCOLN/BRISTOL — Esther Wasley Valentine, 94, died Thursday, Sept. 3, 2009, at Cold Spring Care Home in Lincoln.
She was born Nov. 10, 1914, in Bristol, Conn., the daughter of John Irving and Esther Perkins Wasley.
She attended Bristol, Conn., schools through high school.
She took nurses’ training at Methodist Episcopal Hospital in Brooklyn, N.Y. She received her RN in New York, Connecticut and Vermont.
In 1941 she married Bernard S. Valentine. They moved to Bristol, Vt., in 1946. She did private duty at Mary Fletcher and private duty and floor duty at Porter Hospital.
She was a life member of the Bristol Rescue Squad. She was a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Bristol, serving as church clerk for 40 years. She was active in the children’s department and vacation Bible schools. She helped present the message that smoking was hazardous to health by participating in smoking cessation programs and displays at Addison County fairs.
According to her relatives, her favorite color was red, if you can wear something red, then formal attire is not required.
She is survived by two daughters, Helen Turner of Lincoln, and Edith Towsley and her husband Paul of Hoosick Falls, N.Y.; a son, Daniel Valentine and his wife Linda of New Haven; three grandsons; three granddaughters; a great-granddaughter; her brother, Irving Wasley and his wife Barbara of Warren, Conn.; her sister Eleanor Menzer of Lincoln; and several nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her husband Bernard Valentine on Jan. 6, 2006.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 7, at Seventh Day Adventist Church in Bristol on Rockydale Road. Interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery in Bristol. Contributions may be made to the Bristol Rescue Squad, PO Box 227, Bristol, VT 05443; Addison County Home Health and Hospice, PO Box 754, Middlebury, VT 05753; or Audubon Vermont, 255 Sherman Hollow Road, Huntington, VT 05462.
Ella Smith
BRIDPORT — A celebration of Ella Smith;s life will be held on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2009, at 2 p.m. at the Masonic Hall in Bridport. Everyone who knew Ella is invited to come and share their memories with her family. Please join us for coffee, desserts and stories.
John Cousino
NAPLES, Fla. — John Clarence Cousino, 68, husband of Susan Cousino, died in Naples, Fla., on July 15, 2009.
Born in Monkton, he was the son of Benjamin V. and Melinda Cousino.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Sept. 12, 2009, at the United Pentecostal Church, Route 15, Jericho, Vt.
All are welcome.
Obituaries 09/03/09
Stewart Albert Rouse
TAMPA, Fla. — Stewart Albert Rouse, 90, died Aug. 28, 2009, at Hospice Home in Tampa, Fla.
He was born in Shoreham on Aug.19, 1919, the son of William and Sofia Rouse. He attended schools in Shoreham and Middlebury. After graduation he married Ruth Ellis and then enlisted in the armed forces. He served in the Philippines during World War II.
He was a pioneer in the milk hauling business during the transition of canned milk shipped by rail over to bulk milk shipped by truck transport, becoming one of the largest trucking companies in the Northeast, having well over 150 trucks. He also served two terms in the state Legislature, representing Hartford.
He was a 50-year member of Union Lodge No. 2 F. & A.M. and also a member of Shriners. He served on the board of directors for the Connecticut River Bank of Charlestown, N.H. His family says he was a well-respected and successful businessman; he accomplished this with the help of his wife Ruth.
He is survived by his friend and companion Joan Hoskins of Land O’Lakes, Fla.; two brothers, Sanford and his wife Theda of Brandon, and Charles and his wife Betty of Castleton; two sons, Richard and his wife Lucy of Brandon, and Stewart Jr. and his wife Karen of Eliot, Maine; one daughter, Marilyn and her husband Dale of Land O’Lakes, Fla; nine grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his wife Ruth and a son, Ellis.
There will be no calling hours. A graveside service will take place on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2009, at 11 a.m. at the Prospect Cemetery in East Middlebury. The American Legion Post 49 of Middlebury will provide military honors.
In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the Vermont Association for the Blind at 37 Elmwood Ave., Burlington, VT 05401-4390, or to the Shriners Hospital for Children at Shriners International Headquarters, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607.
Obituaries 08/27/09
Lawrence Gilbert Desjadon
ORWELL — Lawrence Gilbert “Larry” Desjadon died Monday, Aug. 24, 2009, at home surrounded by his family. He was 92.
He was born at home in Orwell on Nov. 4, 1916, to Steven and Marie Desjadon. He was one of six children.
He worked as a road foreman, construction worker and rubbish collector, and he also worked at Brookside Manor. He was a member of the First Congregational Church of Orwell where his family says he tended the flowerbeds with great pride.
Relatives say he enjoyed trout fishing, hunting and watching the Boston Red Sox play ball.
He is survived by his three daughters, Christy Alger and her husband Allen of Orwell, Margaret Hubbard of Hubbardton, and Sharon Whitehurst and her husband James of Wyoming; a sister, Elizabeth Archer of Chester; seven grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his wife of 66 years, Beulah (Lewis) Desjadon; three brothers, Clarence, Ernest and Warren; and a sister, Helen.
A graveside service will take place on Sunday, Aug. 30, at 2 p.m., at Mountain View Cemetery in Orwell, followed by a celebration of his life at his home. There will be no calling hours.
Memorial donations may be made in Lawrence’s name to the Orwell Fire Department, c/o Louis Hall, 178 Route 73, Orwell, VT 05760.
Winifred Frances Kane
BRANDON — Winifred Frances Kane, 88, died Friday, Aug. 21, 2009, at Helen Porter Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Middlebury.
She was born in New York City on March 9, 1921. She was the daughter of John and Kathleen (Griffin) Flanagan.
She received her early education in local city schools and graduated from Teaneck (N.J.) High School, class of 1940. She earned her degree in business administration from Immaculata College, class of 1944. Following graduation she worked a year on the Manhattan Project.
Nov. 6, 1945, she married Joseph L. Kane in St. Bede Chapel on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. They made their home in Paramus, N.J., until his death on March 9, 1957.
She worked as a legal secretary for the city of Del Ray Beach, Fla., for 22 years, as well as at the St. Petersburg (Fla.) Police Department. She moved to Brandon in 1982 and later to Rutland in 1994. She was a communicant at St. Mary’s Church in Brandon.
She is survived by two sons, Joseph L. Kane Jr. of Ashville, N.C., and Dennis R. Kane of Gainesville, Fla.; two daughters, Mary K. Brady of Port St. Lucie, Fla., and Christine M. Brown of Brandon; six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
In addition to her husband she was predeceased by three brothers, Joseph, John and Edward Flanagan; a sister, Margaret Gilcrease; and her twin sister, Kathleen O’Brien.
A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated on Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2009, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Brandon. The Rev. Albert “Skip” Baltz, pastor, was the celebrant. A private burial will take place on Thursday, Aug. 27, in the family lot at Mount Carmel Cemetery in Tenafly, N.J.
