Obituaries
• Meggan Clifford Clark, 37, of Bristol, Conn,, formerly of Westminster West. Died Jan. 5. She was born in Bellows Falls on April 14, 1979, the daughter of Susan Clifford and David Clark. She attended Bellows Falls Union High School and Wellesley College. She later attended Naugatuck Valley Community College, where she received her nursing degree and became a licensed RN in Connecticut. Her goal was to work with Doctors Without Borders in Africa. She worked as a reporter for 10 years at the Brattleboro Reformer, the Eagle Times of Claremont, N.H., the Rutland Herald, the New Haven (Conn.) Register, and the Press of Atlantic City, N.J. She spoke fluent French and was learning Russian, Spanish, and Arabic. She also lived in Paris for a year, where she taught English. She was brilliant, musical, artistic, and had a great sense of humor. She loved her children more than anything. In 2014, she married Andrea Rawson, who survives. She is also survived by her parents, Susan Clifford of Putney and David Clark of Westminster West; her children Marley lone DeRienzo and Cash Reto DeRienzo of Litchfield, Conn.; her brothers Patrick Clark of Walpole, N.H., Warner Clark of Westminster, and Reilly Clark of Burlington; and her former husband, Matt DeRienzo of Litchfield, Conn. She is also survived by aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends. Memorial information: No service information provided. Calling hours were held Jan. 13 at Fenton & Hennessey Funeral Home in Bellows Falls.
• Elaine Cole, 73, of Derby, formerly of Brookline. Died Jan. 6 at Vernon Green Nursing Home. She was born in Greenfield, Mass. on Oct. 12, 1943; the second child of the late Minnie (Lightfoot) and Francis Arms. She graduated from Leland & Gray Seminary in Townshend and married Francis O. Cole in 1961. The Coles lived in Brookline for 38 years and enjoyed their home, family, and friends. She loved being a Tupperware demonstrator who earned a trip to Florida and other prizes. She met many friends through her work at the Newfane Store, being a troop leader with the Girl Scouts, the Parents with a Purpose support group, and through her gardening. She loved her garden, camping trips to Somerset Reservoir and the Northeast Kingdom where she could listen to the loons and enjoy canoeing, and her family trips to Maine. She was an avid photographer who chronicled the lives of her family, friends, and church. The Coles retired to their lake house in Derby in 2000, and made many friends in the area and enjoyed having them over for picnics and other celebrations. Elaine was a 15-year active member of the Derby Community Church. She leaves three children: Christine D. Cole of Derby, Kevin A. Cole and his wife, Deborah, of South Londonderry, and Jennifer D. Cole of Vernon; a brother, Robert Arms and his companion, Barbara Lowe of Wardsboro; and a grandaughter, a nephew, and two nieces. She was predeceased by her husband, Francis O. Cole; two sons, Matthew F. Cole and Timothy W. Cole; and a brother, William Arms. Memorial information: A celebration of life will be held at the Derby Community Church at a later date. There will be a graveside service at Oakwood Cemetery in Townshend in the spring. Donations to the Activities Program at Vernon Green Nursing Home, 61 Greenway Dr., Vernon, VT 05354. Condolences may be offered at www.ker-westerlund.com.
• Carl F. Christensen, 57, of Marlboro, Vt. and Amherst, N.H. Died Jan. 8 in Boston after a sudden and brief illness. Loving husband of Lisa for 34 years and father of Hannah, he found great joy in his family, writing and performing his own music, and “messing about in boats.” He worked as a landscaper, in construction, and as a caretaker for the family's Vermont property. Carl once wrote of a friend, “I see your face in all I meet/on country lanes and city streets/I hear you singing in the murmur of a breeze/And I know that you walk with me” - and we know that he will always walk with those who loved him. He was the son of Norma Anderson Christensen and the late Frederick W. Christensen of Tucker's Town, Bermuda, and brother to Marie Brown, Joanne Christensen, Theresa Gillis, and the late Anne Christensen. Memorial information: A gathering in his memory will be planned for a future date. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make a donation to a charity of their choice.
