Obituaries
• Alfred William “Al” Adam, 89, formerly of Brattleboro. Died Sept. 19, 2018 at Fairgreen Assisted Living Facility in New Smyrna Beach, Fla. Born on Nov. 22, 1928 in Brattleboro, to Frederick John Adam and Hattie Elizabeth Bruce, he spent his early years in Brattleboro before joining the Army Air Force just before the end of World War II. He married Mildred “Millie” Wright in 1946. After the war, he returned to Brattleboro and worked for D & D Service Center before becoming a firefighter with the Brattleboro Fire Department. Al and Millie raised their four children in Brattleboro. Al retired from the BFD and he and Millie moved to Florida. He worked at Documentation/Storage Tek, and then went to work for Dictaphone in Melbourne, Fla., until his retirement. Eventually all of their children followed them to Florida. Al was a member of the Masons, Eagles, Elks, VFW, and the American Legion. He is survived by his three sons, one daughter and their spouses; Bernard and Barbara (Trombley) Adam. James and Curt (Camp) Adam, Cynthia Hutchinson, and Dennis and Denita (Martinez) Adam; five grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, five step-great-grandchildren, two step-great-great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 48 years, two brothers, four sisters, and three half-brothers. Memorial information: A private service was held for immediate family. Donations to the Palm Bay Florida Fire Department and/or the Brattleboro Fire Department.
• Harvey Harley Beebe, 88, formerly of Brattleboro. Died Sept. 18, 2018 at the Westover, a retirement community in Hamilton, Ohio, following a period of declining health. Born on Jan. 25, 1930, the son of Victor and Leona (Barcomb) Beebe, he was raised and educated in Brattleboro where he attended Brattleboro High School. He enlisted in the Army Air Force in 1946 at age 16 and served his country during post-World War II and Korean War era in base operations stateside. He retired in 1966 at the rank of master sergeant following 20 years of service to his country. After his honorable discharge, he accepted employment as a senior expeditor with Sanders Associates Inc., an electronics defense contractor based in Nashua, N.H. In 1975, he returned home to Brattleboro with his family and went to work as an independent contractor for the U.S. Postal Service, transporting bulk mail from Brattleboro to Vernon and Putney. He later moved into a position within the Brattleboro Post Office, from which he retired. He moved to Ohio in 1990, where he resided until his death. He was a communicant of St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church and was a member of American Legion Post 5. Harvey enjoyed dancing at the local senior center, gardening, and baking. He was a member of the Izaak Walton League and enjoyed participating in their activities. In 1953, he married Arlene Bills, who predeceased him in 2000. Survivors include a son, Thomas Beebe and his wife, Lynn, of Ross, Ohio; a daughter, Deborah Beebe Kastor of Santa Cruz, Calif.; a brother, Joseph Beebe of Brattleboro; a sister, Genevieve Denkewicz of Millers Falls, Mass., four grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by two brothers, Victor “Pete” Beebe and Paul Beebe, and three sisters, Juanita Ardzoni, Katherine Mialkowski and Loretta Whiting. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held on Sept. 24 at St. Michaels Roman Catholic Church, with committal rites and a burial with full military honors in St. Michael's Parish Cemetery. To sign an online register book or send messages of condolence, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Everett A. Brown, 60, of Brattleboro. Died Sept. 4, 2018 at Pine Heights Nursing Home. He was born in Concord, Vt., on July 22, 1958, the son of the late Fred and Alyce (Howland) Brown. He was a graduate of St. Johnsbury Academy and later moved to Brattleboro. He lived at the “High Rise” on Elliot Street for some time before he went into Pine Heights. He held several jobs in the Brattleboro area, and was a member of the First United Methodist Church and the Eagles Club. He leaves two sisters and three brothers in northern Vermont, and an aunt and uncle, Don and Grace Gunnip of Brattleboro. He was predeceased by a sister and a brother. Memorial information: A graveside service will be held at a later date in the Lunenburg Cemetery, where he will be laid to rest beside his parents.
