Transitions
• Jennifer Griffey has been appointed by Brattleboro Memorial Hospital to serve as chief financial officer. Griffey is a seasoned professional with more than 15 years of combined experience in the field of healthcare finance. She has held various positions including comptroller and CFO, and has served as the assistant comptroller of a Medi-Cal Managed Care Organization in Scotts Valley, Calif. Griffey comes to BMH from Encompass Rehabilitation Hospital of Bluffton, a 38-bed facility near Hilton Head, S.C. Prior to that, she held CFO positions at Riverbend Community Mental Health Center in Concord, N.H., and Calais Regional Hospital in Calais, Maine. She holds a B.A. in history from Brigham Young University, a J.D. degree from Lincoln Law School in San Jose, Calif., and master's degree in accounting from Southern New Hampshire University.
Obituaries
• Kathleen F. “Kathy” Babbitt, 69, of Westminster. Died unexpectedly Sept. 9, 2022 at William W. Backus Hospital in Norwich, Conn., following a period of declining health. A lifelong resident of the area, Kathy was born in Brattleboro on Feb. 5, 1953, the daughter of Michael and Theresa (LaValley) Finnell. She attended Oak Grove School and graduated from Brattleboro Union High School with the Class of 1971. Kathy worked for her brother as store manager for Mike & Terry's Exit 4 Sunoco Convenience store in Putney. She retired from her position in the spring of 2020 following 31 faithful years with the family business. Previously, she worked as head receiver at Ames Department Store on Putney Road, initially starting her job when the location was King's Department Store. Kathy was known for her spirit of friendship and steadfast work ethic. She was well liked by many of the customers who frequently stopped in at Mike & Terry's and will be remembered for her pleasant and kindly nature. Kathy enjoyed cooking, word games, taking day trips, an occasional visit to Foxwoods Casino, and time spent with her family, especially her granddaughters. On July 8, 1972, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Brattleboro, she was married to Douglas P. Babbitt, who predeceased her in 2004. Survivors include her two children, Michael Babbitt and his wife, Holly, of Malta, N.Y., and Kimberly Lane and her husband, Mark, of East Dummerston; two brothers, Michael Finnell and his wife, Margaret, of Trinity, Fla., and Brian Scott Finnell of Westminster West; two granddaughters, Sierra and Leah; and her faithful companion, Mike Lowe. Additionally, she leaves many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her parents and two brothers, Roderick “Rod” and Thomas “Tommy” Finnell. Memorial information: A gathering in celebration of her life will be held sometime in early November at a date and time to be announced by the funeral home. Donations to Make a Wish Foundation of Vermont, 100 Dorset St., Suite #13, South Burlington, VT 05403 or wish.org/vermont. To share a memory or send condolences to the family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Sue Haus DeGraff, 77, formerly of Brattleboro. Died unexpectedly at McKinley Park Care Center in Sacramento, California on June 26, 2022. Sue was born in Brattleboro on July 26, 1945, daughter of Bernard T. Haus and Ann Fitzgerald Whitman. She was a graduate of St. Michael's High School and the Jeanne Mance School of Nursing in Burlington. Sue also received a bachelor's degree in business from the University of California at Davis. Sue practiced nursing in Brattleboro and Dover before moving to California where she worked at the Kaiser Foundation Medical Center in San Francisco. While at Kaiser, she worked primarily in the Trauma Center. After Sue located to Sacramento, she continued to provide nursing care to hospitals in the San Francisco area as a traveling nurse, while working full time in Sacramento. Sue dedicated 40 years to nursing care before retiring. Sue's greatest joys were her love of her family and friends, traveling, gardening, decorating and preparing for the holidays, and the championship of their dogs Brandy, Candy, Harry and her friend Rob's dog, Church. Sue leaves two sisters, Karen Haus of Washington, D.C., and Midge Gembarowski of Brattleboro; nieces Jessica Justin of Grosse Pointe, Mich., and Katrina Nesbitt and Alexa Gembarowski, both of Brattleboro; and a nephew, Daniel Haus-Caulk of Washington, D.C. She also leaves several grandnieces, a grandnephew and a loyal friend, Rob Stewart. Sue was predeceased by her parents and her brother, Timothy Haus. Memorial information: A memorial service is planned at St. Michael's Cemetery at a later date.
• John Joseph Elliott, 84, of Bellows Falls. Died Aug. 29, 2022, surrounded by his family, at Springfield Hospital. John was born on Sept. 9, 1937 in Bellows Falls to Harold and Catherine (O'Brien) Elliott. He graduated from Bellows Falls High School in 1956 and began working with his father doing carpentry and masonry work in the Bellows Falls and North Walpole, N.H., area. John married his loving wife Mary E. Karter in 1969, who survives. He worked many years alongside his wife Mary at Sister's Pizza, keeping the town well-fed on amazing pizza. John later joined the custodial staff at Bellows Falls Union High School, where he worked until his retirement. He was honored by the BFUHS students who dedicated their yearbook to him because of his hard work, caring, and friendship that helped to make their experience more memorable. A dedicated father and grandfather John loved nothing more than spending time with his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed sharing stories of his youth growing up in the North Walpole- Bellows Falls area. He was an avid sports fan and had at one time amassed an extensive baseball cap collection. John is survived by his wife Mary, and their children Darrin (Tammy Manning), John II (Cheryl), Harold (Stacy Malmberg), Karter (Renee), and Katie (Barry Chamberland). John was also survived by 16 grandchildren, one great-grandson, and many nieces and nephews. John was predeceased by his parents, sisters Mary Garmalo and Nancey Edwards, as well as his grandson, Joshua Elliott. Memorial information: There are no calling hours. A funeral Mass will take place on Saturday, Sept. 24, at St. Peter's Church in North Walpole at noon. A celebration of his life immediately follows at the Bellows Falls Masonic Temple. All are encouraged to attend and share a memory. Donations to the John Joseph Elliott Memorial Scholarship Fund in care of Mascoma Bank, P.O. Box 2, Walpole, NH 03608, or contact an Elliott family member. Visit www.fentonandhennessey.com to place online condolences.