• Gary A. “Gilly” Gilman, 79, of Vernon. Died Jan. 3 at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital. Born in Richford on May 6, 1937, the son of Carlton and Hallie (Scott) Gilman, he was raised in Richford, later attending Kurn Hattin Homes in Westminster. He was a graduate of Richford High School, Class of 1955. He went on to proudly serve his country in the Air Force and, following his honorable discharge from active service, moved to Brattleboro and went to work as a machine mechanic at the former Book Press. He held membership in American Legion Post 5, F.O. Eagles, Brattleboro Aerie #2445, the B.P.O. Elks, Brattleboro Lodge #1499, the VFW National Home for Children and was a proud supporter of the Professional Fire Fighters of Vermont. Throughout the years, he worked in the kitchen of the clubs, putting on functions and dinners. He was well-known for his generous spirit and contributions. He enjoyed his friends and the outdoors, including fishing and boating. Survivors include his twin brother, Larry Gilman, of Clinton, Mass., and C. Scott Gilman and his wife Nancy of Green Valley, Ariz., one grandson, several nieces, nephews and cousins, and a large host of friends. He was predeceased by a daughter, Nora G. Ellis. Memorial information: Burial and committal services with full military honors will take place in the Tyler Cemetery in Vernon in the spring. Donations to Kurn Hattin Homes, P.O. Box 127, Westminster, VT 05158. To send messages of condolence, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Joan Helena “Hemmie” Franklin, 83, of Guilford. Died Jan. 10 at Vernon Green Nursing Home, where she had been a resident since October 2015. She was born in Greenfield, Mass. on April 19, 1933, the daughter of the late Elihu and Marion (Phillips) Osgood, and was a graduate of Greenfield High School. She was a devoted homemaker who assisted in the daily operation of her family's farms, the Franklin Farm on Sweet Pond Road, and previously the Riverview Farm in Putney. In her earlier years, she worked at the former H. Margolin Pocketbook Shop in Brattleboro. She had attended the Guilford Community Church and was a former member of the Leyden Methodist Church. She enjoyed following her grandchildren's sports endeavors, loved small animals, and cherished time spent with her family. She was an avid Boston Red Sox fan and enjoyed watching NASCAR racing. In 1953, she married Russell Franklin, who predeceased her in 1993. Survivors include one son, Todd Franklin and his wife, Charlene, of Knoxville, Tenn, and two daughters, Debbie Franklin and her husband, Mark Rosner, of West Springfield, Mass. and Diane Rounds of Whitingham. Additionally, she leaves six grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. She also leaves her close and dear friend of many years, Shirley Squires of Guilford. She was predeceased by one sister, Jean Canedy. Memorial information: Funeral services were conducted Jan. 15 at 1 p.m. at Guilford Community Church, with a reception to follow. Burial in Baker Cemetery in Guilford will be in the springtime. Donations to to Holton Home, 158 Western Ave., Brattleboro, VT 05301 or to AIDS Project of Southern Vermont, P.O. Box 1486, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To send messages of condolence, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Phyllis (Ewens) Hubbard, 74, of Brattleboro. Died Jan. 11. Born July 19, 1942 in Westfield, Mass., to Hazel (Foxx) and Clarence E. Ewens, she had seven sisters and six brothers. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She was a volunteer at the Salvation Army and liked crocheting, baking, and spending time with family. Her favorite singer was Kid Rock. She is survived by her husband, Dale Hubbard; her children Paul Ewens, Marshall Pacheco, Lucy Eddy, Sharon Morrissette, Paula Welch, and Helen Thomas; and 22 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. Memorial information: A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 21, at 1 p.m., at Agape Christian Fellowship, 30 Canal St., Brattleboro, with a reception after the service at the Samuel Elliot Apartments, 107 Elliot St., Brattleboro.