• Janet Baird Cloutman, 81, of Londonderry. Died Sept. 7, 2018, at the Rutland Regional Medical Center. She was born in Springfield, Vt, on Sept. 1, 1937, the daughter of Adna and Beatrice (Simonds) White. After the death of her mother, Janet and her sister, Joyce, were raised by their father with the help and loving care of Alta Roberts, who became part of their family, until her death in 1982. Janet was a graduate of Chester High School; she enjoyed gardening, baking, antiques, genealogy, and spending time with her family. She enjoyed wintering in Florida and summering at her “camp” on Green Pond in North Hebron, N.Y., with her beloved dog, Nikki. While working as pastry chef at The Hartness House in Springfield, she met and married Philip G. Cloutman. Together, they raised three children while residing in Rhode Island and Vermont. He predeceased her in 1995. Following Phil's death, she traveled between Florida, Vermont, and upstate New York with her friend and companion, Jerome Rawson. She was predeceased by her parents; Alta Roberts; her husband, Phil; her sister, Joyce Rowley; and her companion, Jerome Rawson. She is survived by her three children: Lisa Coster (Stephen), of Hobart, N.Y., Linda Crandall (Almon), of Weston, and Philip K. Cloutman (Marty Trombetta), of Londonderry, six grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Memorial information: Per Janet's wishes, there will be no calling hours or services. There will be a private burial at a future date. Donations to the charity of your choice or to the Neurofibromatosis - Children's Tumor Foundation, 120 Wall St., 16th Floor, New York, NY 10005-3904.
• Lois R. Draper, 85, of Brattleboro. Died Sept. 17, 2018 at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H. Born in Brattleboro on Nov. 7, 1932, the daughter of Harold and Grace (Call) Pike, she was raised in Brattleboro, attending public schools and was a graduate of Brattleboro High School, Class of 1951. She married Joshua Draper in 1951, and was a faithful and devoted wife and loving mother and grandmother whose life centered around her family. Lois was an accomplished artist and enjoyed painting with oils. She also was a gifted poet and throughout the years penned many poems. With her husband, she was a resident of Moosup, Conn., and was a member of the Moosup Baptist Church. Steadfast in her walk of faith, she shared the gospel with many. She loved animals, especially her beloved Jack Russell terrier, Ginger. Besides her husband of 67 years, she leaves three sons, William Draper of Gill, Mass., Paul Draper of Cobleskill, N,Y, and James Draper of Woodstock, Conn.; one sister, Jean Vandervalk of Brattleboro, five grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and three nephews. She was predeceased by her great granddaughter, Kaitlyn Goodnow. Memorial information: Graveside committal services were conducted Sept. 24 in Christ Church Cemetery in the Algiers section of Guilford. Donations to Rescue, Inc., P.O. Box 593, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To sign an online register book or send messages of condolence to the family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Jacqueline “Jackie” Durant, 90, of East Dummerston. Died on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2018. She was born May 4, 1928 in Bellows Falls, the daughter of Ernest and Dorothy (Stockford) Curtis, and graduated from Bellows Falls High School in 1946. In December 1932, at age 4, Jackie was entered in a town popularity contest. The winner was Betty Lawlor, who ended up being a classmate in high school. Jackie was runner-up and was awarded an all-steel scooter sled. She was employed in the central office of Windham Southeast Supervisory Union for 29 years and served as treasurer/office manager of the Windham County VEA Credit Union for 12 years. She also served as secretary of East Dummerston Cable TV and board recorder for the Dummerston Town School Board. After retiring, Jackie worked part-time for the River Valley Credit Union School Savings Program. She then started working part-time in October 2000 in the office of Maple Valley Physical Therapy until her death. During that time, she also volunteered at the Vermont Department of Health and for many years she knitted hats and mittens for the Reformer Christmas Stocking and Dummerston School, baby hats for newborns at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital, and bibs for the Welcome Baby Program. In 1948, she married Forrest Durant, who died in 2010. She is survived by: her daughter, Kathryn Whitney and her husband, Timothy, of Marlboro; her son, David Durant and his wife, Deborah, of Landenberg, Pa.; two sisters, Shirley Goings of Springfield, Vt., and Raelene Rice of Nottingham, N.H.; one brother, Phillip Shippee of Peoria, Ariz.; three grandchildren, four great-grandchildren,and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband of 62 years, she was predeceased by her brother, Charles “Bud” Curtis, and her sister, Barbara Blodgett. Memorial information: In keeping with Jackie's final wishes, there will be no formal service. An informal gathering will be held at a later date. Donations to Rescue, Inc., P.O. Box 593, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To sign an online register book or send messages of condolence to the family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Iva G Fisher, 103, of Grafton. Died September 12, 2018. Born on Feb. 21, 1915 in Windham, the daughter of Leon and Hattie (Rounds) Gibbs, she was a 1933 graduate of Leland & Gray Seminary. Mrs. Fisher was a farmer and also served as Grafton's Tax Collector and also drove school bus. She was a member of the Grafton Historical Society, the Grafton Parent Teacher Group, was an Overseer of the Poor, and a Cancer Crusader. Mrs. Fisher enjoyed being a seamstress, square dancing, and was still bowling at the age of 95 - she received an award for being the “Oldest Bowler” in Vermont. On Aug. 5, 1934, she married Theron C. Fisher who predeceased her. Surviving are her daughters Ann Record (Bernard, deceased), Arlene Carey and her husband, Ron, Lynda Jo Gregory and her husband, John, and Sandra Thomas and her husband, Allan; 13 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, several step-great-grandchildren, and 9 great-great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her son Theron “Sonny” “Ted” Fisher, great-granddaughter Brittany Arlene Record, four brothers, and three sisters. Memorial information: A graveside service was held Sept. 22 in Houghtonville Cemetery in Grafton. Donations may be made to the Brick Meeting House Fisher Family Bell Fund, in care of the Grafton Historical Society, P.O. Box 202, Grafton, VT 05146.
