College news
• Cheryl-Ann Caldwell-Lahue, a student at the Community College of Vermont's Brattleboro academic center, was one of 13 students selected for the 2015-2016 Student Leadership Scholarship. It is awarded annually to a student from each of the CCV's 12 academic centers and the Center for Online Learning. Each recipient will receive an award of $1,000, a certificate of achievement, and an invitation to a recognition lunch with CCV President Joyce Judy this spring.
• Joanna Brown of Dummerston and Benjamin Janis of Brattleboro are among the more than 1,300 members of the Class of 2019 at Tufts University in Medford, Mass.
Transitions
• Cathy Coonan of Brattleboro recently joined 15 other community members in serving on Youth Services' board of directors. Coonan has served before in similar capacities in the region, on the board of Brattleboro Memorial Hospital (3 years as board chair) and as a founding member of Building a Better Brattleboro. She is active in the Brattleboro Rotary Club and serves on the Board of Directors of Holton Home. A commercial insurance agent for The Richards Group for the past 30 years, Coonan is a Certified Insurance Councilor specializing in health care and human service organizations. Coonan's many contributions to the community were recognized by the Brattleboro Area Chamber of Commerce when they named her 2004 Person of the Year.
Obituaries
• Helen Kathryn “Katy” Crossman, 84, of Londonderry. Died Dec. 26 at Springfield Hospital. Born in Springfield, Mass., the daughter of the late Beatrice Julia (Holman) and Wayne Lincoln Ferguson. At an early age, her parents divorced and she and her older sister, Doris, moved from Chicopee, Mass., to Windham, when their mother married Lee Giles. Helen and Doris attended the one-room Windham School about a mile from the Giles homestead, getting there and back on foot unless the snow was too deep, when Lee would fetch them with the family horse and buggy lit with kerosene lamps. As a teenager, Helen stayed with relatives in Chester during the week in order to attend Chester High School, where she excelled in her secretarial and bookkeeping studies and was accepted at Katharine Gibbs School in Boston. However, she did not leave Vermont. Since during her high school years she had fallen in love with one of her classmates, Everett Slim Crossman, of Londonderry. In 1950, they were married and soon settled and remained on Huntley Mountain between several generations of Everett's family during their long and happy life together. When Helen joined the Crossman family, she became Katy to family and friends in order to distinguish her from her mother-in-law, also Helen Catherine Crossman. She worked briefly at the original Adams Market in Londonderry before she and Everett started their family. As they raised four children in the 1950s, Helen became a model homemaker, perfecting her baking and sewing skills while Everett supported the family first as a woodsman and logger, later as an operating engineer. Katy joined other women in the family and neighborhood to establish the Friendship Club of Thompsonburg, a local nonprofit organization created to serve the community with thoughtful gestures such as chicken pie suppers at the former Thompsonburg Schoolhouse and individual acknowledgements of life events including sunshine baskets and handmade patchwork quilts. As her nest began to empty in the 1970s, she found a position at the Vermont Country Store in their warehouse, and worked there for more than 20 years. She happily devoted her life to her growing family. Living side by side, birthdays and holidays involved frequent large extended family gatherings in the neighborhood or at the family camp on Lake Champlain. Sundays were always family time, often picnics down front at the pond, car rides to visit other relatives or trips to the drive-in with the kids packed in the back of the station wagon. In retirement, Helen, Everett, and Henry (their 1947 Ford pickup), belonged to the Antique Truck Historical Society and spent time camping and traveling to bluegrass festivals with their many lifelong friends. Later on, Katy looked forward to weekly outings and chats with the girls who gathered on Tuesdays for coffee break. She is survived by her children: Robert Crossman of Ocean Isle Beach, N.C., Sharon Crossman and Kathy Hopkins, both of Londonderry, and Janet Goodwin of Weston. She is also survived by six grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband in 2009. MEMORIAL INFORMATION: A celebration of her life was held Jan. 2 at the Windham Congregational Church. A private burial will be held at the convenience of the family. Donations to Londonderry Rescue or other local charity of choice.
