Births
• State Rep. Mollie Burke and Peter Gould of Brattleboro are pleased to announce the birth of a granddaughter, Skyler Egret Burke Gould, on May 24 at Greenwich (Conn.) Hospital. Skyler weighed 6 pounds, 10 ounces and was 19.5 inches long. Her parents, Lindy Smalt Gould and William Orlando Burke Gould, reside in Rye, N.Y. Willie is a 2002 graduate of Brattleboro Union High School.
College news
• Angel Baikakedi of Putney earned academic distinction for the most recent semester at Whitman College in Walla Walla, Wash.
• Arin Catherine Bates of West Wardsboro, a sophomore majoring in biology, was named to the Dean's List for the spring 2021 semester at Clarkson University in Potsdam, N.Y.
• Brianna Jobst of Vernon, a business administration-management major, was named to the Dean's List for the spring 2021 semester at Bloomsburg (Pa.) University.
School news
• The following local students were among the 206 students who graduated May 16 from Northfield Mount Hermon School: Leah Sutton-Smith of Brattleboro, Suzanna Toledo Cornman of Brattleboro, Tobin Lonergan of Brattleboro, Zachary Key of Brattleboro, Ruby Powers of Dummerston, and Gus Williams of Guilford.
Transitions
• Angela Bowman, Bob Stevens, and Lisa Sullivan recently joined the board of directors of Brattleboro Savings & Loan. Bowman is a vice-president and trust officer with the Trust Company of Vermont, a position she has held since 2014. Stevens is a professional engineer and the founder/CEO of Stevens and Associates, an architecture and development firm based in Brattleboro. Sullivan is the owner of Bartleby's Books, located in Wilmington.
Awards and honors
• Middlebury College conferred upon Curtiss Reed Jr. an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters for his career as a civil rights leader and social justice advocate at its 2021 Commencement held on May 29. A Brattleboro resident for over 40 years, Reed is president and CEO of the CRJ Consulting Group, L3C, and executive director of the Vermont Partnership for Fairness & Diversity.
Obituaries
• Michael Gordon Hull, 82, of Wardsboro. Died May 28, 2021 at Pine Heights nursing home in Brattleboro. The son of Jesse C. and Dorothy N. (Fisher) Hull, he was born on April 21, 1939 in Glens Falls, N.Y. He was the husband of Janice (Robinson) Hull of Wardsboro, whom he married in 1964. They were blessed with two beautiful, talented daughters, Ursula Jean Hull and Michelle Jamie Hull, both of Wardsboro. Michael and Jan shared 57 years of a mutually-loving, adventurous marriage, always making sure the other was the happier of the two. He was a graduate of Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk Central School in Ravena, N.Y., and Northwestern University. His musical interests ranged from the Glen Miller Orchestra and Dave Brubeck, to Ray Charles, the Beatles, and Bob Dylan. He spent many a day hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah National Park. He went to many NASCAR races, his favorite driver being Joe Nemechek. He cheered on the New York Yankees from the time he was a small boy, and he had a love for all things baseball. He loved reading and usually had three or four different books in progress. For 33 years, he attended the Hull Family Reunion every Labor Day weekend, where he was often the winner of the annual family Cribbage Tournament. In recent years, he and his family visited every town, gore, and grant in Vermont when he joined the 251+4 Club. But first always was his love and caring for his family. Michael was employed for 25 years by Lane Construction, building roads up and down the East Coast. The family lived in New York state, Maine, Virginia, and North Carolina during those years, and when Lane moved on to a road job in West Virginia, Michael decided to stay in one place for a while and the family moved to Buckingham County, VA. He went to work there for the Kyanite Mining Corporation as a superintendent of surface mining where he stayed for the next 22 years. In 1999, Michael and Jan moved to her hometown of Wardsboro and have lived here ever since. Michael first worked for Senior Solutions and later went to work for The MOOver, where he stayed for 22 years. He worked for almost a year at the Green Mountain Express in Bennington until health issues forced him to give it up. For 22 years, he served Wardsboro as a Lister and Zoning Administrator, resigning from both offices when he had to move to Pine Heights in July 2020. He was predeceased by his only brother, James C. Hull, and is survived by two sisters, Jacqueline D. Hull and Marcia H. Waszkiewicz, both of Yalesville, Conn. He is also survived by brothers- and sisters-in-law: Stanley F. Evans (husband of the late Charlotte Robinson Evans) of