• Sharry J. Manning, 65, of Brattleboro. Died Sept. 17, 2018 at her home, following a brief illness. Born on Oct. 4, 1952 in Brattleboro, to the late Jacqueline and Thomas E. Manning, she attended BUHS and Windham College. Her adventurous spirit brought her to Eugene, Ore., where she planted trees for several years and then to Los Angeles to pursue a career in the film industry. Sharry's love of Vermont brought her back to Brattleboro to raise her son, Devon. She was a strong, independent, loving and giving spirit who spread her light with those whose lives she touched. She was an active member of her community in many capacities, including politics, local arts, choirs, and serving as a justice of the peace. Sharry is survived by her son, Thomas Devon Manning (Jamie Manning) of Buckland, Mass.; her sister, Karen Buys (Dan Washburn) of Coldwater, Mich.; her brother, Thomas Manning (Janelle Warner) of Coldwater, Mich., and her grandchildren Caiden and Harrison Manning, and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. Memorial information: A celebration of Sharry's life will be held on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, at 11 a.m., at St. Michael's Episcopal Church in Brattleboro. All who loved Sharry are welcome to attend. Donations to the Sharry Manning Memorial Fund at Sojourns Community Health Clinic, 4923 US Route 5, Westminster, VT, 05158. This fund is designated for individuals with cancer needing financial assistance toward supporting Vitamin C infusion therapy. To view an online memorial, leave a message of condolence, or for more information, go to www.phaneuf.net.
• Tara Ann Oliveri, 43, of West Dover. Died Sept. 14, 2018 at her home. Born in Stoney Brook, Long Island, N.Y., on March 31, 1975, the daughter of Tom Steele and Karen Worona, she attended local schools. Tara was a housekeeper for area homes. She enjoyed listening to music, especially the Grateful Dead, as well as cooking for everyone, traveling, and spending time with her grandchildren. she is survived by her children, Gage Oliveri and Thomas Oliveri of West Dover, and Alyssa Oliveri of Florida; brother Todd Steele of Long Island; and grandchildren Persephone Oliveri and Lucius Hamblin. She was preceded in death by her brother Tommy Steele. Memorial information: A funeral service will be held Saturday, Sept. 30, 2018, at 2:30 p.m., at the West Dover Congregational Church. Interment will be private. There are no visiting hours. To send the family personal condolences, visit www.sheafuneralhomes.com.
