Births
• In Brattleboro, (at home), Sep. 18, 2018, a son, Augustus Everett Lovett Blood, to Katharine Manthei Audlin and Christopher Scott Blood of Brattleboro; grandson of Lisa Manthei Audlin of Brattleboro, and Joan P. Blood of West Hartford, Vt. He weighed 6 pounds, 15 ounces at birth, and was 19 3/4 inches long.
College news
• Keltsey Rushton of Grafton was among the 65 students who graduated from Vermont Technical College in the fall of 2018. Rushton graduated from the Dairy Farm Management (AS) program.
• Richard Lolatte of Brattleboro graduated with a B.A. in interactive media design, game arts concentration from Becker College in Worcester, Mass. Lolatte was one of 100 Becker students to graduate at the end of the fall 2018 semester.
• Chelsea D. Lee of Vernon has been named to Dean's List for the fall 2018 semester at Husson University in Bangor, Maine. Lee is a sophomore who is currently enrolled in Husson's bachelor of science in legal studies with a concentration in pre-law program.
• Stephanie Louise Green of Westminster has been named to Husson University's President's List for the fall 2018 semester. Green is a senior who is currently enrolled in the university's bachelor of science in healthcare studies/master of science in occupational therapy program.
• Rachel Sorrell of Newfane, a student in the Henry C. Lee College of Criminal Justice and Forensic Sciences at the University of New Haven, has been named to the Dean's List for the fall 2018 semester.
• The following local students received academic honors for the fall 2018 semester at Castleton University: Devin Millerick of Vernon was named to the President's List. Named to the Dean's List were Spencer Butter of Brattleboro, Gabrielle Carpenter of Vernon, Casey Gould of Brattleboro, Alison Josselyn of Londonderry, Abigail Lesure of Vernon, Jenner Lyman of Grafton, Meghan Powell of Vernon, Kelsey Rabideau of Dummerston, Emma Truhan-Swanson of Brattleboro, Laura Vogell of Springfield, and Cassidy Yrsha of Londonderry.
• The following local students were named to the Dean's List for the fall 2018 semester at Vermont Technical College: Parker Waite of Brattleboro, of the Automotive Technology program; Morgan Stevens of Grafton, of the Business Technology & Management (AAS) program; Meka Dearborn of Brattleboro, of the Equine Studies program; and Natalie Freeman of Putney, of the Nursing (ADN) program.
• Marissa Betit of Vernon and Sarah Forrett of East Dummerston were both named to the President's List for the fall 2018 semester at Southern New Hampshire University in Manchester, N.H.
• Olivia Brown of Wardsboro, Morgan Kaeppel of Vernon, and Kassidy Wyman of Cambridgeport were all named to the Dean's List for the fall 2018 semester at Southern Vermont College in Bennington.
• Maddie Fulkerson of Bellows Falls and Micah Hardy of Vernon were both named to the Dean's List for the fall 2018 semester at the University of Connecticut.
• Murphy Hicks of Bellows Falls has been named to the fall 2018 Dean's List at American International College in Springfield, Mass.
• The following local students received academic honors for the fall 2018 semester at Plymouth (N.H) State University: Conor Hiner of Brattleboro was named to the President's List. Abigail Thomas of Brattleboro and Sarah Scarlett of Cambridgeport were both named to the Dean's List
Obituaries
• Patricia Anderson, 87, formerly of Brattleboro. Died Jan. 19, 2019 at Saratoga Center Rehab and Skilled Nursing Care in Ballston Spa, N.Y. Born in Brattleboro on Nov. 19, 1931, she was the daughter of Francese Anderson Smith and Oscar Anderson. She attended school in Bellows Falls, and lived most of her adult life in Los Angeles. She is survived by her sister, Cynthia Boadle of Missouri; a brother, Roland Anderson of Brattleboro; a half-sister, Sandra Smith of Queensbury, N.Y.; and several nieces and nephews. Memorial information: Services will be private.