Dummerston, Stefan and Norma R. Schernthaner of South Londonderry, and Gary and Evelyn Jo Robinson, of Alton, Mo.; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Memorial information: There will be a private graveside service at the West Wardsboro Cemetery. Donations to Wardsboro Fire & Rescue, P.O. Box 151, Wardsboro, VT 05355; Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, P.O. Box 96014, Washington, DC 20090-6014; The Appalachian Trail Conference, P.O. Box 807, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425; or Grace Cottage Hospital, 185 Grafton Rd., Townshend, VT 05353. To share a memory or send condolences to the family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Evelyn Mae King, 91, of Readsboro. Died May 29, 2021 at her home. Born in Petersborough, N.H., on Nov. 13, 1929, she was the daughter of Leon and Marion (Irwin) Cook. Moving to Whitingham as a child, she attended school in Whitingham and was a graduate of Whitingham High School, Class of 1948. Following graduation, she worked in the Brattleboro area until her marriage to Donald King in 1951. Together, they moved to the King family farm in Readsboro and raised their three children. She was an active member of the community, including the Couples Club, and served on the school board for several terms. She most enjoyed her time attending and supporting the First Baptist Church, where she was a member for over 55 years. She taught Sunday School, was a member of the Friendly Mission Group, and worked or served as chair of their annual Harvest Festival. Her most successful accomplishment was the care of her family and home. She had extensive perennial, vegetable, and berry gardens and worked side-by-side with her husband creating a home where family events were celebrated, friends and neighbors were always welcome and she honored Christmas with the greatest of passion. She leaves her daughter Carol and son-in-law Allan (Skip) Reed of Bennington, grandsons Brian (Rachel) Reed of Orwell, Adam Reed of Bennington, great-grandson Callum Reed, much-loved sister Margaret Kelley of Gill, Mass., and dozens of nieces and nephews she loved as her own. She was predeceased by her husband and sons Peter and Tom, brothers Fred (Lucy) and Robert Cook, and sisters Eleanor (Fred) Streeter, Ruth Crowley, Jean Covey and Virginia (Roland) Morse. Memorial information: A service of remembrance will be held at the King Farm, 395 King Hill Rd., on Friday, June 18, at 2 p.m. Evelyn asks those that wish to remember her do so with a kind deed or words to someone who needs them. Monetary donations may be made to the First Baptist Church of Readsboro.
• Christopher Anthony “Chris” McGowan, 71, of Putney. Died unexpectedly May 31, 2021, following a lengthy period of declining health. Christopher was married to Brenda Jane Pease, who recently died on May 18, 2021. He was born in Springfield, Mass., on Jan. 6, 1950, the son of Edward and Eileen (Laramee) McGowan, Jr. He was raised and educated in Ludlow, Mass., graduating from Ludlow High School with the Class of 1968. He enlisted in the Marine Corps and was deployed to Vietnam as a field radio operator. He volunteered to carry a radio for the 1st Recon battalion, where he was flown into enemy territory every other night in an attempt to gather intelligence. On some occasions, his unit took prisoners for interrogation purposes. He completed his one year tour of combat duty and requested to serve another tour with the Recon unit he was so devoted to. Christopher was honorably discharged from active service at the rank of corporal in June 1971. Christopher later attended the University of Massachusetts of Amherst, where he earned his B.S. in accounting with high honors in 1978. He later took CFO positions at The Book Press, and The Brattleboro Retreat. He finished his career working for United Healthcare, assigned to the Northeast Corridor division. He retired at his home in Putney with his three children, doing accounting for his son Eric, the owner of McGowan Property Maintenance. Born and raised Catholic, he was a longtime communicant of Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church in Putney. Additionally, he held membership in American Legion Post 5 in Brattleboro. He enjoyed the outdoors, camping and spending time with his family. He was a Boy Scout who attained the rank of Eagle Scout, one of his proudest accomplishments. Survivors include his sons Eric McGowan of Putney and William McGowan of Townshend; granddaughter Marion McGowan of Putney; brothers James McGowan of Ludlow, Mass., and Edward McGowan III and wife Linda of Hudson, FL, two sisters, Eileen Frantiska and husband George, of Wilbraham, MA and Kathleen Reccord also of Wilbraham, his father-in-law, Warren