Memorial gifts may be made to Helen Porter Nursing Home, Recreational Fund for the Residents, Porter Drive, Middlebury, VT 05753.
Robert Alan Korda
GLENDALE, Calif. — Robert Alan Korda, 68, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, July 8, 2009, of a massive coronary, in Glendale, Calif.
He was born Oct. 4, 1940, in Far Rockaway, N.Y., to Irene and Abraham Korda. “Bobby” was first introduced to the violin when his eldest brother, Murray, placed his fingers on the strings as Bobby sat in his high chair. At age 3, he began taking lessons from Murray.
When the family moved to Los Angeles in 1947, he continued his studies and was accepted in the Merenblum Youth Symphony Orchestra. Over the years he played in trio and quartet concerts. He joined the Los Angeles Philharmonic in 1960, retiring in 1980.
In 1963, at Conrad Hilton’s request, Murray assembled the Monseigneur Strings for the Beverly Hills Hotel’s new restaurant, which soon became known for its elegant atmosphere and strolling violins. Bobby would fill in on nights that the L.A. Philharmonic didn’t perform. It was there that he met his first wife, Gayle Levant, the harpist for the Monseigneur. They divorced in 1967.
While playing the violin at the invitation of the music teacher of the International Children’s Center in Los Angeles, he met Venida Schartoff, a nursery school teacher. They were married in 1970 and had three children.
After his retirement from the philharmonic, he returned to the Monseigneur Stings. He took over the orchestra after his brother Murray was killed in an automobile accident in Vermont in 1998.
He was frequently seen in Addison County visiting family.
He leaves three children, son Noah, daughter Erin and her husband Darien Lazarus, and daughter Sarah Korda; a brother, Jerry; a sister-in-law, Joan Korda; his ex-wife and friend Venida Korda; and many nieces and nephews.
A celebration of his life was held Tuesday, Aug. 25, in Canoga Park, Calif.
He will be buried in the spring, next to his brother and his parents, in Mountain View Cemetery, in Orwell.
Donations in his memory may be made to the Music Guild, 6022 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 203, Los Angeles, CA 90036.
Harry A. Lawrence
NEW HAVEN — Harry A. Lawrence, 81, of New Haven, died on Aug. 23, 2009, while under the care of hospice, at the Meadows in Rutland. He was born in April 24,1928, in N.J., where he lived in the same home until 1983.
As a lifelong educator, he worked briefly as a science teacher and then entered administration, as a principal, in three elementary schools, a junior high and a high school, all in Union, N.J., his hometown.
After his first retirement, which brought him to Apple Green, his home in New Haven, he returned to public school administration, as an assistant principal and then principal of Mount Abraham Union High School. Upon his retirement from public education, he reentered the classroom at Middlebury College, as the leader of the teacher education program. With his final retirement, he shifted his focus to skiing, fishing and continuing to enjoy his life with Mary Ann, his wife of over 50 years.
He is survived by his two sons and their wives, five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
He was predeceased by his wife, Mary Ann, in March 2007.
According to Harry’s wishes, there will be no memorial service. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Addison County or Rutland Hospice.
William J. Murray
RIPTON — William J. Murray, 86, a resident of Ripton for the past 39 years, died Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2009 at Helen Porter Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Middlebury.
Born in Middlebury July 16, 1923, he was the son of the late Kenneth J. and Rena (Whittemore) Murray.
Mr. Murray served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during WW II. He was a member of the Middlebury American Legion Post 27.
He was a retired carpenter from Middlebury College where he worked for over 30 years.
He is survived by his son, William J. Murray II and his wife Tanya of Weston, Fla.; four brothers, Kenneth R. “Bob” Murray and James Murray, both of East Middlebury, John Murray of Germany and Paul Murray of Bristol; five sisters, Molly Flagg of Messina, N.Y., Patricia Austin of Vergennes, Nancy Abbott of Bristol, Shirley Dwyer of Bristol and Beverly Duchesne of East Middlebury; two grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his wife, Helen (Comes) Murray, in 1999 and a sister, Elizabeth Smith.
Friends may call Friday, Aug. 28, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Sanderson-Ducharme Funeral Home, 117 South Main St., Middlebury. Funeral services will be conducted at the funeral home at 11 a.m. Saturday with the Rev. Gary Lewis officiating. Burial will follow at Cook Cemetery in Ripton, with military honors being given by Middlebury American Legion Post 27.
Obituaries 08/20/09
Hubert S. Atkins
FERRISBURGH — Hubert S. Atkins, 74, died Saturday Aug. 15, 2009, at Fletcher Allen Health Care in Burlington.
He was born March 12, 1935, in Ferrisburgh, the son of John and Mildred (Decoursey) Atkins.
His relatives say he was an avid Red Sox fan and he enjoyed playing Wii Bowling. He was always happy and cheerful and he could see the best in everything and everyone. He was a true and loyal friend and would help his neighbors, friends and family.
He is survived by his wife, Linda Atkins of Ferrisburgh; a daughter, Lisa Morrison Stockwell of Ferrisburgh; a son, Patrick Morrison of Maine; a brother, Arland Atkins of Ferrisburgh; two grandsons; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
A graveside service was held Tuesday, Aug. 18, at North Ferrisburgh Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Addison County Home Health & Hospice, PO Box 754, Middlebury, VT 05753.
Stephen C. Cooke
BRIDPORT — Stephen C. Cooke, 89, a lifelong resident of Bridport, died Monday, Aug. 17, 2009, at his home, surrounded by his family.
Born June 20, 1920, in Bridport, he was the son of the late Patrick and Isabelle (Tully) Cooke.
He was a farmer and owned and operated Homesite Farm, a large Holstein dairy in Bridport, for many years.
He was a charter member of the Bridport Volunteer Fire Department, where he was an honorary member since 1961. He was active in the planning and implementation of Tri-Town Water District No. 1 and served as a water commissioner from 1965 through 1970. He served on the Bridport Board of Selectmen from 1960 through 1973 and earned a reputation for careful management of the town’s resources.
He was a communicant of St. Bernadette’s Roman Catholic Church of Bridport.
Surviving family members include his wife of 33 years, Margaret A. “Midge” Cooke of Bridport; two sons, Dr. Gary S. Cooke, DVM, and his wife Sharon of Port Henry, N.Y., and Dr. Stephen C. Cooke Jr., Ph.D., and his wife Judith of Moscow, Idaho; three daughters, Shelley Cooke of Newburyport, Mass., Katheryn Anne Cooke of St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Ellen-Anne Ross and her husband Gary of Charlotte, N.C.; one stepson, James A. Walker and his wife Mary of Bridport; two brothers, Patrick Cooke of Panton and Alan Cooke of South Burlington; two sisters, Anna Reynolds of Middlebury and Marie Wood of Norwich, N.Y.; 11 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Friends may call Thursday, Aug. 20, 2009, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Sanderson-Ducharme Funeral Home, 117 South Main St., Middlebury. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 21, at St. Mary’s Church in Middlebury, with the Rev. Brian O’Donnell as celebrant. Burial will follow in Bridport Central Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to the Bridport Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 27, Bridport, VT 05734, or Addison County Home Health and Hospice, P.O. Box 754, Middlebury, VT 05753.