• Elizabeth Anne “Betty” Lower, 76, of Sheldon, formerly of Brattleboro. Died Jan. 6 at her home. Born in Brattleboro on Feb. 22, 1940, she was the daughter of the late Charles and Jessica (Bessett) Byrd. She graduated from Brattleboro Union High School and continued her education through community college. She was a parishioner of St. Michael's Catholic Church while in Brattleboro and a member of the Daughters of Isabella. She volunteered for many organizations, including the Drop In Center, Hospice, and Meals on Wheels. In 1991, she moved to Richford, where she was a parishioner of All Saints Catholic Church, active in volunteering for several community projects. In 2012, she moved to Sheldon with her daughter Erin and family, where she finished out her life with her best friend, Rascal the pug, by her side. She was a very strong woman of faith with a heart of gold. She enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren, whom she cherished. She loved sewing, crocheting, knitting, and quilting and was an avid gardener. She is survived by a son, Daniel Finnell and his companion, Debra, of Brattleboro, three daughters; Colleen Finnell Miera of Tucson, Ariz., Erin Campbell and her husband, Shawn, of Sheldon, and Jessica Lower and companion Richard Spitzer of Essex;. three stepchildren, Carol Hebert of Florida, Mary Yanizze of Vermont, and Valerie Raynor of Massachusetts; and seven grandchildren and four step-grandchildren. Memorial information: A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, May 20, 2017, at 10 a.m. at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Brattleboro, followed by committal rites and interment will follow in St. Michael's Cemetery.
• Harry Arthur Morse, 85, of Brattleboro. Died Jan. 5 at Cheshire Medical Center in Keene, N.H. Born in Brattleboro on Jan. 12, 1931; the son of the late Alfred and Arline (Cudworth) Morse, he was a lifelong resident of Brattleboro. He attended local schools through eighth-grade. He worked early in life to help support his family. In 1968, he married Laurine Zella (Bushey) Morse. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He enjoyed golfing with his family, hunting with his brothers, and fishing with his grandchildren. He was a member of the Brattleboro Country Club for 50 years. He liked the Red Sox and saw many old-time players at games in Fenway Park. “MacGyver” was a nickname his son James gave him because he could fix or make something out of anything. He loved talking about the Brattleboro he remembered growing up in and collected old Brattleboro postcards. He loved country music, especially Gene Autry, Hank Williams, and Yodeling Slim Clark. He is predeceased by three brothers and four sisters. He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years; his daughter, Michelle Lee Morse of Brattleboro; his son, James Phillip Morse of North Springfield, Vt.; five grandchildren, one great-grandson, a brother, Alfred Morse of Rowe, Mass., as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Memorial information: As per his wishes, there will not be any services. A private graveside service will be held in the spring. To honor his memory, live your life with peace and harmony. Condolences may be offered at www.kerwesterlund.com.
• Sandra Jane “Sandie” Page, 78, of Brattleboro. Died on Nov. 16, 2016, at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital., after suffering a cerebral hemorrhage. She was born on Sept. 29, 1938, in Weymouth, Mass., the daughter of John Caleb Page Jr. and Charlotte Franklin Page. While she was still a child, her family moved to Gorham, Maine, where she grew up. She remained a devoted “Maine-iac” for the rest of her life. Sandie graduated from Gorham High School in 1956, the University of Maine in 1960 with a B.S. in elementary education, and Antioch New England in 1976 with an M.S. in teaching. Until the end of her life, many of her UMaine classmates were an active part of her life. She was a member of Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority and Vice President of the Women's Athletic Association; was elected Class Vice President in 2005, and Class President for the 50th Reunion. She gave back to the university by being instrumental in setting up a Class of 1960 Endowment Fund. In 1960, her first job was teaching kindergarten in Portland, Conn. She then went on to teaching positions in California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and West Germany, where she taught in the U.S. Department of Defense School System. Many of the teachers she worked with became close friends with whom she stayed in contact. She moved to Brattleboro