• Rose C. Domina, 91, formerly of East Dummerston. Died Dec. 24 at Vernon Green Nursing Home. Wife of Arden L. Domina for 70 years. Sister of Lorraine Burdo and friend, Lewis, of Hinsdale, N.H.; Hubert Crowell and his wife, Linda, of Ashuelot, N.H.; and the late Clifford and Almon Crowell. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. Born in Brattleboro, the daughter of the late Lawrence and Mildred (Ingalls) Crowell, she was raised in Brattleboro and was a graduate of Brattleboro High School, Class of 1943. She had been employed at the former American Optical Company in Brattleboro as a production manager. She retired from AO in 1980 when the company closed, following over 38 dedicated and faithful years of service. With her husband, she resided on Schoolhouse Road in East Dummerston for 49 years prior to becoming a resident at Vernon Green. She enjoyed knitting, sewing, crossword puzzles, and taking day trips. MEMORIAL INFORMATION: Graveside committal services and burial in Dummerston Center Cemetery will take place at a later date. Donations to the Vernon Green Activities Fund, 61 Greenway Drive, Vernon, VT 05354-9474 or a charity of one's choice. Atamaniuk Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
• Carl L. “Sonny” Hunt, 77, of Brattleboro. Died Dec. 28 at Pine Heights Nursing Home in Brattleboro. He was born in Woodsville, N.H., the son of the late Carl and Jennie (Lund) Hunt. MEMORIAL INFORMATION: A funeral service was held Jan. 5 at Ker-Westerlund Funeral Home in Brattleboro, with burial in Meetinghouse Hill Cemetery in Brattleboro.
• Linda Jean (Tinlin) King, 70, of Putney. Died Dec. 20 following a short period of illness. While her passing was graceful and quiet, her friends and family would agree that her life was the opposite: colorful, loud, and full of joie de vivre. She was a talented singer, gifted handwork artist, and fabulous cook. Born in Oakland Calif., her family moved to Massachusetts before living abroad in the Netherlands during her teenage years. This move influenced her love and knowledge of cooking and baking, and inspired a love of languages, travel, and cultures that endured throughout her too-short life but never took her too far from Windham County, which was where she called home. Her welcoming and kind nature served her well in a variety of careers over her lifetime, including social work with families, developing and running a successful catering business and working locally and providing one-to-one home-based care to individuals. In addition, she freely gave her time, friendship, and enthusiasm to countless charities and local initiatives, and was forever donating what little she had to others. Her big heart was always open to anyone who needed a hug or a shoulder to cry on, and she was an incredible friend to all who knew her - especially those who admired her passion for trying (and quickly mastering) new cuisines, or those who shared her penchant for loud rock music. She was also a lifelong friend to animals and is no doubt delighted to be reunited with her favorite cats now. She loved the open road and adventure, and she enjoyed visiting family and friends around the U.S. and in the U.K., as well as braving any roller coaster which crossed her path. Her love of fairy tales and absolute belief in the fairy kingdom influenced her various forms of artwork including the creation of bespoke stories for her beloved grandson, Owen. She leaves behind her daughter Katharine and fiancé Nick Woodard of Bennington, her daughter Posey and husband Andrew and their children Charlotte, Verity and Owen of London, England, her brother, Billy Tinlin of California, lots of nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, her former husband and supportive friend Robert King, and, of course, countless cake pans, which she was forever forgetting to reclaim after providing one of her signature cakes or pies. MEMORIAL INFORMATION: A service of remembrance and thanks was held Dec. 28 at the Guilford Community Church. Donations to either the Windham County Humane Society or Heifer International.
• Robert Wendell “Bob” Lucier, 96, formerly of Hinsdale, N.H., and a resident at Vernon Green Assisted Living. Died Dec. 16 at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital. Husband of the late Ruby Ebbinghausen for 72 years. Father of Paula Girard of Turners Falls, Mass., and Judy Barnes and Linda Enright, both of Hinsdale. Also survived by nine grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and several great-great-grandchildren. Additionally, he leaves many nieces and nephews. Born in Marlboro, the son of the late Mozart and Myrtle Lucier, he was raised and educated in Brattleboro and graduated from Brattleboro High School with the class of 1937. He proudly served his country in the Army during World War II, stationed in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operation. Following his honorable discharge from active service, he returned home to Brattleboro. He was a car salesman for R.S. Roberts, Inc. for 25 years and later worked in the garden center at Walmart in Pompano Beach, Fla., where he resided with his wife prior to moving back to the Brattleboro area. He was a life member and past Exalted Ruler, Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks, Brattleboro Lodge #1499. While in Florida, he held membership in the Pompano Beach Masonic Lodge. An avid golfer, he was a longtime member of the Brattleboro Country Club. He also enjoyed hunting and skiing and was a former member of the Brattleboro Ski Patrol at Hogback Mountain. He also enjoyed time shared with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. MEMORIAL INFORMATION: In accordance with his final wishes, there are no formal funeral services scheduled. Burial will be private in the family lot in Marlboro Center Cemetery. Donations to Vernon Green Nursing Home Activities Fund, 61 Greenway Drive, Vernon, VT 05354. To sign an online register book with messages of condolence, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Daniel A. McGaffigan, 70, of Vernon. Died Dec. 24 at his home. Born in Brattleboro, the son of the late John and Hester (Johnson) McGaffigan, he attended schools in Vernon and graduated from Brattleboro Union High School. He later graduated from the University of Miami in 1967. He proudly served in the Army during the Vietnam War. He was employed many years for the U.S. Postal Service in Brattleboro. He traveled across the United States, visiting many Major League ballparks, then visited as many Minor League ballparks as he could. He enjoyed dining out and would travel great distances to find fine dining. He loved to go to the casinos at Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun. He is survived by his sister: Louise Wisell of Hinsdale, N.H., and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by two sisters, Bertha Scherlin, and Rose Holton. MEMORIAL INFORMATION: Funeral services were held Dec. 30 at Kidder Funeral Home in Northfield, Mass., followed by burial with military honors in Tyler Cemetery in Vernon. Donations to the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, Vt. 05302. To send condolences, visit www.kidderfuneralhome.com.