Meta Cota
MONKTONBORO — Meta C. Cota, 86, died Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2008, at her home in Monktonboro surrounded by her loving family.
She was born on Oct. 27, 1922, in Bristol, the daughter of Louis and Grace (Shepard) Zeno.
She and her husband Miles owned and operated a farm in Monktonboro for many years. He predeceased her on June 4,1990.
She is survived by two sons, Roger Cota and his wife Alyson and Denny Cota, both of Monktonboro; a daughter-in-law, Terri Page and her
husband Rod of Underhill; 13 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by two sons, Larry and Lanny Cota; a daughter, Linda Farnham; and three sisters.
Funeral services will be held Friday, Aug. 21, at 11 a.m. at the Bristol Federated Church. Interment will be in Monktonboro Cemetery. Friends may call at the Brown-McClay Funeral Home in Bristol on Thursday, Aug. 20, from 5 to 7 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to Addison County Home Health and Hospice, Middlebury 05753.
Thomas Marcel Denis
WHITING — Thomas Marcel Denis, 52, died Saturday, Aug. 15, 2009, at Fletcher Allen Health Care in Burlington.
He was born in Middlebury on Oct. 1, 1956. He was the son of Raymond and Louise (Revegno) Denis.
He grew up in Leicester and Middlebury. He graduated from Middlebury Union High School, class of 1974. He afterwards attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, N.Y., for engineering.
He was a self-employed carpenter most of his life. His relatives say he was especially fond of the preservation and rehabilitation of historical buildings.
His family says he enjoyed hunting and fishing. He loved animals and dirt track racing at Devil’s Bowl.
He is survived by his parents, Raymond and Louise Denis of Benson; a daughter, Margaret Smithson of Burlington; a brother, Neil W. Denis of Warren; two sisters, Ann Marie Denis of Fairfield, Calif., and Jay Ellen Denis of Saratoga Springs, N.Y.; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.
The memorial service “In Celebration of His Life” will be held on Thursday, Aug. 20, 2009, at 7 p.m., at the Mallory Funeral Home in Fair Haven.
Friends may pay their respects to the family on Thursday from 6 p.m. until the time of the service.
Memorial gifts may be made to the Addison County Humane Society, 236 Boardman St., Middlebury, VT 05753.
Ruby Voorhees
BRISTOL — Ruby Helen (Thomson) Voorhees, 96, died Thursday, Aug. 13, 2009, at Porter Hospital in Middlebury.
She was born April 26, 1913, in Westchester County, N.Y., the daughter of John M. and Henrietta (Beaumont) Thomson.
The family moved in the early 1920s to the New Jersey shore area. On June 16, 1935, she married John Harley Voorhees in the Methodist Church of Manasquan, N.J. The ceremony was conducted by the groom’s great-uncle, the Reverend Henry Johnson. They spent more than 50 loving years at Euclid Avenue in Brielle, N.J.
Ruby’s final years were spent living in Bristol, first with her granddaughter and grandson-in-law, Jennifer and Jim Vyhnak, and then at Living Well Community Care Home.
She is survived by her two daughters, Susan Mae (Voorhees) and her spouse Robert Montgomerie of Dundee, N.Y., and Marilyn Etta (Voorhees) and spouse Johan A. Hansen of Brunswick, Maine; five grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
Services will be private, graveside, in Greenwood Cemetery, Brielle, N.J., at the family’s convenience. A celebration of life/memorial service is being planned for the near future in Bristol.
In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to the Addison County Humane Society in Middlebury.
Obituaries 08/17/09
Betty S. Cyr
NEW HAVEN — Betty S. Cyr, 86, died Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2009, at Helen Porter Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Middlebury.
Born Aug. 22, 1922, in Bristol, she was the daughter of Berley and Anna (Hallock) Sumner.
She married Donald R. Cyr and moved to New Haven, where they operated their farm and raised their children. Her family says she was a loving caring mother. She loved working in her garden, canning, word puzzles and her flowerbeds.
She is survived by five sons, Wayne D. Cyr and his wife Valerie of Hinesburg, Frederick C. Cyr and his wife Diana of Bowdoin, Maine, Maurice R. Cyr and his wife Margaret of Bristol, Rodney J. Cyr of New Haven, and Patrick D. Cyr and fiancée Jane Pidgeon of New Haven; one daughter, Marguerite A. Searle and fiancé Wayne Doane of Ripton; five brothers, Sonny, Tracy and Phillip Sumner of Bristol, Stanley Sumner of Fair Haven and Tex Sumner of Athol, Mass.; and a sister, Catherine Sibley of Burlington; five grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her husband, Donald R. Cyr, in 1995; a brother, Stuart Sumner; three sisters, Beatrice Downer, Barbara Manning and Marjorie Sumner; and a grandson.
A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated Friday, Aug., 14, 2009, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church Middlebury, with the Rev. William R. Beaudin, pastor, as celebrant. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery New Haven.
Memorial donations may be made to Addison County Home Health and Hospice, PO Box 754, Middlebury, VT 05753.
Cecile Gevry
ADDISON — Cecile Marie Gevry, 88, died Thursday, Aug. 13, 2009, at Kirk and Linda Roscoe’s care home in Bristol.
She was born in Bridport on Jan. 10, 1921, the daughter of Joseph and Marie (Faubert) Laframboise.
Her hobbies were gardening, mowing her lawn, canning meat and vegetables, baking, visiting and caring for her grandchildren, and helping her husband Lawrence with farm work until they retired. Her family says she had a very special companion, her cat Josie.
She is survived by her six children, Roger and Joanne Gevry of Addison, Rheal and Gail Gevry of Addison, Lee Gevry of Hinesburg, Bernard and Jennie Gevry of North Ferrisburgh, David Gevry of Addison, and Joyce and Joe Tarte of Addison; 17 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; three sisters, Aline Lafountain of Weybridge, Marcelle Bolduc of New Haven and Noella Dubois of Addison; and several nieces, nephews, sisters- and brothers-in-law.
She was predeceased by her husband Lawrence in March of 2000; a grandson, Christopher Gevry; two brothers, Guy Laframboise and Lucien Laframboise; and two sisters, Claire Hallock and Pauline Shackett.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 17, 2009, at St. Peter’s Church in Vergennes. Interment will be in St. Peter’s Cemetery in Vergennes.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Addison County Home Health & Hospice, PO Box 754, Middlebury, VT 05753, or Vergennes Area Rescue Squad, PO Box 11, Vergennes, VT 05491.