in 1970 and taught at Green Street School until her retirement in 1998. Her fellow teachers and hundreds of former students will remember the dedication, understanding, and positive attitude she brought to her work as a teacher. During these years, she was thrust into the role of guardian to Harrison, a female Baltimore oriole chick that had fallen from her nest. Unable to return her to the nest, Sandie obtained a license from the state to keep her and raise her. Harrison's visits to her classroom are legendary among her former students. In 1991, she gained much-deserved recognition as a recipient of the Marlboro College Excellence in Education award and was awarded an honorary Master of Arts degree. The Page family treasured their summers at their camp on Marshall Pond in Oxford, Maine. It was there, exploring the pond and woods that Sandie developed her love of nature. As was her habit, she broadened her network of close friends there as well. Whenever anyone visited her on Marshall Pond, one thing was certain…they were welcomed to “camp” with a lobster dinner. In later years, she built a second home, “The Aerie,” at a more accessible part of the pond, enabling her to spend more time in Maine. She loved classical music. Over the years, she sang in three different choruses in Brattleboro: the Community Chorus, the Women's Chorus, and the Intergenerational Chorus. She also trod the boards as a “maiden” in several Gilbert & Sullivan productions. Many of those choristers became and remained her friends, even after the music faded. She loved the out-of-doors in all seasons. Her interest in cross-country skiing led her to join Ski for Light, an organization that trained her as a sighted skier to guide blind or visually-impaired skiers. She was predeceased by her parents and her brother, Robert Franklin Page. She leaves behind her sister-in-law, Sally Page; nephews Scott and Brad Page and their families; an uncle, Bryant Page, an aunt, Dorothy Quinney; and the extended Page and Franklin families. In addition, she cultivated many close friends, whom she considered to be part of her family. At the time of her death, Sandie resided at Arbor Hill Commons in Brattleboro. Every person who was part of Sandie's “family of friends” will remember how she loved to do crossword puzzles in ink; how she knitted little “comfort dolls” to send to orphanages in Africa; how she created beautiful water color paintings; how she wrote “odes” to celebrate her friends' birthdays; and how proud she was of her “Winslow Homer” dahlias, especially the red ones. Memorial information: There will be a celebration of her life on Saturday, April 8, 2017, at 3:30 p.m., at West Village Meeting House (All Souls Church) in West Brattleboro. Donations to the Class of 1960 Endowment Fund, in care of The University of Maine Foundation, Two Alumni Place, Orono, ME 04469-5792; Brattleboro Music Center, 17 Walnut St, Brattleboro, VT 05301; or Vermont Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, (VABVI), 60 Kimball Ave, So. Burlington, VT 05403. Rememberances may be sent to Sandie Page's Family & Friends, in care of Carol Barber, 751 South St., Brattleboro, VT 05301.
• Mary Frances Prodouz, 82, of Beech Street. Died Jan. 7 at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital. Born in Quincy, Mass. on Oct. 5, 1934, the daughter of Clarence and Daisy (Power) Gurney. She was raised and educated in Massachusetts, graduating from Braintree High School, Class of 1952. She had been a resident of Brattleboro since 1965, when she married to Raymond Prodouz, who predeceased her in 2008. She was a devoted homemaker and, for 10 years, was employed by the town of Brattleboro as a crossing guard at the top of Union Hill. She enjoyed watching the Kentucky Derby each year, was an avid Boston Red Sox fan, and loved spending time with her two grandsons. Survivors include one daughter, Jennifer Prodouz of Brattleboro; one son, Mark Prodouz and his wife Barbara of Bellevue, Neb.; two grandsons and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents and one brother, Maurice Gurney. Memorial information: No formal funeral services are scheduled. She will be buried with her husband in Mt. Wollaston Cemetery in Quincy on Saturday, June 17, 2017. Donations to Rescue Inc., P.O. Box 1034, Brattleboro, VT 05302 or to the American Kidney Foundation, 6110 Executive Blvd., Suite 1010, Rockville, MD 20852. To offer messages of condolence, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Veronica “Ronnie” Sadd, 95, of Spofford, N.H., formerly of Brattleboro. Died Jan. 8 at her home. Born in Montague City, Mass., on July 23, 1921, the