• Rachel Jane Atkinson Bittner, 92, formerly of Vermont. Died at her daughter's home in Muskego, Wis., on Jan. 8, 2019. She was born Dec. 5, 1926, in Cavendish, the daughter of Will and May Murray Atkinson. She graduated from Brattleboro High School, Class of 1944. She married John P. “Jack” Bittner in 1946. She lived nearly her entire life in Vermont, including in Cavendish, Dummerston, Brattleboro, Westminster West, Derby, Chester, and Springfield, where she was a parishioner of St. Mary's Catholic Church. She moved to Muskego in 2015 to make her home with her daughter, Susan. Throughout her life, she was an exemplary mother and a helpmate and partner to her husband. Rachel and Jack worked side by side in Jack's various business ventures and construction projects. She was also accomplished at sewing and at designing and crafting hooked rugs. She was unbeatable at Chinese Checkers, and she enjoyed competitive family card games. Survivors include her children: Susan Lawler of Muskego, Anne Bittner of Sierra Madre, Calif., Barbara Heublein and husband, Bruce, of Cayucos, Calif., Jean Christensen of Columbia Heights, Minn.; Robert Bittner of Redway, Calif., Edith Brown and her husband, Wally, of Chester; John Bittner of Germany; Marilyn D'Ambrosio and her husband, Tony, of Canton, Maine; George Bittner and his wife, Mary, of Chester; Shelly Crawford and her husband, Rick, of Rockingham; Jeffrey Bittner of Claremont, N.H., and Fred Bittner and his wife, Christine, of Gilbert, Ariz. She was the proud, loving, and much-loved grandmother of 33 and great-grandmother of 41. She was predeceased by her husband Jack, her son Ben, her son-in-law Ronald Lawler, and her sisters Harriet Emery and Ethel Smith. Memorial information: A memorial service will be held at a later date, and burial will take place in the Cavendish Center Cemetery. Donations to Springfield Meals on Wheels or to a charity of one's choice.
• James C. “Jim” Cappy, 75, of Brattleboro. Died on Jan. 18, 2019 in the presence of his wife, Annette Cappy, and their children and grandchildren. Throughout his years in Brattleboro, Jim was fiercely dedicated to his work in human services and his belief that each person can heal, grow, and contribute. With his first wife, Karen Christensen, Jim ran Twelve Clark Avenue, an innovative family-based foster home for young women. For two decades, Jim was a counselor for the Vermont Department of Human Welfare and the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, advocating for families in need and the rights of the disabled. He was commended for his work by Gov. Howard Dean. Jim later started his own company, the Human Factor, counseling the employees of local companies and organizations, including Brattleboro Memorial Hospital. Jim was deeply committed to justice. As a Syracuse University student in the 1960s, he fought for peace and equality, joining the march on Selma, registering African-American voters in Mississippi, and protesting against the war in Vietnam. A lifelong Democrat, he was an active participant in one-on-one debate and in demanding a more just and caring government. Jim's strongest commitment, though, was always to family. He was born in Auburn, N.Y., on Nov. 17, 1943, the son of Carleton and Marguerite (Burtless) Cappy. Raised in nearby Homer, N.Y., with his siblings Sharon, Nelson, and Paul, Jim took on many of his father's responsibilities at the age of 11 when his father died. A collection of family and friends brought him to Brattleboro and nearby Green River, where he raised his children, Sean and Kirsten Cappy. When he married Annette Leblanc Cappy, their family combined to include Annette's children Bob Ethier and Jackie Ethier Brady. Jim's biggest joys were the marriages of his children and watching his grandchildren Christopher James, Hazel, Elena, Iris, Ben, Madel, Virginia, and Steve grow. An avid talker and storyteller, Jim's final days were spent recounting family memories, debating politics, and making everyone around him laugh and remember. Memorial information: A public memorial service will be held on Sunday, March 31, at 1 p.m., at The Stone Church, 210 Main St., Brattleboro. Donations to the Southern Poverty Law Center at bit.ly/JimCappy.
