College news
• Ronan Khalsa, a communications major from West Dummerston, was named to the fall 2019 Dean's List at Bradley University in Peoria, Ill.
• Jack Armbruster of West Dover, Conor Hiner of Brattleboro, and Sarah Scarlett of Saxtons River were all named to the Plymouth State University President's List for the fall 2019 semester.
• The following students were named to the Dean's List for the fall 2019 semester at the University of New England in Portland, Maine: Anthony Mueller of Bellows Falls; Bridget Duff, Lexi Miner, and Riley Patenaude of Brattleboro; and Kaleigh Orsucci of Grafton.
• Colby-Sawyer College named Chad Bernard of Jacksonville to the Dean's List for fall 2019. Bernard majors in nursing and is a member of the class of 2021.
Transitions
• Parks Place Community Center in Bellows Falls welcomed two new members - Richard Doyle, who has a long history of serving on the Parks Place board dating back to 1996, as well as Louis Tomberg, a Bellows Falls resident who worked for Cota & Cota for 32 years until his retirement in 2016. In addition, the board re-elected members James O'Malley (a board member since 2013), Katie Dearborn (a board member since 2015), and Cheryl Gay-Sherwin (a board member since 2017) to additional two-year terms.
Obituaries
• James M. Abbey, 69, formerly of Brattleboro. Died Jan. 8, 2020 at Springfield (Vt.) Health and Rehab Center. He was the son of Louis and Flora Abbey of Northfield, Mass., and graduated from Pioneer Valley Regional High School. He worked in the food service industry in Brattleboro, eventually retiring as a bagel maker at Brugger's. Jim loved golf, music, reading, and enjoyed playing league softball in his younger days. He is survived by his two brothers, Louis of Revere, Mass., and Paul of Bernardston, Mass. Memorial information: At Jim's request, there will be no services and burial will be at the convenience of the family in the spring. Donations to either Recreation Department, Springfield Health and Rehab, 105 Chester Rd, Springfield, VT 05156, or Brattleboro Area Hospice, 191 Canal St, Brattleboro, VT 05301. To send messages of condolence to Jim's family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Carroll A. “Babe” Bird, 86, of Whitingham. Died Jan. 5, 2020. Born in Readsboro on July 29, 1933, he was preceded in death by his wife, Marion. He is survived by his two sons, Alan and David, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Carroll served in the Navy from 1955-57 on active duty, and in the Naval Reserve till 1961. He was deployed on the USS Wisconsin. Carroll had a passion for fishing and also loved going bowling and sharing time with his friends. He was a member of American Legion Post 29 in Readsboro. Memorial information: Graveside services will be in the spring at Sadawga Cemetery in Whitingham. Donations can be made to American Legion Post 29, in care of Covey Allen & Shea Funeral Home, P.O. Box 215, Wilmington, VT 05363. To send the family personal condolences, visit www.sheafuneralhome.com.
• Leon Jan Cooper, 72, of Putney. Died in his sleep, peacefully and unexpectedly, on Dec. 31, 2019. He was a fine musician, loving father, friend, farmer, and independent scholar of ancient Egypt. Leon created the life he wanted with his loving partner Deb, his son James, and the community on Red Clover Farm, where he lived for almost 50 years. Born in New York City, he came to this area in the early 1970s and was involved in many community projects; he was an early member of the Common Ground Restaurant and was instrumental in creating and facilitating the Brattleboro Free Health Clinic. He was also a founding member of Earth Bridge Land Trust in Putney. While working together at the Putney Food Co-op, he and Deb Stetson fell in love, and they left in 1980 to farm the patchwork fields of Red Clover on Westminster West Road in Putney. They first grew a variety of produce, delivering to markets and restaurants, and then, for 10 years supplied many tons of basil to Putney Pasta. Their son James was born in 1985. Leon served on the boards of the Putney Community Center and the Putney Central School Board, where he was also Acting Chair. He initiated the first school lunch program and then created a curriculum-based school garden to supply wholesome food for the students. Under the umbrella of Putney Family Services, he coordinated the weekly Putney Health Clinic for 16 years; he was grateful to the dedicated volunteer health professionals who so freely gave their time there. Leon had many passions: he was a daily guitar player, songwriter, land steward, astronomer, horticulturist, dowser, mechanic, fruit tree grafter, historian, storyteller, and lover of Shakespeare. As an independent scholar he submitted papers on both ancient Egyptian mathematics and the Pyramid texts. He will be sorely missed by those who heard his songs, enjoyed his wit, walked his beautiful gardens, glimpsed the twinkle of his eye, and knew the generous love he shared with friends, family, and community. Leon is survived by his life partner Deb Stetson of Putney, son James Cooper and his wife Alex of Tucson, Ariz.; sister Carolyn Strauss of Berkeley, Calif.; and his niece Rebecca and nephews Michael and Ethan Strauss and their spouses. Memorial information: A memorial celebration of his life will take place in late July at Red Clover. Donations to Putney Community Cares, P.O. Box 108, Putney, VT 05346.
