College news
• Chad Bernard of Jacksonville was inducted into the Colby-Sawyer College chapter of Alpha Chi on Oct. 19. Bernard majors in nursing and is a member of the Class of 2021.
Transitions
• A Hanus has joined In-Sight Photography Project of Brattleboro as its new program director. A graduated from Hampshire College in Amherst, Mass., with a degree in photography and education. Prior to accepting this position, A served as the program coordinator at Sound Generations in Seattle, Wash., and as the Center for Teaching and Learning Alumni Fellow at Hampshire College.
• Orly Munzing of East Dummerston recently was elected to the Board of Directors of Vermont Public Radio. Munzing is the founder and Executive Director of Strolling of the Heifers in Brattleboro. Previously, she served as a learning specialist with the Windham Central Supervisory Union for 24 years and ran a private consulting business.
• The Vermont Association of Hospitals and Health Systems (VAHHS) recently named Steven R. Gordon, president and CEO at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital, to serve as chair of the board for the organization. VAHHS is the statewide advocacy association representing all of Vermont's non-profit hospitals and health systems. Gordon has served as president and CEO of BMH since 2011.
• Vernon Town Clerk Timothy Arsenault recently was recognized by the Vermont Municipal Clerks and Treasurers Association (VMCTA) for earning his Certified Vermont Clerk certificate. VMCTA is the professional organization for Vermont Town Clerks and Treasurers and their assistants, and VMCTA certification is an honor given to a Vermont Clerk or Treasurer for professional and community service. To earn this designation, Arsenault completed a series of continuing education courses, attended professional workshops, participated in the VMCTA, and served with distinction in his municipality. He was elected Town Clerk in Vernon in March 2016.
Obituaries
• David Michael Armstrong, 44, passed peacefully on Oct. 22, 2019 at his home with family and close friends by his side. He was born Oct. 4, 1975 in Hanover, N.H., the son of William and Elizabeth (Lockerby) Armstrong. He grew up in Cambridgeport and attended Bellows Falls Union High School, where he graduated in 1994. He had worked in road construction for many years, most recently for the town of Sharon. In 2013, he married Tonya Lyman. He enjoyed sports and was an avid fan of the Yankees, Steelers, and the Texas Longhorns. He especially loved hunting, fishing, and many camping trips with his family. His greatest love was for his family and holiday get-togethers. He is survived by his wife, Tonya Armstrong; sons Jayden and Maddox; stepsons Morgan Young and Jacob Hasselman; his mother, Elizabeth Armstrong; his nine siblings, Randy Armstrong, William “Ted” Armstrong, Jon Armstrong, Jason Armstrong, Bette “Sis” Morse, Shelby Barber, Jennifer Marquay, Amy Paquette, and Sarah Hayes; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his father, William Armstrong. Memorial information: A celebration of life service was held Oct. 27 at the Sharon Congregational Church. All are asked to honor David's big heart by paying it forward.
• Donald R. Ashworth, 94, formerly of Brattleboro. Died at his home in New Braunfels, Texas on Oct. 15, 2019. Born July 15, 1925, in Brattleboro to Fred and Julia Ashworth, he was raised in Guilford and graduated from Brattleboro High School. An Army veteran, he served proudly in the Korean War. He was a musical talent and sang for many years in the choir at Centre Congregational Church in Brattleboro and led his own band for decades, playing for many events. He was a caring and loving father and grandfather. He was patient, kind, and had a great sense of humor along with unmatched wisdom. He was predeceased by his wife of 56 years, Betty Lou. They had four children, and he is survived by three of them, plus five grandchildren. Memorial information: None provided.