• Regina Nellie (Klepadlo) Reffi, 85, of Brattleboro. Died Sept. 15, 2018 at Thompson House Nursing Home, where she resided since 2016. Born in Whately, Mass., on Aug. 8, 1933, daughter of the late Stanislawa (Zaikowski) and Aleksander Klepadlo, she attended South Deerfield (Mass.) High School, where she was instrumental in getting Polish added to the curriculum. After graduation, she attended The Beauty Academy of Hairdressing in Springfield, Mass., which she commuted to daily or stayed with her sister Jennie. She was a hard worker as a young woman, working in both the tobacco fields and barns of South Deerfield and the pickle plant. She was a hairdresser for Lottie in Greenfield, Mass., until she married and started her family. In 1959, she married Paul D. Reffi, whom she met on a blind date. They lived for many wonderful years in Brattleboro, raising their children and grandchildren at 68 Putney Rd. She continued cutting and doing hair treatments in her home for her family and friends while raising her family. She was a communicant and choir member at St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church for almost 60 years. Regina was a beautiful dancer on roller skates, enjoyed watching soap operas, camping with family in Cape Cod and Maine, traveling with family to Florida, Penn Dutch Country, and South Dakota, cooking and baking such wonderful treats such as fudge, apple pie and jello salad, spending time with her family, playing solitaire, and completing crossword puzzles. She was an avid Bingo player in her prime, playing upwards of 36 cards. She also enjoyed crocheting and knitting hats, mittens and scarves for family, friends, and the Christmas tree benefit.She leaves her children: Michael Reffi of Brattleboro and his companion, Mary Draper; Cynthia Reffi of St. Johnsbury and her companion, Stephen Bean; Deborah Lemnah of West Chesterfield, N.H., and her husband Bruce; and Mark Reffi of East Dummerston and his wife Jennifer. She also leaves her sister Jennie Pupek of West Springfield, Mass.; three grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, and grand-nieces and nephews, plus her many Thompson House and Bingo friends. She was predeceased by her husband, in 2012; a son, David M. Reffi; a grandson, Andrew N. Lemnah; and siblings Stanley Klepadlo, Joseph Klepadlo, Sr., and Sabina Lozoski. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held on Sept. 22 at St. Michael's Catholic Church, with committal rites and burial in St. Michael's Parish Cemetery. Donations to the Thompson House Activities Fund, 80 Maple St., Brattleboro, VT 05301, or to Brigid's Kitchen Renovation Fund, c/o St. Michael's Church, 48 Walnut St., Brattleboro, VT 05301. To sign an online guestbook with messages of condolence, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Betty Jean “Betts” Wallace, 94, of Brattleboro. Died Sept. 16, 2018 at Pine Heights Nursing Home in Brattleboro. She brought fun and joy wherever she went. Her beautiful smile lit up every room she walked into, and she walked into lots of rooms all over the world (including into a pyramid in Egypt) during her long life. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She also loved playing the piano, singing, family parties, and a good pun. With her husband Jack Wallace, Betts traveled around the world twice, going to seven out of eight continents, visiting children and grandchildren in places like Brazil, Australia, and Mexico. But she also loved her life at home in Putney and Brattleboro, where she was an active and well-loved member of the community. Born on Jan. 8, 1924 in Philadelphia, the eldest child of Nellie (Vyverberg) and Dick Higgins, she was a proud graduate of Upper Darby High School, Class of 1941. Betts was a member of the tennis team and the editor of the student paper, where she won a state prize for her editorials. In fact she met the love of her life, Jack Wallace, working on the UDHS student paper. A wartime bride, Betts married Jack in 1941 at Fort Benning, Ga. They raised five daughters. In 1956, Betts came to Putney when her husband accepted a position at the Experiment in International Living. Betts and Jack were happily married for 63 years until his death in June 2004. A woman of deep faith, Betts was an active member of Putney Federated Church. When she moved to Brattleboro later in life, she made a point to visit as many of Brattleboro's churches as she could, most recently worshiping at First Baptist Church on Main Street. She truly lived her Christian values, giving generously to others and volunteering many hours for organizations such as the Putney Library, Putney Cares, Meals on Wheels, BMH Auxiliary, Church Women United, Planned Parenthood, Council on Aging, the Brattleboro Floral Arts and Garden Club, and the Putney Fortnightly Club. She volunteered for Red Cross blood drives and loved to play the piano for the residents of Holton Home. She and Jack were also active Habitat for Humanity volunteers both locally and nationally, getting the chance to build a home with former President Jimmy Carter. Betts is survived by four of her five daughters; Barbara George, Lynn Herzog, and Martha Wallace-Jones of Brattleboro, and Jan Blodgett of Winooski; her sons-in-law Bob George, Georges Herzog, and Steve Blodgett; seven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her “little brother” Ray (and Arleen) Higgins of Newark, Del., and many Higgins nieces and nephews to whom Aunt Betts was a favorite aunt. She was predeceased by her beloved husband John A. (Jack) Wallace, their youngest daughter Meg Wallace, who died of childhood leukemia in 1964; her brother, Bob Higgins; and son-in-law, Alan Jones. Memorial information: A private family memorial service will be held in coming weeks. Donations to Brattleboro Senior Meals, the Brattleboro Music Center, and the John A. Wallace Endowed Fund at the School for International Training.