Pease of Brattleboro, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a daughter, Elizabeth M. McGowan who died in 2008, and his mother-in-law Lois Pease. Memorial information: Graveside services will be conducted at a later date. Donations to the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To send condolences to the family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Linda Marie (Bradshaw) Palomba, 71, of Hinsdale, N.H. Died unexpectedly May 27, 2021 at UMass Medical Center in Worcester, Mass., following an extended and courageous battle against cancer. Linda was born in Waterbury, Conn., on April 16, 1950, one of five daughters, to Howard and Gloria (Giordano) Bradshaw. She was raised and educated in Oakville, Conn., and graduated from Watertown, Conn., High School with the Class of 1967. Linda worked as a data processor for United Natural Foods in Chesterfield, N.H., which she retired from in 2013, following 27 years with the company. A lifelong Catholic and steadfast in her walk of faith, she was a communicant of St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church in Brattleboro. She was a former parishioner at St. Mary Magdalene Roman Catholic Church in Oakville. Linda will be remembered for her pleasant, easy-going personality and was known for her gracefulness and spirit of kindness. She was a faithful and devoted wife and a loving mother and grandmother whose life centered around her family. She wasn't just a mother to her children, but a friend. Linda was deeply loved and will be missed by all. She enjoyed camping, fishing, and time spent with her family, especially her children and grandchildren. She also enjoyed music and dancing, as well as staying at home with a good book. She married her high school sweetheart, Lawrence “Larry” Palomba, in 1973. Besides her husband of 48 years, survivors include her mother of Oakville; sons Domenic of Dover, N.H., Joseph (Nichole) of Worcester, Mass., and Gregory and fiancée Mariella Cannu of Hinsdale; daughter Sheila Sommerville (Kevin) of Brattleboro; sisters Laura Deleon of Florida, and Carol Gasper (Steve), Diane Lucarelli (Bob) and Gloria Benza (Mark), all of Connecticut. Additionally, she is survived by five grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her father. Memorial information: A funeral Mass will held on Friday, June 11, at 3 p.m., at St. Michael's Catholic Church. Calling hours will be held at the church from 1 p.m. until the start of Mass. Donations to St. Michael's School, 48 Walnut St., Brattleboro, VT 05301, Attn.: Elaine Beam, Principal. To send messages of condolence to the family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Ryan Scott Weeks, 42, of Brattleboro. Died May 21, 2021. Ryan was born April 26, 1979 in Brattleboro, the son of Raymond and Bonita Weeks. He graduated with a graphic design degree from Community College of Vermont and created amazing artwork and gifts for others. Ryan loved the outdoors and hiking with friends. He was a devout Red Sox fan and was a skilled baseball player in his youth. Ryan loved his family, especially his children Olivia and Isaac, of whom he was so proud. In addition to his children, Ryan is survived by his mother, siblings Troy Weeks, Ivy (Mike) Bingham, and Nate (Jessie) Weeks; nephews Darren, Connor, Max, Carter, Brandon, Nick, and Alex; nieces Lily, Molly, Devin, and Hannah; and many close friends who were special to him. He was predeceased by his father and brothers Todd and Lee Weeks. Memorial information: A celebration of Ryan's was held June 5 at Rivertown Church in Brattleboro. To view Ryan's online tribute, or send condolences to the family, visit www.csnh.com.
• Alice A. White, 67, of Athens. Died May 27, 2021 at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H. She was born Dec. 12, 1953, in Tulsa, Okla., the daughter of Richard and Catherine (Barrett) Leary. She attended schools in Bellows Falls, worked at the D&R General Store in Cambridgeport, and at Silver Forest in Bellows Falls. She enjoyed watching birds, gardening, and spending time with her family, especially her grandkids. In 1988, she married Raymond White, who survives. She is also survived by two sons, Gary Gay, Jr. and Steven Gay; two daughters, Cerrie-Ann Riendeau and Theresa Parent; seven grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. Memorial information: A service was held June 5 at Fenton & Hennessey Funeral Home in Bellows Falls.
Services
• The family of Ellen Whitney Howe Hamilton, who died April 12, 2020, would like to invite friends and family to a memorial gathering for Ellen on Sunday Aug. 15, at 1:30 p.m., at the Hamilton Farm on Hamilton Road in West Brattleboro. This event was postponed from an earlier date.