• Doris P. Dustin, 95, of Walpole, N.H. Died at her home on Jan. 4, 2020. Doris was born in Vernon on Aug. 29, 1924, the daughter of Perley Lynde and Ruby Phelps, and was a graduate of Chester High School. She enjoyed crossword puzzles and wrote in her journal every day. Surviving are her children Ronald Clark, Pearl Bonnet, Patricia Clark, Marilyn Kimball, and Julie Barry; her sister Vida Eno; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband Harold Q. Dustin, her son Robert Dustin, her daughter Gloria Gallagher, and her brother Robert Lynde. Memorial information: There will be no calling hours. There will be a memorial service Saturday, Jan. 18, at 11:30 a.m., at Fenton & Hennessey Funeral Home in Bellows Falls. Donations to Meals on Wheels at the Bellows Falls Senior Center, 18 Tuttle St., Bellows Falls, VT 05101.
• Luanne Rose Geer, 57, of Brattleboro. Died unexpectedly at her home on Atwood Street on Dec. 23, 2019. A lifelong resident, Luanne was born in Brattleboro on June 27, 1962, the daughter of John and Anna (Bobee) Leary. She was raised and educated in Brattleboro and was a graduate of Brattleboro Union High School, Class of 1980. She had been employed for many years at the Holstein-Frisian Association working as a clerk. Raised and baptized Catholic, she was a communicant of St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church. She enjoyed playing Bingo, especially at the NewBrook Fire Department in Newfane. She also enjoyed going on local scenic rides and time spent at home. Survivors include her father of Brattleboro, with whom she made her home; a brother, Lonnie Geer of Keene, N.H.; twin brothers Lee Leary of Brattleboro and Lennie Leary of Winchester, N.H.; a sister, Lorie Leary of Connecticut; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her mother, who died in 2016. Memorial information: There are no formal funeral services scheduled. In the springtime, she will be laid to rest next to her mother in St. Michaels' Parish Cemetery. To sign an online guestbook with messages of condolence to the family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Carolyn Gragen, 90, of Myrtle Beach, S.C. Died Dec. 24, 2019. Carolyn, the loving wife of the late Robert Gragen, lived in the Brattleboro area prior to moving to Myrtle Beach. Born May 19, 1929 in St. Albans, she was the daughter of Dana and Dorothy Farr Cook and attended Brattleboro High School. She went on to be employed at Putney Central School, Sam's Market, and Basketville. Carolyn loved her cats, NASCAR, and sports in general, especially the Earnhardts and the Celtics. She is survived by her brother, Wendall Cook of Springfield, Vt.; and her children: Michael Gragen and his wife, Kathy, of Sparr, Fla., Raymond Gragen and his wife, Valerie, of North Clarendon, Gary Gragen and Carolyn Smith of West Chesterfield, N.H., Kevin Gragen and his wife, Anne, of Brattleboro, Kim Gragen and his wife, Dawn, of Vernon, and Kathleen Gragen of Myrtle Beach. She is also survived by 12 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Memorial information: There will be a private gathering at a later date.
• Arthur Fred Jacobs III, 66, of Brattleboro. Died Jan. 2, 2020 at his home. He is the son of Arthur Fred Jacobs Jr. and Thelma Colleen Jacobs (Facemire). He was the husband of Katrina Jacobs (Haskins), whom he married in 1989. Arthur was born and raised in Vermont and lived for most of his childhood and adulthood in Brattleboro. In 1971, Arthur graduated from Brattleboro Union High School. He worked as a manual worker at Erving Industries and Georgia Pacific. In his later years, he was employed by the town of Dummerston, maintaining roads and operating heavy equipment. This was a job he greatly enjoyed. Arthur was an avid hunter. He began hunting with his father at age 8 and did so up until he was physically unable. Arthur was outgoing and handy; he was always working on a project. He was a natural leader and always strived for excellence. His laugh was contagious, and he always made others feel welcome. Arthur was predeceased by his father. He is survived by his wife of 30 years; his children Arthur Jacobs IV, Erika Barrett, and stepson Curtis Songer; his mother, Thelma Sharlow; siblings Betty McGinn, Randy Jacobs, and Colleen Jacobs; six grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends. Memorial information: A memorial service was held Jan. 11 at Ker Phaneuf Funeral Home in Brattleboro. Donations to the Alzheimer's Association.
• Sherry Lee McAllister, 76, of Bellows Falls. Died peacefully on Dec. 30, 2019, with her daughter Elizabeth by her side. Sherry was born Dec. 26, 1943, the daughter of Roxie Whitney and Red Johnson. Sherry was a stay-at-home mom until her children grew up, then she went to work at Santa's Land with her husband Burt and then at the girls' campus of Kurn Hattin Homes in Saxtons River. Shortly after, Sherry retired while her husband went to work at Maplewood Nursing Home in Westmoreland. Sherry is survived by her children Russell, Blaine, Elizabeth, and Arlene McAllister; her sister Lori; her brother Marc McAllister; 12 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, Maynard “Burt” McAllister, her mother Roxie Whitney, and her grandson Jacob Allen McAllister. Memorial information: There will be a memorial service on Saturday, Jan. 25, from 1 to 3 p.m., at the United Church, 8 School St., Bellows Falls. A graveside service will be held in the spring, date to be announced.