Obituaries 8/13/09
John Baker
NORTH FERRISBURGH — John H. Baker, 73, died peacefully Aug. 10, 2009, at Fletcher Allen Health Care, with his family by his side.
He was born July 16, 1936, in Yonkers, N.Y., the son of Clarence and Ruth (Gowett) Baker.
He graduated from Vergennes High School, class of 1955. He retired from IBM after 25 years of loyal service.
His family says he loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman. They say you could always catch him saying his morning prayers on his front porch in the sunshine.
He is survived by three daughters, Diane Baker and her companion Sean Sullivan of Greenville, N.C., Sharon Brown and her husband Bill of Vergennes, and Barbara Osborne and her husband Mark of Hinesburg; a son, John Baker and his wife Lisa of New Haven; three grandchildren; and three step-grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his parents; his sister, Ruth Ann Sears; and his dog, Moonie.
There will be no calling hours. A funeral will be held at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Vergennes Thursday, Aug. 13, at 11 a.m., with interment following in North Ferrisburgh Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, Vermont Affiliate, 77 Hegeman Ave. Colchester, VT 05446.
Bernice Stone
LEICESTER — Bernice Elizabeth Stone, 41, died Sunday, Aug. 9, 2009, at Porter Hospital in Middlebury.
She was born in Middlebury on Dec. 26, 1967, the daughter of Parker and Ruth (Cole) Stone Jr.
She received her education in local Leicester schools and attended Otter Valley Union High School.
She worked at Haven Health Care in Rutland. She also worked as a home care provider for several years. She most recently was working in the housekeeping department at Porter Hospital in Middlebury. Her family says she was an avid ghost hunter and was very interested in the paranormal.
Surviving is her partner of the past 28 years, Randy D. Cram of Leicester; two sons, Daryle Stone of Leicester and Randy N. Cram of Forest Dale; a daughter, Chantal Cram of Rutland; a brother, Thomas Stone of Leicester; four sisters, Darlyn Lussier of Middlebury, Sandra Cram of Leicester, Anne Stone of Brandon and Betty Cram of Leicester; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was predeceased by her parents and a brother, Gary A. Stone.
The funeral service will be held on Thursday, Aug. 13, 2009, at 1 p.m. at the Brandon Congregational Church. The Rev. Richard White, pastor, will officiate. The graveside committal service and burial will follow in the family lot, at Pine Hill Cemetery. Friends may call at the church on Thursday, from noon until the time of the service. Following the ceremony the family will receive friends in the church hall for a time of fellowship and remembrance.
Memorial gifts may be made to Addison County Home Health & Hospice, PO. Box 754, Middlebury, VT 05753, or to Rutland Area Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice, 7 Albert Cree Drive, Rutland, VT 05701.
Obituaries 08/10/09
Neil Bean
ST. ALBANS — Neil Bean, 70, died in Temple, Texas, on July 18, 2009. He was born Feb. 1, 1939, in Ottawa, Ontario.
He is survived by his wife, Vergennes native Jeanne (Coyle) Bean; a son, Mark Bean of Florida; two daughters, Michelle Bister and her husband Sgt. 1st Class Peter Bister of Fort Hood, Texas, Laura Bean and her fiancé Joe Sherwood of Pittsford; three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his parents, Edward and Laura Bean.
He graduated from Bellows Academy in 1957. He served in the U.S. Navy, worked for CV Railroad and retired from GE as a machinist after 28 years. He worked for the Army Corp of Engineers the last 11 years.
He was an alderman in St. Albans and served on several committees.
A funeral will held be at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Vergennes, Tuesday, Aug. 11, at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at St. Peter’s Cemetery.
Mortimer Foster Irwin
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Mortimer Foster Irwin, 86, died Aug. 4, 2009, at the White Oak Manor Nursing Home in Charlotte, N.C. He was a former Vergennes resident.
He served in the Marine Corps during World War II, then became a lifelong teacher and coach.
He is survived by his twin sisters, Diane M. Irwin of Charlotte, N.C., and Dawn I. Shaw of Leesburg, Va.
He was predeceased by his younger brother, Henry Irwin IV.
His ashes will be interred at the Congregational Church Cemetery in West Harland, Conn.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bixby Memorial Library, 258 Main St., Vergennes, VT 05491.
Cleo Chester Stone
PITTSFORD — Cleo Chester Stone, 74, died Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2009, at his home in Pittsford.
He was born in Brandon on Feb. 9, 1935, the son of Alson and Sadie (Whitney) Stone.
He received his education in local Brandon schools. Following his education he joined the Vermont National Guard, where he served as a cook.
He was an avid Red Sox fan. His family says he enjoyed reading, country music and watching old Westerns.
He is survived by two brothers, Alvin Stone of Whitehall, N.Y., and Eugene Stone of Faison, N.C.; two sisters, Militia Cram of Brandon and Myrtle Cram of Rutland; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was predeceased by two sisters, Vera Cram and Arlene Stone.
The funeral service was held on Friday, Aug. 7, at the Miller & Ketcham Funeral Home in Brandon. The Rev. Richard White, pastor of the Brandon Congregational Church, officiated. A graveside committal service and burial followed in Pine Hill Cemetery.
Memorial gifts in lieu of flowers may be to the Rutland Area Visiting Nurse & Hospice, 7 Albert Cree Drive, Rutland, VT 05701.
Lorie Jean Barnes
ORWELL — Lorie Jean Barnes, 48, died Tuesday, July 28, 2009, at her home in Orwell.
She was born Dec. 4, 1960, in Middlebury, the daughter of George and Rita (Jabot) Patterson. She graduated from Fair Haven Union High School in 1978.
She married Robert Brian Barnes on Nov. 23, 1995, and they lived in Crawfordville, Fla. She worked for 12 years as a records specialist for the state of Florida.
She is survived by her husband Brian of Crawfordville, Fla.; two daughters, Rita Thomas and her husband Tony of Barwick, Ga., and Chris Holt of Barwick, Ga.; a son, Robby Barnes of Crawfordville, Fla.; two sisters, Shirley Hendricks and Ruth McGuire, both of Orwell; four brothers, Ken Patterson, Dave Patterson and Paul Patterson, all of Orwell, and Tom Patterson of Orlando, Fla.; two grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was predeceased by her parents, Rita and George Patterson of Orwell.
A private cremation service for the family will be held at a later date, with interment at Fern Lake in Leicester.
Memorial contributions in her name may be made to Addison County Home Health & Hospice, PO Box 754, Middlebury, VT 05753.
Obituaries 8/6/09
Lorie Jean Barnes
ORWELL — Lorie Jean Barnes, 48, died Tuesday, July 28, 2009, at her home in Orwell.
She was born Dec. 4, 1960, in Middlebury, the daughter of Gorge and Rita (Jabat) Patterson. She graduated from Fair Haven Union High School in 1978.