• Wilma Estella Perkins, 81, of Hinsdale, N.H. Died Dec. 27 in the emergency room at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital after being stricken at home. Wife of Robert W. Perkins for 62 years. Mother of Donald Perkins and his wife, Theresa, of Erving, Mass.; Donna Serviss and her husband, Allen, of Vernon; Diane Dempsey of Hinsdale; and the late Debbie Perkins. Sister of the late William Dudley. Half-sister of Carol Connor of Perkinsville and Roger Stone of Rutland. Also survived by eight grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Born in Claremont, N.H., the daughter of the late Frederick and Doris (Wetherall) Dudley, she was raised and educated in Springfield, Vt., and was a graduate of Springfield High School. She was head chef and kitchen manager for the Hinsdale School System, working at both Hinsdale High School and Hinsdale Elementary School. She retired from her position following 42 faithful and dedicated years of service. A devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, her life centered around her family. She had attended the Hinsdale Congregational Church and was a former member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Bingham Chapter #30 in Brattleboro. For more than 45 years, she served as a den mother and committee member for the Boy Scouts in Hinsdale. She enjoyed knitting, cooking, and was an avid reader known to finish one to two books within a weeks' time. Because of her extensive reading, she was known for her wealth of knowledge. MEMORIAL INFORMATION: A memorial service will be conducted at the Hinsdale Congregational Church on Saturday, Jan. 9, at 10:30 a.m. Burial will take place at a later date in Pine Grove Cemetery in Hinsdale. Donations to Rescue Inc., P.O. Box 593, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To sign an online register book with messages of condolence, visitwww.atamaniuk.com.
• Gloria J. Rogers, 92, of Brattleboro. Died Dec. 21 at Pine Heights of Brattleboro, where she had been living since 2009. Born in East Orange, N.J., she married Austin J. McCloskey in 1951, with whom she raised two children. She resided in New Jersey until 1991, when she retired after many years in retail sales, mainly for Bloomingdale's, to move to Putney to be near her daughter's family. She was an active volunteer in her community throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, particularly serving the Vermont Association for the Blind, where she was named “Companion of the Year” in 1997. Following her years in Putney, she resided for five years at Hilltop House in Brattleboro, before moving to Pine Heights. She is survived by her two children, Jim McCloskey of Seattle and Ann McCloskey of Brattleboro. She also leaves a son-in-law, Joe Meyer of Brattleboro, and two granddaughters, Colleen McCloskey-Meyer and Caitlin McCloskey-Meyer. MEMORIAL INFORMATION: There was a private burial service. Donations to the Women's Freedom Center at www.womensfreedomcenter.net. Ker-Westerlund Funeral Home of Brattleboro was in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be offered at www.kerwesterlund.com.