• Margritt Richter, 93, of Spofford, N.H. Died peacefully on Jan. 2, 2020. She was born on August 31, 1926 in Hoya-Weser, Germany, the daughter of Franz and Margareta (Plumme) Witzack. Margritt attended school in Hoya-Weser and graduated from trade school, studying office management and bookkeeping. While in school and after graduation, she was a competitive rower on the Weser River in Lower Saxony, Germany, where she also participated in track and field and played team handball. On Christmas Eve of 1949, Margritt left her home in Germany and embarked on a two-week voyage to settle in the United States. Margritt married Siegfried Richter Sr. in 1963. Their first date was dancing the night away in the base lodge at Stratton Mountain. Together, they enjoyed many years of traveling to Maine and abroad. A favorite pastime was dancing at German and Austrian festivals with family and friends. Margritt was a founding member of Hospice of the Monadnock region, now HCS, alongside others including Mary Alther and Barbara Jones. This was one of her finest accomplishments and one much appreciated by all who have benefited from the service and her kindness. Her spirit and commitment to helping others will live on in all who continue her work. Margritt was an athletic woman who both taught and participated in classes at the Keene Family YMCA where she worked at the front desk up until her retirement. Prior to working at the YMCA, she worked as the office manager and bookkeeper at several small businesses in Keene, Brattleboro, and Putney while managing her family's apartment rental business. Many of her tenants were treated like family and became lifelong friends. She found pleasure in caring for her flower gardens, gathering with friends, and baking for others. She will be fondly remembered for her delicious pies and pastries. Her many stories of survival, compassion, and care for others in Germany during World War II are an inspiration to all who have had the honor of knowing Margritt over the years. Margritt will be dearly missed by her husband of 56 years; sons Frank Richter and his wife, Barbara, of Keene, N.H., and Siegfried Richter Jr. and Lena Richter of Cedar Knolls, N.J.; and five grandchildren. Memorial information: A memorial service was held on Jan. 11 at Fletcher Funeral Home in Keene. Donations to Home Healthcare, Hospice and Community Services, P.O. Box 564, Keene, NH 03431 (www.HCSServices.org).
• Fred W. Yeadon Jr., 95, formerly of Brattleboro. Died Dec. 21, 2019, in Venice, Fla. Fred was born on Oct. 21, 1924, to Fred W. and Laura Edna (Sherwood) Yeadon in Manning, Iowa. He grew up in the town of Prescott, Iowa, where he graduated from Prescott High School in 1942. In 1943, he enlisted in the Army Air Forces, where he served during World War II as a meteorologist stationed at various airbases across the country. After receiving his honorable discharge in 1946, he enrolled at the University of Iowa and earned a B.S. in commerce in 1948. Upon his graduation, Fred began a successful and respected career in the banking industry, joining the FDIC as a bank examiner in Iowa. In 1951, Fred married Marilyn Ebeling, whom he had met while at the University of Iowa. The couple settled in Marilyn's hometown of Davenport, Iowa. Soon after, he joined Northwest Bank and Trust in Davenport and in time rose to its presidency and member of its board of directors. In 1964, he, Marilyn, and their three sons moved to Brattleboro, where he was hired as the president and CEO of First Vermont Bank & Trust. While in Brattleboro, the family made many new friends, and Fred was active in the local community and in organizations throughout Vermont. Over the years, he served as chair of the Brattleboro Memorial Hospital board, a member of the Brattleboro School Board, president of the Vermont Bankers Association, treasurer of Trinity Lutheran Church, and president of the Brattleboro Area Chamber of Commerce, among others. He also served on the board of directors of several public utility companies. During his 22 years of leadership at First Vermont, the bank grew significantly in revenue, net profits, total assets, number of branch offices and product offerings to customers. He retired in 1986 as chairman of the board of First Vermont and its holding company, Banknorth Group. In 1988, he was honored by the Brattleboro Area Chamber of Commerce as its Person of the Year. His life in retirement was a happy one, and their house in Venice was a favorite destination for visiting friends from Iowa, Vermont, and other parts of the country. He was a generous and fair-minded man, a strong leader, and an effective organizer to the end. Fred is survived by his wife of 68 years; sons Fred and his wife,Michele (Sutton), of Chicago, Jonathan of Arlington, Mass., and James and his wife Cindy (Smith) of Lamoine, Maine; sister-in-law Harriet Ebeling of Venice, Fla.; and three grandchildren. Memorial information: A private memorial service was held Dec. 26 at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Venice.