She married Robert Brian Barnes on Nov. 23, 1999, and they lived in Crawfordville, Fla. She worked for 12 years as a records specialist for the state of Florida.
She is survived by her husband Brian of Crawfordville, Fla.; two daughters, Rita Thomas and her husband Tony of Barwick, Ga., and Chris Holt of Barwick, Ga.; a son, Robby Barnes of Crawford, Fla.; two sisters, Shirley Hendricks and Ruth McGuire, both of Orwell; four brothers, Ken Patterson, Dave Patterson and Paul Patterson, all of Orwell, and Tom Patterson of Orlando, Fla.; two grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was predeceased by her parents, Rita and George Patterson of Orwell.
A private cremation service for the family will be held at a later date, with interment at Fern Lake in Leicester.
Memorial contributions in her name may be made to Addison County Home Health & Hospice, PO Box 754, Middlebury, VT 05753.
Jacqueline Charbonneau
SALISBURY — Jacqueline Charbonneau, 53, of Salisbury passed away July 26 at Fletcher Allen Health Care after a very courageous battle with lung cancer.
She was born Sept. 22,1955, in Middlebury, the daughter of Gloria Charbonneau and Roy Charbonneau Sr. of Lincoln.
Jackie graduated from Mount Abraham Union High School and worked various jobs, with the most recent being the Downhome Deli of East Middlebury.
Jackie is survived by her mother; her two children, Faith and husband Roger Cram of Tennessee and Darrell LaFlam of New York; her longtime partner, Milo Murray of Salisbury; her sister, Jean Charbonneau and companion Joe Thomas of Mineville, N.Y.; her brothers, Roy Charbonneau Jr. and wife Carol of New Haven and Kevin Charbonneau and wife Paula of Shoreham; her grandsons, Dillon of Salisbury and Dustin and Devin of Tennessee; and her nieces, Christi Palmer of Ticonderoga, N.Y., Becky Paliling and husband Dominggus of Leicester, and Jenna Charbonneau of Castleton.
She was predeceased by her father, Roy Charbonneau Sr.
Jackie devoted her life to every animal that crossed her path with great love and care.
The family would like to express a sincere thank you to Addison County Home Health and Hospice, Dr. C. Nunnink and the many people who touched our lives in caring for Jackie at Fletcher Allen Health Care.
Memorial contributions may be made to Addison County Home Health or the Addison County Humane Society.
Family and friends are invited to gather in memory of Jackie at her brother’s home in New Haven on Sept. 19, 2009, from 10 a.m. to noon.
Harold Cornell Jr.
LEICESTER — Harold M. “Harry” Cornell Jr. of Leicester died on Friday, July 31. He was 72.
Harry was born in New York City to Martha (Bruning) Cornell and Harold Miller Cornell of New Rochelle, N.Y., on Aug. 22, 1936. He attended New Rochelle public schools and excelled in both the classroom and on the basketball court, where he was captain of the team.
Harry earned a scholarship to the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Va., and was co-captain of the basketball team. After graduating in 1958, he earned an MBA from Pace University in Pleasantville, N.Y.
Harry married Janet Morgan in 1963 and they raised five children. He worked as a corporate controller for much of his career. After retiring early he began teaching accounting, investing and finance at the Community College of Vermont and, for the past 16 years, in the graduate program at Manhattanville College in Purchase, N.Y.
Harry was generous with his time and served each community in which he lived. He served on the school board in Valhalla, N.Y., during the 1970s and 1980s. He volunteered with the United Way of Addison County, served on the Porter Hospital Auxiliary Board, delivered Meals on Wheels for more than seven years, and was active in the Middlebury United Methodist Church. He enjoyed golf and played often, and among his many accomplishments had four holes in one.
In addition to his wife, Harry is survived by his children, their spouses and his grandchildren: Christopher and Connie Cornell and their children Jordan, Thomas and Katie of Hopewell Junction, N.Y.; Linda C. and Gerry Hatcher and their children Brian, Nick and Will of Danbury, Conn.; Nancy C. and Erin Sommerfeld and their children Jack and Julia of Brookfield, Conn.; Timothy Cornell of Burlington; and Jon Cornell of Tarrytown, N.Y. He is also survived by his sister, Susan Cornell Jones and her family of Pleasantville, N.Y.
He was predeceased by a brother, Charles H. Cornell, and a sister, Laura Cornell.
There will be a memorial service at Middlebury United Methodist Church on Thursday, Aug. 6, at 4 o’clock in the afternoon. Immediately following the service, there will be a reception at the Middlebury Inn at which time visitors can share their remembrances of Harry with his family. In lieu of flowers, contributions to Addison County Home Health and Hospice or the Middlebury United Methodist Church Mission Fund would be appreciated.
Isiah Dykema
NORTH FERRISBURGH — Isiah Zane Dykema died Saturday, Aug. 1, 2009. He was born May 23, 2009, in Middlebury.
Isiah is survived by his parents, Levi and Crystal Dykema of North Ferrisburgh; his sister, Nevaeh Dykema; paternal grandparents, Ben and Kris Dykema of North Ferrisburgh, and their children, Anna, Sarah and Rachelle and their families; maternal grandparents Fred Barnets and Becky Serres and their children Amber, Fred, Johnny and their families of Fort Wayne, Ind.; paternal great-grandparents Wilma and Cornie Dykema and Irene Leboeuf, all of Ferrisburgh; maternal great-grandparents George and Jenny Serres of Fort Wayne, Ind.; several aunts, uncles, cousins; and extended family.
He was predeceased by an uncle, Jordan Dykema.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, Aug. 4, at New Haven United Reformed Church, with interment in North Ferrisburgh Cemetery. There will be no public calling hours. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Champlain Valley Christian School, Church Street, Vergennes, VT 05491.
Elizabeth Goodale
SHELBURNE — Elizabeth Fay “Betty” Goodale, 95, died peacefully at The Arbors in Shelburne Wednesday, July 29, 2009.
Betty, as she was known fondly by family and friends, was the fifth and youngest daughter born to Frederick and Clara (Potter) Fay of Savin Hill, Mass., on May 19, 1914. Growing up on Dorchester Bay south of Boston, she enjoyed a rich and active childhood of art and sport. Educated at the Boston Latin School, she went on to be trained as a silversmith at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts. Betty was also an accomplished painter and flower arranger and excelled at all types of needlework.
On Jan. 29, 1944, she was married to E. Dudley Goodale, her husband of 54 years, who predeceased her in 1998. Together, they raised their two boys, Robert and Walter, residing in New Rochelle, N.Y., as well as Princeton, N.J., until her husband’s retirement in 1971 when they moved to Wilmington, N.Y. Betty used her artistic talents to manage the church bazaar at the Wilmington Methodist Church for many years.