• Hildegard Bachert, 98, of Brattleboro. Died peacefully on Oct. 17, 2019, surrounded by family and friends. She was born April 3, 1921 in Mannheim, Germany to Frieda (Reis) and Gustav Bachert. She spent her childhood there until it was upended by the Nazis. At age 15, she immigrated with her older sister, Edith, to New York City. She enrolled in and graduated from George Washington High School. In 1939, her parents arrived safely and joined her and Edith in New York. In November 1940, at age 19, Hildegard was hired by Dr. Otto Kallir at the Galerie St. Etienne in Manhattan. She worked alongside Dr. Kallir until his death in 1978. In those years, they made the Galerie an internationally recognized center for Austrian and German expressionist artists such as Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele, Oskar Kokoschka, and Käthe Kollwitz. They also promoted self-taught artists, most notably Grandma Moses, with whom Hildegard formed a close friendship. After Dr. Kallir's death, she became co-director of the Galerie with his granddaughter, Jane Kallir. Hildegard also found time to travel around the world to experience nature and see different cultures. She loved hiking and being outside ever since her father took her for hikes in the Black Forest in her childhood. In 1995, she bought a condo near her sister and niece in Vermont where, for many happy years, she would visit for weeks, gardening and enjoying the outdoors. In 2018, she moved out of her Manhattan apartment to live full-time in Vermont, a place she said had long felt like home. At the time of her move, she had worked at the Galerie for 78 years. Hildegard loved classical music and going to operas and concerts. She also loved singing, whether at home in her kitchen or at gatherings with friends, and she was still singing hours before she died. Hildegard made friends readily and cherished her friendships. She was a delightful storyteller and a careful listener. Whether the occasion called for laughter or tears, she was perfect company. She stayed connected, by long telephone conversations, texts, e-mails, and letters, with people all over the world. Hildegard was predeceased by her parents and her sister, Edith Schnabel. She is survived by her niece Carol Schnabel and her husband, Peter Hetzel, of Guilford; their sons, Ted and Jeff; her nephew Bobby Schnabel and his wife, Edie Stevenson, of Boulder, Colo.; their children Heidi and Cory; her best friends, Deidre Scherer and Steve Levine; their children and families; her Galerie co-director, Jane Kallir, and husband Gary Cosimini; coworkers at the Galerie, as well as her beloved cat Tigger, and caregivers, family, and friends worldwide. She was a beautiful woman who faced her end with the courage and grace that had carried her throughout her life. Memorial information: A memorial service will be conducted at the West Village Meeting House on South Street in Brattleboro on Sunday, Nov. 10, at 2 p.m. A reception will follow the services. Contributions in her memory may be made to the Brattleboro Music Center, the Guilford Free Library, Hunter College, the Kallir Research Institute, or a charitable organization of one's choice. To send messages of condolence, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• James Edward Dubrule, 85, of Athol, Mass. Died Sept. 18, 2019 at Buckley HealthCare Center in Greenfield, Mass. Born July 26, 1934, in Lebanon, N.H., son of the late Alexander and the late Alberta (Guy) Dubrule, he was one of very few specialists who did the dangerous job of sandblasting atomic structures. He also was a contractor for many years. He was legally blind and was proud to enter a cribbage tournament which he and his partner won. He will be remembered as a friendly man who enjoyed collecting John Wayne memorabilia, fishing, hunting ,and playing cards. He leaves his fiancee, Dorothy “Sam” Class; daughter Robin Zegge of Brattleboro; three brothers, Bruce Dubrule and his wife Judy; Robert; Eugene and his wife Gayle; plus several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Richard. Memorial information: Per his request, there are no services. To send an online condolence, visit www.mackfamilyfh.com.
• Susie Fletcher, 68, of Hinsdale, N.H. Died with her family by her side on Oct. 9, 2019 at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, Mass., after a brief illness. She was born May 29, 1951 to Millard and Lucille (Fitts) Martin, and grew up in Newfane. She graduated from Brattleboro Union High School with the Class of 1969. Before retiring, Susie worked for years as a tow motor operator at Fibermark in Brattleboro. Before that, she worked many years as a machine operator at Bridgeport Metal Goods in Hinsdale. Susie was an avid Red Sox and Patriots fan. She enjoyed Bingo, trips to the casinos, playing cribbage and Scrabble, going to yard sales, and shopping with her cousin, Betty. When her husband died in 2001, Susie decided she wanted to be a hospice volunteer. She sat for many families over the years in their time of need. Susie also enjoyed doing agility with Molli. her Cocker Spaniel. She was a member of the Canine Agility Training Society, a local agility club based at the Monadnock Humane Society. Susie is survived by her daughters Ella (Kenneth) Deed of Inverness, Scotland, and Angela Dubray of Brattleboro; a son, Andrew (Julie) Fletcher of Williamsburg, Va.; six grandchildren, Daniel, Aaron, Haley, Hunter, Colton, and Madison. She is also survived by her longtime companion Harold “Chipper” Johnson, two nieces and several cousins and friends. She was predeceased by her parents, her husband Merrill Fletcher, and her brother Gary Martin. Memorial information: An open house celebration will be held at a later time. Donations to the Monadnock Humane Society, 101 West Swanzey Rd., Swanzey, NH 03446, or the American Kidney Fund (kidneyfund.org).