• Bernard H. Crosier, 96, of North Springfield. Died Jan. 4, 2019 at Springfield Health & Rehabilitation Center. He was born on Nov. 25, 1922 in Wilmington, Vermont, the son of Alonzo and Lila (Upton) Crosier, the fourth of their eight children. He graduated from Wilmington High School in 1941 and from the Vermont State School of Agriculture at Randolph Center in 1943. Following his graduation, he started working as herdsman at the school, a position he held for eight years, with the exception of the two years of service in the Army, serving in Georgia and Italy during World War II. After discharge from the Army, he served 20 years as a platoon sergeant with the Vermont National Guard. In 1945, while home on leave from the Army, he married Agnes Bryant, of North Springfield, who was a student nurse at Gifford Memorial Hospital in Randolph. Following his discharge from the Army, he returned to herdsman at the Agriculture School, where she also worked as a school nurse. In 1951 the couple moved to North Springfield, where he worked as a heating technician for a plumbing and heating firm. Six years later, he started working for the Rutland Herald as a news reporter for the greater Springfield area. He became the Herald's Windsor County bureau chief and stayed in that position until his retirement in 1987. After retirement, he continued his affiliation with the Rutland Herald as a freelancer, writing as a columnist for another 15 years. He and his wife visited each of the lower 48 states and five Canadian provinces in their camper in their post-retirement travels. They visited all the major Civil War battlefields, the homes of 34 presidents of the United States and a dozen or so American novelists and poets. Crosier referred to himself as “a history nut” who followed the Lewis and Clark Trail, the Santa Fe Trail and General Grant's campaign down the Mississippi Valley. In addition to his love of history, he was an avid woods hiker, camper, snowshoer, mountain climber, and gardener. He served as the leader of a 4-H club and on the governing boards of 4-H Camp Downer in Sharon, the Vermont Humanities Council, and the Springfield Recycling Committee. He was a member of the Ascutney Trail Association and Vermont's 251 Club, and a lifetime member of the Friends of the Springfield Library. He is survived by a daughter, Candice Fortier and her husband, Wendell, of Richford; three sons, Wayne Crosier and his wife, Diane, of Plattsburgh, N.Y.; Ernest Crosier and his wife, Sarah Vail, of Chester, and Lon Crosier and his wife, Aesuk, of Woodbridge, Va.; two sisters, Shirley Crosier of Brattleboro and Betty Adams of Vernon; seven grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his wife, in 2012; a daughter, Darlene Pudvah, in 1988; a brother, Ernest; and three sisters, Bernice, Doris, and Marion. Memorial information: A graveside service with military honors will be held on Saturday, April 27, at 2 p.m., at the Pine Grove Cemetery in North Springfield. Donations to the Springfield Hospital Foundation, P.O. Box 2003, Springfield, VT 05156.
• Cheryl Ann Fisher, 59, of Greenfield, Mass. Died Jan. 20, 2019 at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, Mass., following a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Brattleboro on July 30, 1959, the daughter of Ernest and Lois (Shannon) Thompson, she was raised and educated in Brattleboro and was a graduate of Brattleboro Union High School, Class of 1977. Cheryl lived the life of a true giver, always putting the needs of others first before her own. Loving and welcoming, she treated everyone like family. She served as the Activities Director for the Arbors at Greenfield, a position that she was passionate about and thoroughly enjoyed. She was an animal lover, and was always excited to see and hear about all kinds of critters. She had a particular fondness for dogs, cats, and birds. Trips to Disney World were her favorite, a place where she could relax and be a kid for a while. She was a true inspiration and will be sorely missed. The matriarch of a close family, she leaves behind her soul mate and husband of 40 years, Terry Fisher of Greenfield; their four children and their families: Matthew Fisher and his wife, Margaret, of Greenfield; Stefanie Williams and her husband, Adam, also of Greenfield; Ryan Fisher and his wife, Michelle, of Erving, Mass.; and Brittani Brooks and her husband, Billy, of Leyden, Mass.; and eight grandchildren who will dearly miss their “Gramma.” Additionally, she is survived by her mother, Lois Thompson and her brother Brian Thompson of Brattleboro, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and a large host of friends. Memorial information: In keeping with Cheryl's final wishes, there will be no formal funeral services. Donations to Meals on Wheels, c/o Life Path, 101 Munson Street, Suite 201, Greenfield, MA 01301, or the Franklin County Regional Dog Shelter, 10 Sandy Lane, Turners Falls, MA 01376. To sign an online guestbook with messages of condolence to the family, visit www.atamaniuk.com. Atamaniuk Funeral Home of Brattleboro is assisting the family with arrangements.