Due to her husband’s failing health, Betty and her husband moved to Middlebury in 1993 to be closer to Walter’s family. After her husband’s death, she enjoyed attending Project Independence and left behind many friends when she relocated to The Arbors in Shelburne in 2004. Her death has similarly left behind many close and fond acquaintances there.
Although Betty was a devoted traditional “stay-at-home” mom, her strong will and independence always pushed her to seek unconventional paths. To escape the oppressive summer heat in New York City, she spent months alone with her boys at a remote Adirondack camp in upstate New York, without the modern conveniences of city life and miles from the nearest town. Her sons are indebted to her for the sacrifices she made and the lessons she taught over many summers from 1950 to 1962.
One of Betty’s fondest memories was driving her dad, at the age of 15, from Boston to Crown Point, N.Y., for the dedication of the Crown Point Bridge over Lake Champlain on Aug. 26, 1929. Her father, principal partner of Fay, Spoffard & Thorndike, the engineering firm that designed and built the bridge, was among many dignitaries, including the then-governor of New York, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and John Weeks of Vermont. It was estimated that 40,000 people were there to witness the official opening of the Champlain Bridge. A procession of automobiles and floats was said to stretch some 10 or 12 miles.
Feisty to the end, she was predeceased by her husband and her brother, Allen, and four sisters: Millie, Beatrice, Dorothy and Lee. In addition to her sons and their families, she leaves several nieces and a nephew as well as numerous great-nieces and -nephews.
Betty is survived by her two sons, Robert and wife Sharon of Cornville, Ariz., and Walter and wife Mary of Weybridge. Her grandchildren, Patricia and husband Matt, Michael and his wife Heather, and Jennifer, are all thankful for the opportunity to celebrate a family picnic with her, days prior to her unexpected death. Family, friends and caregivers expected her wish to become a centurion a likely reality.
Similar to her husband, Betty has arranged to have her body donated to the University of Vermont Medical School. In lieu of a funeral, a memorial service is planned in the near future at The Arbors in Shelburne, where her life will be toasted with her favorite dessert, root beer floats.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff at The Arbors for their kind and loving care of Betty. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in her memory to Project Independence Inc., 112 Exchange St., Middlebury, VT 05753.
Timothy MacLachlan
BRIDPORT — Timothy James MacLachlan, 18, died Saturday, Aug. 1, 2009, at Porter Hospital following a motor vehicle accident that day.
Born in Middlebury Dec. 15, 1990, he was the son of Robert D. Jr. and Buffy L. (Barry) MacLachlan.
He was a graduate of Middlebury Union High School, class of 2009. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps following graduation.
He was in the Middlebury Police Explorers and while a student at Middlebury he played on the football team, wrestled, and was a member of the chorus. His family says he enjoyed four-wheeling, camping, fishing and being with and participating in family activities.
He is survived by his father, Robert D. MacLachlan Jr. of Summerville, S.C.; his mother, Buffy L. (Barry) Jordan of Ellsworth, Maine; his uncle and aunt with whom he resided, Doug and Chantel MacLachlan of Bridport; two brothers, Steven MacLachlan of Perkinsville and Josh MacLachlan of Summerville, S.C.; two sisters, Deanna MacLachlan of Middlebury and Katlyn MacLachlan of Summerville, S.C.; his maternal grandfather, Charles Barry of Shoreham; his paternal grandparents, Robert and Beverley MacLachlan Sr. of Perkinsville; his paternal great-grandmother, Elinor MacLachlan of Bassett, Va.; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.
A memorial service will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 6, at the Middlebury Union High School auditorium, with the Rev. Jill Robinson, pastor of the Middlebury Methodist Church, officiating.
There will be no calling hours.
Memorial donations may be made to Police Explorers, Post 613, c/o Middlebury Police Department, 1 Lucius Shaw Lane, Middlebury, VT 05753.
Agnes Tenzer
BENSON — Agnes Louise Tenzer, 93, died Saturday, Aug. 1, 2009, at the Rutland Regional Medical Center.
She was born in Boquet, N.Y., on Sept. 14, 1915, the daughter of Amasy and Ada (Denett) Crowningshield. She grew up in the Boquet area, where she received her early education.
On Jan. 14, 1933, she married William Tenzer. They made their home in Benson. He died in 1989.
She was a housewife and homemaker. She also worked the family farm with her husband. In later years she did housekeeping work for several area families. Her family says she enjoyed her flower gardens, quilting, crocheting and puzzles
In May 2005, she was honored with a certificate from Gov. James Douglas recognizing her as the last surviving Vermont widow of a World War I veteran.
She is survived by her son, Robert Tenzer of Whiting; a sister, Ruth Washburn of Wadhams, N.Y.; three grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and cousins
She was predeceased by a brother, Harold Crowningshield, and 10 sisters.
The graveside committal service and burial took place on Wednesday, Aug. 5, at the family lot in Mountain View Cemetery in Orwell.
Memorial gifts may be made to the Community Cancer Clinic at Rutland Hospital, 160 Allen Street, Rutland, VT 05701.
Madine Thomas
BRISTOL — Madine G. Thomas, 92, of Bristol died Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2009, at Addison House in Middlebury.
She was born Aug. 18, 1916, in Cambridge, the daughter of Leslie and Mattie (Tracy) Roberts.
She spent her youth and the majority of her life in Bristol. She and her husband Tony owned numerous businesses in Bristol, the last of which was a retail store where they sold clothes and sporting goods.
She is survived by three children, Terry Thomas of Bristol, Joyce Connors and her husband Joseph of Mashpee, Mass., and Antoinette Bouchard and her husband Ronald of Shelburne; and six grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her husband Tony Aug. 24, 2008.
There will be no calling hours. Burial will be at the family’s convenience. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Addison County Home Health & Hospice, PO Box 754, Middlebury, VT 05753.
Obituaries 08/03/09
Luna Bombard
MIDDLEBURY — Our mother, Luna Juetta Bombard, went home to family on July 29, 2009.
She was born the eldest child of Clyde and Helen (Hartshorn) Bombard in Concord on May 22, 1930.
Luna graduated from Gorham High in Gorham, N.H., and moved her family to Middlebury in 1957.
She was a proud member of the DAR and the Concord Historical Society. Luna spent many hours working on her genealogy and was always glad to share that information with others.
She greatly admired the old-fashioned ideas of family and make do or do without. She loved to tell and hear the stories of her youth and entertained her family many times with these same stories. She sewed beautiful quilts for each member of her family, and knit brightly colored socks. She also loved to read and play cards.
Luna was employed at Brandon Training School, Porter Hospital and lastly for Dr. Theodore Collier.
She is survived by four children, Dorian Guptill, Donald Guptill and wife Betsy, Rachel Oliver and partner Keith Maycroft, and Kate Bombard and partner Jim Karns. She also leaves eight grandchildren, Charles Guptill, Leigh Guptill, Amy Guptill and partner Jason, Tammy Russell and husband Craig, Lisa Perkins and husband Doug, Daniel Oliver, Erik Benoit and Allen Jennings; as well as her adored great-granddaughter Halle Perkins.