• Clarissa Marion (Flewelling) Jordan, 93, of Vernon. Died Oct. 22, 2019 at Vernon Homes, where she had been a resident for nearly 30 years. She was born on Oct. 25, 1925 in Crouseville, Maine, the daughter of George Fredrick (Fred) and Avis Crouse Flewelling. She was educated in Hollis, Maine, schools, graduating in 1943. In 1945, she married the love of her life, Glenwood C. Jordan, who predeceased in 1996. Clarissa was a dedicated pastor's wife and mother of three daughters. Her eldest daughter, Debbie, predeceased her in 1996. Clarissa was a gracious host, a loving mentor to women in the churches where she and Glen served, and a prayer warrior, which she continued to be in her elder years. After their retirement, she and Glen resided at Vernon Homes, beginning in the early 1990s. Clarissa will be remembered for her sweet, gentle spirit, her dry sense of humor, her steadfast faith, her chocolate chip pie, and her love for Cheerios. She is survived by two daughters, Jan Nowe (Edward) of South Portland, Maine, and Andi Burks (Bruce) of Vernon. Also surviving are four grandchildren: Scott Kadey, Glen Nowe, Bethany Chapman and Blythe Hutchins; two great-granddaughters: Naomi Chapman and Ivy Hutchins; one sister, Anna Newton, and one brother, Erwin Flewelling. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Memorial information: A memorial service will be held on Monday, Nov. 4, at 1 p.m., at the Goodwins Mills Advent Christian Church in Dayton, Maine. Donations to Vernon Advent Christian Homes, 61 Greenway Drive, Vernon, VT 05354. To sign an online guestbook, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Paula Kathryn “Polly” (Podlo) (Houle) Pond, 72, of Vernon. Died Oct. 15, 2019. She was born April 7, 1947, the daughter of the late Phyllis (Lee) and Peter Podlo and beloved stepdaughter of Howard Smith. Polly, as she was known to her friends, defied the odds from birth. She weighed about 2 pounds and, upon her birth, was given the last rites and sent home. In her 50s, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and given about a year to live, and she survived. In 2012, Polly was diagnosed with pulmonary arterial hypertension and given a year to live, and again, she survived, living her life to the utmost, until the very end. As a child, she attended schools in Deerfield. Mass., graduating from Frontier Regional High School in 1966. Later that same year, she married Alan Houle, who predeceased her. From that marriage, she is survived by their daughters Leanna and Deena Houle. Polly is also survived by her grandson Lyndel Travis Farmer, Jr., his wife Mariah and her great grandson Malachi. One of Polly's most recent joys was the addition of her granddaughter Kenya Rayne Houle-Jones. She spent 38 years working at the Vernon Advent Christian Homes, retiring as director of environmental services. In 1996, Polly married the love of her life, George Pond, who survives her. In addition, Polly is also survived by her beloved stepchildren James and Angie Pond and their son Jaden, Michael and Jennifer Anderson and their daughters Taylor and Madison. Polly was predeceased by her grandson, Xander Pond. Polly had many dear friends whom she viewed as part of her extended family and she will be cherished and remembered fondly by all. She will also be greatly missed by her three cats: Muffin, Miss Cowboy, and Mr. Charles. Some of Polly's favorite pastimes included time spent with the Vernon Knitters Group and the Vernon Book Club. Her favorite times were the adventures she took with her beloved husband, oftentimes jumping in the car to drive to the Maine sea coast or to the casino where they had many laughs. Her life revolved around her children and family. Being Grammy and “GG” and time with her grandchildren and great-grandson always brought her immense joy. Polly never wanted her life to be defined by sadness or illness. She prided herself on sharing a happy note every day, to remind us all to share the sparkle and glitter in the world, to celebrate your birthday for the entire month, always eat dessert first, take time to enjoy the beauty in nature, and rescue a cat whenever possible. Memorial information: A celebration of her life was held Oct. 26 at the Evening Star Grange in Dummerston. Donations can be made to the Madison Cat Project (www.madisoncatproject.org), Vernon Advent Christian Home Activities Fund, 61 Greenway Drive, Vernon, VT 05354, or Thompson House, 80 Maple St., Brattleboro, VT 05301.