• Robert “Bob” Lober, 68, of Westminster. Died Jan. 14, 2019. Born in Bellows Falls on Nov. 6, 1950, the son of Allen and Alice (Rousell) Lober, he was a 1969 graduate of Bellows Falls High School and worked for Fire Mutual Aid, Green Mountain Power, and L&B Trucking. He retired from the state of Vermont in 2011. He was a former fire chief and member of the Westminster Fire Department. He loved spending time with his friends and family and enjoyed fishing on the Connecticut River. Surviving is his wife of 43 years, Susan (Hurlburt) Lober; his daughter Jennifer of Wellington, Fla.; and son Michael and fiance Grace and their expanding family of Swanzey, N.H.; his brother John and his wife, Sandi, of Bomoseen, as well as many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, his sister Mary Lober, and his brother Albie Lober. Memorial information: There will be a memorial celebration held in the spring at the Westminster Firehouse. There are no calling hours. Donations to the Westminster Fire Department and or the First Congregational Church of Westminster.
• Edgar “Ed” McWilliam Jr., 88, of Cedar Hill Continuing Care Community in Windsor, formerly of Grafton. Died Jan. 13, 2019, following a brief period of declining health. He was born in Albany, N.Y., on May 20, 1930, the son of Edgar and Mildred (Jeffrey) McWilliam and was raised in Rockville Centre, N.Y. He was a graduate of South Side High School in Rockville Centre and the University of Vermont, where he earned a degree in agriculture in 1952 and met his future wife, Jean Feldman. They married in 1954, settled in Grafton, and formed a partnership with his parents to operate the family dairy farm. Later, that partnership continued as the four of them became the founding managers of the Grafton Village Cheese Company. Ed was active in the Grafton Church where he served as deacon. He was also a volunteer member of the Grafton Fire Department for 60 years. He was its fire chief for 15 years and also served as president of the Grafton Firefighter's Association. He was a founding member of the Grafton FAST/Rescue Squad. He served as town lister, on the Selectboard, the Board of Civil Authority, and was involved with numerous community projects. An Eagle Scout as a youth, he was a Scoutmaster in Grafton. He also drove the Grafton school bus for more than 15 years and had a positive impact on many, many community children. He was a proud dairy farmer and enjoyed working with the cattle and equipment and being outdoors in all ways, including daily walks with his dog, Shadow. He enjoyed reading, especially Civil War history, and traveling with Jean, particularly to the Maine coast. He was predeceased by his wife of nearly 64 years, in 2018. He is survived by his daughter, Gail McWilliam Jellie and husband, David of Charlestown, N.H.; his son, Bruce McWilliam and his wife, Cathy, of Chester; brother and sister-in-law, John and Ann McWilliam of Hamilton, Ohio; four grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews; and Shadow, his loyal, four-legged buddy. Ed loved spending time with his family and friends and was a dedicated volunteer for various community activities and causes. Memorial information: A memorial service will be held Saturday, Feb. 9, at 11 a.m., at the Grafton Church. A private burial will follow in the spring. Donations to the Grafton Church, PO Box 158, Grafton, VT, 05146; or Grafton Fire & Rescue, 711 Rte. 212 E., Grafton, VT 05146.
• Michael John Saunders, 59, of Fitzwilliam, N.H. Died unexpectedly on Jan. 6, 2019 at his home, after a sudden illness. Born in Rockingham, the son of Patricia L. and Donald W. Saunders, he grew up in Saxtons River and attended Bellows Falls Union High School. After high school, he traveled across the country for a few years before settling in Fitzwilliam, where he lived and took great pride in owning his own business, Saunders Concrete, for more than 35 years, and being able to teach his sons his trade. He enjoyed fishing, riding dirt bikes, and travelling. He also enjoyed music and was proficient at the harmonica and guitar. He is survived by his two sons, Chace Saunders of Keene, N.H., and his girlfriend, Nikki Cross, of Pepperell, Mass., and Riley Saunders and his girlfriend, Kelly Donohue, of Swanzey, N.H.; the mother of his children, Debbie; his brother Stephen Saunders of Athens; his sister Janie L. Hisler and her husband, Warren, of Waldoboro, Maine; his mother, Patricia L. and her husband Leon W. Kenyon of Saxtons River; his stepmother, Marion Saunders of Waldoboro; his stepbrothers and sisters: Leon M. Kenyon, Beverly Berderich, Raymond Kenyon, Sharon Schmalzriedt, Kim Mack, and each of their families; his companion, Louise Riendeau; as well as several nieces, nephews and extended family. He was predeceased by his sister Amy Saunders. Memorial information: A celebration of his life was held at the Jaffrey VFW on Jan. 26. Burial will take place in the Saxtons River Cemetery in the spring.