daughter of Alexander and Mary (Kaminskas) Baronas,, she was raised in Whately, Mass., and was a 1940 graduate of South Deerfield High School. In 1941, she married John Sadd, who predeceased her in 2007. She had been employed as a paraprofessional at Brattleboro Union High School and, for many years, co-owned and operated the former Hillside Dairy of Brattleboro with her husband. She was a member of the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary and the Brattleboro Home Club. For many years, she was a dedicated Girl Scout leader. With her husband, she held memberships in the CVR Antique Auto Club and the NH Snowmobile Club. They also enjoyed square dancing with the Green Mountain Squares. She enjoyed entertaining at her home, gardening, and reading. Cooking was a passion and finding new recipes was always a joy. She traveled extensively, with return trips to Hawaii, where she and John renewed their wedding vows; her 90th birthday celebration was spent on a cruise to Norway, Iceland and Greenland. She was a longtime communicant of St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church and a member of the Daughters of Isabella, Ave Maria Circle #128. Survivors include her five children, Marilyn Tuthill of St. Petersburg, Fla., David Sadd and daughter-in-law Maureen of Hinsdale, N.H., Rebecca Koski and son-in-law David of West Dummerston, Joan Momaney of Spofford, and Suanne Bickum and son-in-law David of Newton, N.H. Additionally, she leaves 10 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, 12 great-great grandchildren, two sisters-in-law, and numerous nieces, nephews and dear friends. She was predeceased by a sister, Caroline Smead; a granddaughter, Brie Momaney; and six brothers, Paul, Edward, William, James, Alexander, and Bernard Baronas. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held Jan. 14 at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Brattleboro. Committal rites and burial in St. Michael's Parish Cemetery will be in the springtime. Donations to St. Michael's School, 48 Walnut St., Brattleboro, VT 05301, in care of Elaine Beam, principal. To send messages of condolence, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Florence Joan Winchester, 93, of Brookline. Died Jan. 5 at Pine Heights Nursing Home in Brattleboro. She was born in Fitchburg, Mass., on May 17, 1923; the daughter of the late William and Della Handley. She was a graduate of Fitchburg High School and went on to attend Skidmore College. Later, she earned an associate's degree in library science. She loved gardening, travel, and animals, especially dogs. She enjoyed historical literature, drama, and music, including classical and opera. She was a remarkable and powerful personality in every sense. She was predeceased by four siblings, Helen, Francis, Ethel, and, Raymond. She is survived by two sons, Steven Winchester of Brookline and Kirk Winchester and his wife, Sally, of Townshend; a daughter, Lynn Winchester of Brattleboro; six grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, and two nephews and a niece. Memorial information: A graveside service will be held at a later date in Littleton, Mass. Donations to the Windham County Humane Society, 916 West River Rd, Brattleboro, VT 05301. Condolences may be offered at www.kerwesterlund.com.
• Monika Lee Woodard, 48, of Brattleboro. Died Jan. 7 at Thompson House Nursing Home, following a period of declining health. Born in Brattleboro on Feb. 15, 1968, the daughter of William and Charlotte (Parris) Morse, she was raised and educated in Brattleboro. In 1984, she married Richard Woodard, who predeceased her in 1992. She enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren. She also enjoyed knitting and playing Yahtzee as a pastime. She also enjoyed participating in Bingo among other activities at Thompson House. She is survived by her two daughters, Heather Duke and her husband, David, of Hinsdale, N.H., and Trisha Woodard and Tony Ingram of Winchester, NH; two sons, Corey Biddulph and daughter-in-law, Vanessa Cayton, of Jamaica and Cole Biddulph and Kellee Moore of Brattleboro; her sister, Peggy Nadeau of Goffstown, N.H. and her brother, Stephen Morse of Charlestown, N.H. Additionally she is survived by nine grandchildren. Memorial information: Graveside committal services in the Morse family lot in St. Michael's Parish Cemetery in Brattleboro will be held in the springtime when the cemetery reopens. Donations may be made to an online Go Fund Me account in Monika's name (www.gofundme.com/monika-woodard) to help her children with the cost of services. To offer messages of condolence, visit www.atamaniuk.com.