She was predeceased by her young son, Kevan; her parents; two brothers; one sister; and aunts, uncles and cousins.
Luna’s wishes were that no funeral services would be held.
She will be laid to rest with her son in Prospect Cemetery, East Middlebury. The family requests that flowers be omitted. Memorial contributions made to Luna’s favorite charity, the March of Dimes, would be gratefully appreciated by the family.
Robert Clark
BRANDON — Robert Paul Clark, 80, of Brandon, died peacefully with his family by his side on July 28, 2009.
Born to Robert and Winona (Aunchman) Clark, on Aug 15, 1928, in Burlington, he was the eldest of eight children.
He joined the Navy in 1946 and was assigned to the Flagship USS Huntington CL107, Division 12. In 1950 he attended the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, N.Y. He married Joy Bonneville of Isle La Motte in 1952.
His relatives say his passion for music and writing were the center of his life, and the love that he had for his five children, grandchildren and wife of 28 years were his greatest joys. They say in his younger years, the mentoring he received from Dr. Joseph F. Lechnyr was his growing guidance into becoming the talented and accomplished musician that he was.
Beyond being a musician, he had many work experiences from construction to nursing and teaching music.
His family says he had an immense love for nature and all the simple things in life. He enjoyed reading, writing, drawing, fishing, hiking, and playing music with his friends.
He is survived by son Steven Clark and his wife Lori of St. Johnsbury; son Kevin Clark and his wife Bonnie of Middlebury; daughter Bonnie Betourney and her husband Michael of Salisbury; daughter Darlene Thorpe and her husband Tim of Middlebury; daughter Paula Pockette and her husband Alfred of Salisbury; and former wife and the mother of his children, Joy Clark of Middlebury.
He is also survived by six brothers and sisters: Peter Clark of Inverness, Fla., Jack Clark of Fla., Larry Clark and his wife Judy of Burlington, Janice Tucker and her husband Ray of Granville, N.Y., Nancy Brigan and her husband John of Burlington, and Linda Stancil and her husband David of Colchester; 11 grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents and a sister, Mary Quinn of Scotia, N.Y.
A Christian service in celebration of his life will be held at the Brandon Baptist Church on Aug. 4 at 11 a.m.
Contributions may be made to the Brandon Volunteer Ambulance Association, Helen Porter Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center or the Brandon Baptist Church.
Lucky Diamond
LINCOLN — Lucky Diamond of Lincoln died suddenly at the age of 72 on June 26, 2009.
He was born on Feb.14, 1937, in Washington, D.C., the son of Julius and Ida Diamond.
A cabinetmaker by trade, Lucky spent his adult life molding ordinary wood into things of beauty. Whether it be musical instruments, a wood carving or turning, fine furniture built from scratch or antiques repaired, his talent was endless.
Lucky was a devoted husband and father. Lucky was very community minded. He was an active member of the American Red Cross NVC, Lincoln Emergency manager and co-director of the Addison County CERT.
He is survived by his wife and lifelong partner, Louise F. Diamond; daughter Sherry D. Prather (Ken) of Gaithersburg, Md.; daughter Kimberly D. Hoff (Kirt) of Williston; and grandchildren, Christopher and Richard Prather and Katherine and Cameron Hoff.
Lucky was predeceased by daughter Tobey L. Diamond.
A memorial service is being held on Aug. 8, 2009, at 10 a.m. in the Mount Abraham Union High School auditorium in Bristol. For expressions of sympathy donations may be made in lieu of flowers to the American Red Cross Northern Vermont Chapter.
Mary Osborn
EAST SHOREHAM/MARION, Ill. — Mary Lance Osborn, 94, died Monday, June 15, 2009, at Parkway Manor in Marion, Ill.
She was born in Cabot on May 18, 1915. She was the daughter of Walter and Mamie (Bates) Lance.
She married Gordon Richmond Osborn on Dec. 26, 1946, in Vergennes. He died Jan. 27, 2003.
She was a graduate of Middlebury College and studied English under Robert Frost. She taught in the English department at Herrin (Ill.) High School for many years.
She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Herrin, Ill. Her family says she enjoyed singing with her friends at Parkway Estates and was an avid antique collector.
She is survived by two sons, Jim Osborn of Carterville, Ill., and Randy Osborn of Carbondale, Ill.; three grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her husband; a sister, Doris Hamel; and a brother, Elton Lance.
The graveside committal service and burial took place on Saturday, Aug. 1, at East Shoreham Cemetery.
Obituaries 07/30/09
Robert Clark
BRANDON — Robert Paul Clark, 80, died Tuesday, July 28, 2009, at Helen Porter Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Middlebury.
The funeral service will be held Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2009, at 11 a.m. at the Brandon Baptist Church.
There are no public calling hours.
Memorial gifts may be made to the Brandon Area Rescue Squad, PO Box 232, Brandon, VT 05733, or to Helen Porter Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, Recreational Fund for the Residents, Porter Drive, Middlebury, VT 05753.
A complete obituary will appear in a later edition of the Independent.
Edward Couture
FERRISBURGH — Edward J. Couture, 67, of Ferrisburgh died Friday, July 24, 2009, at Porter Medical Center in Middlebury.
He was born Feb. 23, 1942, in Newbury, the son of the late Judes and Beaulah (Bean) Couture.
He attended St. Johnsbury Academy and St. Johnsbury Trade School. He married Jacqueline Bijolle in November 1960.
He worked in Littleton, N.H., at Connor and Hoffman Shoe Factory, and Wayne Building Material in St. Johnsbury Center. He moved to Newport and worked for Prouty & Miller Lumber Yard for five years, and was district manager for three locations in Vergennes, Newport and St. Johnsbury. He purchased Vergennes Building Supply from Prouty and Miller in 1987, and he built his home in Ferrisburgh.
He retired in 2005 and continued to live in Ferrisburgh. Family says his hobbies were horses, UVM sports, golf, tractors, dogs, and going out for dinner with his friends. He was a member of the Vergennes Lions Club, Eagles Club in Vergennes, and Elks Club in Burlington.
He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Jacqueline Couture of Ferrisburgh; three children, Joe Couture and wife Teal of Charlotte; Matt Couture and wife Brittany of Addison; and Michelle Heitkamp and husband Steven of St. Albans; six grandchildren; four sisters, Leah, Alberta, Blanche and Josephine; and several nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated Tuesday, July 28, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Vergennes, with interment in Union Cemetery in Ferrisburgh.
Memorial contributions may be made to American Heart Association, 434 Hurricane Lane, Williston, VT 05495, or American Diabetes Association, 77 Hegeman Ave., Colchester, VT 05446.