• Wayne W. Rounds, 79, of Bellows Falls. Died Dec. 20, after a long illness. Husband of Lillian Graf for 29 years. Stepfather of Dorothy Cheeney, Janet Kiniry, Cindy Allen, and the late John Graf. Brother of Henry Rounds, Joseph Rounds, Bernice Woodward, Jean Wright, Inez Brooks, Esther Reynolds, and the late Donald Rounds, William Rounds, Harland Rounds, Franklin Rounds, John Rounds, Robert Rounds, Richard Rounds, Helen Rounds, Florence Kearney, and Gladys Wood. Also survived by 12 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and friends. Born in Grafton, the son of Harland and Catherine (Walch) Rounds, he served in the Army in the Corps of Engineers and was discharged in May 1959. He worked for many years for Ponek Movers in Bellows Falls, then he became self-employed with his own moving, painting, and handyman business. He was a community-oriented man who was an active member of the Knights of Columbus. He held the position of Past Deputy Grand Knight and Past Grand Knight. He was a 3rd and 4th Degree member for 22 years. He was also active in American Legion Post 37, where he tended bar and became a Past Post Commander. MEMORIAL INFORMATION: A funeral Mass was held Dec. 20 at St. Charles Catholic Church in Bellows Falls, with burial in St. Peter's Cemetery in Drewsville, N.H. Donations to the VA Hospital Telehealth Center, in care of Karen Campbell, VAMC, 215 North Main St., White River Jct., VT 05009.
• Marie B. Schoemig, 103, formerly of Brattleboro. Died Dec. 17 at Van Rensselaer Manor in Troy, N.Y. She was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., the daughter of the late Frank and Mary (Bayer) Schoemig. She was employed for Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. for 47 years until her retirement. She was a communicant of St. Michael's Catholic Church and a volunteer at St. Brigid's Kitchen in Brattleboro. She enjoyed traveling and was an avid reader. She is predeceased by a sister, Lucy Thies, in 2002; a nephew, Wayne Thies, in 1995; and a niece, June Gainer, in 2012. She is survived by a nephew, Albert Gainer, of North Carolina; a niece, Ann Thies, of Connecticut; as well as several nieces, nephews, and many great-nieces and nephews. MEMORIAL INFORMATION: A funeral Mass was held Dec. 23 at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Brattleboro, with burial in St. Michael's Cemetery in Brattleboro. Donations to Brigid's Kitchen, 32 Walnut St., Brattleboro VT 05301. Ker-Westerlund Funeral Home of Brattleboro was in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be offered at www.kerwesterlund.com.
• Kathleen Rose Smith, 72, of West Chesterfield, N.H. Died Dec. 19 in her home. Wife of Norman Smith. Mother of George LaChance and John LaChance of Tampa, Fla., and Leanne LaChance Porter of Glover. Also survived by seven grandchildren. Born in Gardner, Mass., the daughter of Helen and the late Jack Gilfoy, she received her undergraduate degree from the University of Massachusetts and a Masters of Education from American International College. Her career in teaching and school administration brought her a great deal of joy and pride. When she retired from the Amherst Regional School system, she went on to be a Weight Watchers leader who helped hundreds of people with health and weight loss goals. Her family was extremely important to her. She was a dedicated daughter, mother, wife, and grandmother. She was an amazing cook and seamstress. Her grandchildren never had to wear a store-bought Halloween costume. As the family matriarch, she made sure holiday celebrations included food, songs and traditions passed down through many generations. Family summer vacations on Cape Cod were special times for her and her family enjoyed reconnecting each year for walks on the beach, bike rides, and family fun. Kathleen will be deeply missed by her husband. They shared a special bond later in life and enjoyed long walks in the woods, pancakes on Sunday mornings, and rooting for the Red Sox. MEMORIAL INFORMATION: The family will be holding a memorial service in the spring of 2016. For information, contact leannealice@rocketmail.com. Donations to Hospice at HCCS, P.O. Box 564, Keene, NH, 03431. To sign an online guestbook with messages of condolence, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Julia M. Szostak, 97, of Brattleboro. Died Dec. 25 at Thompson House after a courageous battle over the last few years with declining health. Age slowly took a toll on her body but her spirit remained strong. Born in Franklin, N.H., the daughter of the late Michael and Antoinetti (Krause) Pastuzszak, she was one of nine children. They grew up on a farm where their large family learned the value of self-sufficiency and taking care of each other. During World War II, she moved to East Hartford, Conn., to work for Pratt & Whitney Aircraft, while her three brothers went off to war. It was there that she met Henry Szostak. Henry and Julia later married and settled in Westfield, Mass., eventually buying a home on King Street and raising a family. She remained in this home for over 60 years, until health issues brought her to The Arbors in Westfield and then to Thompson House in Brattleboro. She developed deep attachments to her large family and numerous friends. She was unselfish in her caring for others. Although her formal education was limited, she was an avid reader and an outstanding cook and baker. Every kid in the King Street neighborhood knew they could always count on Julia for cookies or a piece of her famous apple or lemon pies. To assist her family financially, she took in seamstress work. There are many homes in Westfield that have drapes, slip covers, clothes, and even wedding gowns, handmade by Julia. She also had artistic talent as displayed by her craftwork and furniture refinishing. In addition, she was a talented wallpaper hanger and painter who always was willing to help her family and friends, especially with challenging projects. And, she was untiring at stacking firewood. Julia is predeceased by her beloved husband, Henry, who died in 1989; her siblings Edward and Raymond Pastuzszak, Bunny Risley, Nellie Kurowski, Loda Eqounis, and Pauline Bozek; and her daughter-in-laws Nancy Wrinkle and Patty Szostak. She is survived by her sons Daniel and his wife, Ann Szostak, and Michael and his partner, Elizabeth Julia Stoumen; siblings Helen Robichaud and John Pastuzszak and his wife, Florence; and three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. MEMORIAL INFORMATION: A memorial service was held Jan. 2 at Firtion Adams Funeral Home in Westfield, followed by a burial of her ashes at Pine Hill Cemetery. Donations to Thompson House Activity Department's Garden Fund, 80 Maple St., Brattleboro, VT 05301.