• Wendell D. Switzer, 75, formerly of Bellows Falls. Died unexpectedly on Saturday, Dec. 15, 2018, in Dothan, Ala. He is survived by his wife, Ellen M. Switzer, of Slocumb, Ala., daughters Stacy H. Switzer of Brattleboro, Danielle C. Switzer of Silver Spring. Md., and Latonia Sansom of Slocumb; brother Douglas Switzer and his wife, Ann, of Brattleboro, and sister Nancy McAuliffe and her husband, Jim, of Bellows Falls, and two grandchildren. He also leaves behind nieces, nephews, cousins, and many others who loved him and his humorous antics. He was predeceased by his parents, Wendell D. and Helen J. Switzer, and brothers Lawrence V. and Bruce D. Switzer. He was born in Bellows Falls on Sept. 21, 1943 and graduated from Bellows Falls High School in 1963. He worked for many years at Connelly Fuel before starting his own business, Switzer Tank Service, in 1988. He was a Freemason for 52 years and a Past Master of King Solomon's Temple Lodge #45 in Bellows Falls. In the summer and fall, you could find him parading about on his mini 3-wheeler dressed as a clown for Mt Sinai #3 Shrine in Montpelier. He was also a member of the Vermont Army National Guard in Westminster, retiring in 1986. In 1996, Wendell bought a house and moved to the Deep South, where he worked in construction until his death. While this move took him away from Vermont, it brought to him the greatest joy. He had his gardens of which he sent friends and family numerous photos (and sometimes goodies) of the plentiful bounty. He always had one project or another fixing the house up for his love, Ellen. His projects extended beyond the house and to his neighbors, for he was always willing to lend a helping hand. Memorial information: There will be a Celebration of Life service on May 18, 2019, at 2 p.m., at Immanuel Episcopal Church in Bellows Falls, followed by a Masonic service. Donations to Shriners Hospital for Children, 516 Carew St., Springfield, MA 01104.
• Mary Elizabeth “Betty” Smith Van Zandt, 91, of East Dover. Died at home on Jan. 17, 2019. She was born on Aug. 29, 1927, the daughter of Gordon and Edith Standish Smith of Old Saybrook, Conn. She married Robert Rockwell Van Zandt in 1947 and lived in Old Saybrook until moving to East Dover. Her husband predeceased her in 1994. Betty had a wonderful childhood, surrounded by her loving parents, Aunt Mae, godmother Goodie, cousins and many friends. Betty and her husband owned Patrick's Country Store from 1970 to 1983 and spent many hours selling Levis jeans, flannel shirts, and snorkel coats, as well as penny candy. She was a former member of Grace Episcopal Church and the Old Saybrook Garden Club. More recently, she was a trustee of the East Dover Fire Department the Dover Historical Society. Many will remember her with her Belted Galloway cows, Max the runaway dog, and seeing her ride sidesaddle on her four-wheeler. She is survived by her son Robert Rockwell Van Zandt Jr. of Wilmington, and her daughter Gretchen Fagge and her husband, Robert, of East Dover. Known as “Gia” to her five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, she played a big role in their lives, and they all have fond memories of vacations at the cabin in Newfane, picnics in the snow, riding four-wheelers and snowmobiles.. She was predeceased by her biological siblings: William, Helen and Alice Stebbins and her stepbrother, Malcolm Smith. Memorial information: A graveside service was held in Cypress Cemetery in Old Saybrook. A celebration of life will be held in East Dover at a later date. Donations may be made to the East Dover Volunteer Fire Department, in care of Covey Allen & Shea Funeral Home, P.O. Box 215, Wilmington, VT 05363.