Hazel Fisher
WATERBURY — Hazel Anna Fisher, 81, a longtime resident of Waterbury, died peacefully Friday, July 24, 2009, at Berlin Health and Rehabilitation Center in Barre.
She was born March 10, 1928, in Starksboro, the daughter of the late Robert and Anna (Brace) Fisher.
Relatives say she loved her family and friends. She enjoyed walking, collecting hats and wearing them, socializing, changing her clothes and her red lipstick.
She is survived by two children, Elizabeth Torrey and husband Jay, and Donald Fisher and wife Janice; two grandchildren; two brothers, Robert Weller and Irwin Weller; and a sister, Katherine Weller.
She was predeceased by her husband, Moses Fisher, in 1958 and by a child, Moses.
A graveside service was held Wednesday, July 29, at Greenwood Cemetery in Bristol.
Howard Haight
CHARLOTTE — Howard A. Haight, 86, of Charlotte died Sunday, July 26, 2009, at Starr Farm Nursing Home in Burlington.
He was born Jan. 14, 1923, in Ferrisburgh, the son of the late Dewey and Della Adams Haight.
He was a dairy farmer for 37 years and retired in 1981.
He was a member of Maranatha Christian Church in Williston, and he attended Assembly of God Christian Center in Ferrisburgh. He was a member of Ferrisburgh Grange and a past member of Ferrisburgh Fire Department.
His family says he enjoyed hunting, fishing, cards, board games, horseshoes, camping, chocolate, dancing and family gatherings.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Jacqueline Haight of Charlotte; four sons, Robert Haight of Panton, Wayne Haight and wife Elizabeth of Orange Park, Fla., David Haight and wife Debra of Colchester, and Kevin Haight and wife Belinda of Ferrisburgh; a daughter, Mary Baker and husband Burtis of South Barre; 14 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; a brother, Ralph Haight and wife Helen of Bradington, Fla.; and several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by a daughter, Cheryl, and a sister, Marion.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 30, at Assembly of God Christian Center in Ferrisburgh. with Bishop Richard Callahan officiating. Interment will be in North Ferrisburgh Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Addison County Home Health & Hospice, PO Box 754, Middlebury, VT 05753, or Maranatha Christian Church, 1037 South Brownell Rd., Williston, VT 05495.
Bette Harrison
ARLINGTON, Va. — Bette Harrison, 55, of Arlington, Va., formerly of Middlebury, died unexpectedly Sunday, July 26, 2009.
She was born June 8, 1954, in Lebanon, N.H. She graduated from Middlebury Union High School in 1972.
She is survived by two daughters, Michele of Sterling, Va., and Danielle of Norfolk, Va.; two granddaughters; her mother, Betty Harrison of Middlebury; four sisters, Georgia Hamilton and Bridget Wagner of Middlebury, Robin Falta of Cornwall, and Holly Doyle of Bellows Falls; and a brother, Jim Harrison of Middlebury.
She was predeceased by her father, Bob, and her brother, Don.
A memorial service is planned in Norfolk, Va. A private family service will be held in Middlebury at a later date.
Mabel James
BRISTOL — Mabel Jeanette James, 87, died July 23, 2009, after a long illness at her home with family by her side.
She was born in Bristol on Feb. 19, 1922, the daughter of William and Alma Lucia. Her early adult years were spent working at Burlington Brush Factory and Kennedy Brothers in Bristol. On Dec. 31, 1945, she married William “Bill” James. They celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary last year.
She was a home person devoting her time to their children, her garden and flowers. In the early ’50s they built their home on Fitch Avenue.
She is survived by her husband; two brothers, Martin of Windsor, Conn., and Charles of Hinesburg; a sister, Myrtle of Vergennes; a son, Jim Lucia and wife Linda of Bristol; three daughters, Susan and her husband Keith of Spokane, Wash., Beverly and husband John of Monkton, and Maureen of Salisbury; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held at St. Ambrose Church in Bristol on Monday, July 27, with burial following in Greenwood Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Addison County Home Health & Hospice, PO Box 754, Middlebury, VT 05753.
Clayton Jennings
BRANDON — Clayton Daniel Jennings, 79, died Wednesday, July 22, 2009, at the Methodist Medical Center in Peoria, Ill.
He was born in Shoreham on Aug. 28, 1929. He was the son of Vernon and Beatrice (Kilburn) Jennings. He spent his youth in Brandon and graduated from Brandon High School, class of 1947.
He was a self-employed truck driver for over 40 years. He had made his home in Glens Falls N.Y., and for over the past 12 years had resided in Maquon, Ill.
Survivors include his mother, Beatrice Howes of Castleton; two daughters, June Scott of Taylor, Mich., and Beth Ann Jennings of Jericho; a sister, Barbara Jennings Rogers of Poultney; nine grandchildren; two great-granddaughters; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
A brother, Donald Jennings, and two sisters, Marjorie Jennings and Joyce Jennings Sabourin, predeceased him.
The graveside committal service and burial was held on Tuesday, July 28, in the Pine Hill Cemetery in Brandon.
Jeanne Malcolm
TUCSON, Ariz. — Jeanne Elizabeth (Pearson) Malcolm, 89, died Sunday, July 12, 2009.
Soon after her birth on Dec. 21, 1919, in New York City, her family moved to East Middlebury, where she spent her girlhood on the family farm. She started college at the University of Vermont at the age of 16, then graduated from Middlebury College in the class of 1941 with her fiancé, John Malcolm.
After World War II, they settled in Canterbury, N.H., to raise their family. She began teaching elementary school as her oldest child headed off to college. After moving to Maine, she continued to teach in the Cape Elizabeth schools until she retired in 1981.
They spent their retirement years in Venice, Fla., and at their cottage on Highland Lake in Falmouth, Maine. The last four years of her life, she resided in Tucson, Ariz., near her daughter, Beth.
Relatives say she had wide-ranging interests and was always involved in her community through church and community service groups. Her family remembers her terrific sense of humor and loved making her laugh. She truly was a shining example of “the Greatest Generation.”
She leaves her children, Michael Malcolm and wife Susan, David Malcolm and wife Judi, Sue Malcolm and husband Tom, and Beth Malcolm and husband Eric; five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and a great-great grandson.
There will be a private family gathering in early August at Highland Lake. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the local chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.
Addy Indy News Digest
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The Addison Independent publishes paid and free obituaries. Paid obituaries run just as submitted with a charge of $9.00 per column inch, and the editor shapes free obituaries to conform to our editorial style. We run photos of the person if they are submitted in a relatively high-quality format.
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Add a sentence or two about what made the person special to family and friends, including hobbies, avocations or other telling details about their life.
He/She is survived by spouse's name; children named individually (and their spouses and towns of residence, if appropriate); siblings named individually; number of grandchildren, parents or other immediate family members.
He/She was predeceased by names of immediate family members.
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