• Priscilla Kay Smith, 98, of Dummerston. Died, with family at her side, on Oct. 22, 2019. She was born May 3, 1921 in Connecticut. She grew up in Massachusetts and Connecticut as an only child to John and Sarah Kay. She graduated Quincy (Mass.) High School in 1939 and went on to Simmons College. She graduated with a bachelor of science degree and joined the Coast Guard; she served as a WAVE during World War II. She moved to Brattleboro in 1946 and met her husband while she was a teller at the bank. He would come into the bank and she would tell him that they were having a special on dimes - one for 10 cents or two for a quarter. He must have found her wit as enticing as most who met her, they married in 1953 and remained married until his death in 1998. She ultimately became a Bank Auditor, which suited her well as she was quite meticulous and an incredible mathematician. This isn't to say that she didn't have a bit of a rebel side to her - one of her favorite sayings was “Life is uncertain, eat dessert first!” She retired from the bank in 1984 but she remained active in many organizations. She was a long time member of the Grange in Wilmington and Dummerston, She was a member of the Mayflower and Bingham chapters of the Order of the Western Star, she belonged to the Dummerston Historical Society, assisted with the Trestleboard Eight publication for the area Masons, and was an auditor for the town of Dummerston. She had a passion for community and family. She was an amazing daisy chain maker, “Winnie the Pooh” reader, crossword puzzler, and pumpkin pie maker. She will be very missed by those who knew and loved her. She leaves behind her son, Ian (Leslie) Smith; her daughter Elaine (Michael) Denyou; grandaughters Jamie Denyou and Beth (Jon) McLean; and great-grandson Colton. She was predeceased by her husband and her grandson, Justin Denyou. Memorial information: The family will host a celebration of her life at her home on Saturday, Nov. 2, from 1 to 4 p.m. Contact Elaine Denyou at denyou17@gmail.com for more information. Donations to Grace Cottage Hospital, which so compassionately helped her as she transitioned out of this life.
• Patricia T. Smith, 69, of Brattleboro. Died Oct. 23, 2019, after a brief stay at Thompson House. She was born in Brattleboro on Nov. 21, 1949, the daughter of the late Joseph C. and Marion Pitkin Taylor. Pat grew up in Brattleboro and graduated from Brattleboro Union High School in 1967. She attended Northampton (Mass.) Commercial College in 1968. That same year, she was married to her high school sweetheart, Kermit I. Smith, who predeceased her in 2012. Pat was a dedicated employee at the Brattleboro Reformer from 1969 to 2015, with the exception of a five-year break to be a stay-at-home mother when her second child was born. Pat was passionate about her work with the Reformer Christmas Stocking, having received a coat from the program when she was a child. She enjoyed seeing all the donations and worked tirelessly to get each heartfelt message in the next issue. Each year, Pat worried that the Stocking would not meet the annual goal and was overjoyed when it did. Helping the kids get their coats is a passion she passed on to her daughter, Karin. Pat was especially proud of the series of articles she wrote detailing the history of downtown Brattleboro which were published in the Reformer between 2006 and 2008. Pat was the “go-to” person at the Reformer for many. She strived to keep the community in the paper, was its institutional memory, and often alerted reporters to local events that should be covered. After her Reformer career ended in 2015, Pat continued to support the community by volunteering at Brattleboro Housing Partnerships, serving on its board until she was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in May of this year. Pat was a true New England sports fan. She attended many Red Sox games at Fenway Park throughout the years and made it to a Patriots game as well. She cheered for the Celtics, and, when forced to watch hockey, the Bruins were her team. She traveled to NASCAR races in New Hampshire, Delaware, and Virginia to see her favorite driver, Jeff Gordon. Pat loved going to Maine, whether it was making sure her parents were able to go, or with Kermit, and in most recent years with her daughter, Karin. She enjoyed visiting her daughter, Kristine, in Virginia many times. Pat had a fantastic time visiting South Carolina last year with her niece, Heidi Clement. Until recently, Pat participated in water aerobics at the Colonial Pool. She liked to visit with her friends and neighbors at Adair Heights. Pat looked forward to the Pitkin Family Reunion each August. Pat loved animals and had pets most of her life, she leaves behind her beloved cat, Mcgreevy. Pat is survived by two daughters, Kristine M. Smith of Chester, Va., and Karin A. Smith of Brattleboro; a brother, Ronald Taylor and his wife, Fran, of Lyndeboro, N.H.; sisters-in-law Pat Taylor, Kathy Knapp, Susan Smith, and Mary Sawin and her husband, Jesse; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. She was predeceased by a brother, J. Charles Taylor Jr., in 2008. Memorial information: Funeral services were held Oct. 29 at First United Methodist Church in Brattleboro, followed by burial in Locust Ridge Cemetery. Anyone who knew Pat knows she would prefer donations be sent to the Reformer Christmas Stocking. Since that is no longer possible, donate to Brattleboro Housing Authority Inc. (an affiliate of Brattleboro Housing Partnerships), 224 Melrose St., Brattleboro, VT 05301. To sign an online guestbook with messages of condolence, visit www.atamaniuk.com.