• Carroll C. Wentworth, 88, of Brattleboro. Died Dec. 18 at Thompson House, where he had been a resident for his final year of life. Husband of Susan Wentworth for 53 years. Father of Linda Barnes and her husband, the Rev. Robert Barnes (a United Methodist pastor in Glen Burnie, Md.) of Pasadena, Md. Brother of the late Malcolm Wentworth. Also survived by two grandchildren. Born in Brattleboro, the son of the late Harland and Corena (Bell) Wentworth, he was a graduate of Brattleboro High School, class of 1945. He served in the Army Signal Corps during World War II and, after his military service, graduated from Wesleyan University in 1951. He went on to receive an M.A. in teaching from Wesleyan in 1956. He taught high school English for 33 years, first in Poultney, and then in Brattleboro. He retired in 1992. He was a 75-year member of First United Methodist Church of Brattleboro, where he served as organist and choir director for many years. He was known for his dry wit, his love of reading, and his dedication to his church. He adored his family and was extremely proud of his daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren. He instilled a love of learning in all those around him and encouraged others to do their best in all they did. His beloved wife spent five years being the primary care-giver of her homebound husband. Even during those difficult years, they attended church nearly every Sunday and participated in a weekly Bible study in their home until, due to his failing health, he moved into Thompson House. MEMORIAL INFORMATION: A memorial service was conducted on Dec. 28 at First United Methodist Church in Brattleboro. A private burial in Morningside Cemetery preceded the service. Donations to First United Methodist Church, 18 Town Crier Drive, Brattleboro, VT 05301 or to Thompson House Activities Fund, 80 Maple St., Brattleboro, VT 05301. To sign an online guestbook with messages of condolence, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Regina Veronica “Jeannie” Witalis, 87, of Brattleboro. Died Dec. 19 at Pine Heights Nursing Home following a lengthy illness. She had been a resident at the facility for the past three years. Wife of Edward Witalis for 68 years. Mother of Cheryl Brentnall and her husband, William, of Gales Ferry, Conn. Sister of the late Frederick Giroux, Heloise LeClaire, and Edyth Chickering. Also survived by a granddaughter, two great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Born in Brattleboro, the daughter of the late Arthur and Bessie (Howard) Giroux, she was raised and educated in Brattleboro, attending public schools. She worked for the town of Brattleboro for many years as a secretary/receptionist at the Municipal Center until her retirement. Previously, she worked for Kinney-Pike Insurance, the Book Press, and the former Berkshire Fine Spinning Associates on Cotton Mill Hill. She was a communicant of St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church and held membership in the B.P.O. Elks, Emblem Club, Lodge #1499 in Brattleboro. She enjoyed quilting, polka dancing, and visiting area flea markets. She was an excellent cook and known for her delicious Polish delicacies. She was a very caring, energetic, loving and generous wife, mother and grandmother and was fondly known by her nieces and nephews as “Ciocia.” Many who knew her will remember her pleasant personality and spirit of friendship. MEMORIAL INFORMATION: A memorial gathering was held Dec. 23 at the Elks Home in Brattleboro. Donations to St. Michael's School, 47 Walnut St., Brattleboro, VT 05301 in care of Elaine Beam, Principal. To sign an online register book or send messages of condolence to the family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.