• Gilbert W. Gonyea, 60, of Brattleboro. Died Sept. 2, 2022. Born on Oct. 24, 1961, he was an avid fisherman and hunter who enjoyed his country music, nerf gun wars with his grandson Mason, watching movies and, of course, having some beer with each. He leaves behind his wife, Lori, his children Levi and Beth, his much beloved grandson Mason, brothers George, Richard, and Andrew; sisters Jean, Lois, Evelyn, and Edith; and many nieces and nephews. Memorial information: The Cremation Society of New Hampshire has been entrusted with arrangements. To view an online tribute, leave a message of condolence, or for more information, visit www.csnh.com.
• Alice B. Nadeau, 81, of Hinsdale, N.H. Died Sept. 5, 2022. Alice delighted in her family - son Alan Jr. and daughter Beth; grandchildren Kaela Sheehan and her husband, Tory, of Bellows Falls; and Brianna Bacon and her partner, Junior Curtis, of Cheyenne, Wyo., and great-grandchildren Dean LaBelle, Declan Sheehan, Rayne Bacon Curtis, Ryker Bacon Curtis (due in January 2023), Katherine Nadeau-Ryan, Alan Nadeau III, and Silver/Christina Nadeau. Alice was celebrated in the community for her baking and decorating skills, creating cakes for all occasions. She took comfort in her faith as a member of the First Congregational Church of Hinsdale. Alice was preceded in death by husbands Alan Nadeau Sr. and Roy Cripps. In addition to her son, daughter, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, she is survived by brothers Walter and his spouse, Edma Baronoski, of Cape Coral, Fla., and Donald Baronoski and his partner, Wayne Lawrence, of Atlanta, Ga. Memorial information: The family will hold a celebration of life in the spring/summer of 2023. The family will take Alice to her final resting place and hold a private ceremony. Donations to the First Congregational Church, P.O. Box 22, Hinsdale, NH 03451-0022.
• Thomas R. O'Connell, Jr., 74, of Guilford. Died Sept. 8, 2022 at Cheshire Medical Center in Keene, N.H., following an acute illness. Affectionately known as “Peanut,” he was born in Washington, D.C. on Jan. 8, 1948, the son of Thomas R. and Susan Margaret (Whitney) O'Connell. Tom attended Brattleboro public schools and was a graduate of Brattleboro Union High School, Class of 1966. A proud veteran, he went on to serve his country in the Army during the Vietnam War. He enlisted in 1967 and was honorably discharged from active service in 1970. He worked as an equipment operator for the Brattleboro Department of Public Works where he was known as “Homer,” retiring from his position in 2014, following 44 dedicated and faithful years with the town of Brattleboro. During his years with the town, he was admired and well respected by both his co-workers and management. Retirement was difficult for Tom, since he thoroughly enjoyed his job and the camaraderie he had with his fellow employees who were considered family to him. Tom held membership through the years with several Brattleboro organizations that included: B.P.O. Elks, Brattleboro Lodge 1499; F.O. Eagles, Brattleboro Aerie 2445; American Legion Post 5; and the VFW Carl M. Dessaint Post 1034. Through his memberships, he enjoyed socializing with his many friends. An ardent outdoorsman, he was a member of Sportsman's, Inc. in Guilford. Tom loved nature and the outdoors, which included camping, hunting, and fishing, especially the fishing runs on Lake Ontario. A devoted family man, he followed his sons' and grandchildren's sports endeavors, rarely missing an event. On May 29, 1976 at Saint Michael's Roman Catholic Church, he was married to Marie Rivers who survives. Besides his faithful and devoted wife of 46 years, he leaves two sons, Charles Perry O'Connell and his wife Rachel, and Thomas R. O'Connell, III and his partner Melissa Webb, all of Guilford; an adopted son whom he considered his own, Nicholas “Nick” LaFlam and his wife Jacqueline, also of Guilford; three grandchildren, Chloe Elizabeth, Charles Jr., and Kayden Malcolm; Nick's children, Cooper and Cody LaFlam, who he considers his adopted grandchildren; and Melissa's children, Connor, Dylan and Caleb Dupuis. Additionally, he is survived by several nieces and nephews and a large host of friends. Memorial information: Graveside committal services will be conducted on Saturday, Oct. 1, at 11 a.m., in the family lot in Christ Church Cemetery in the Algiers section of Guilford. A celebration of his life will follow, to be held at the VFW on Black Mountain Road. Donations to the Guilford Volunteer Fire Department, 108 Guilford Center Rd., Guilford, VT 05301. To share a memory or send condolences to the family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Terence J. “Terry” Slate, 74, of Brattleboro. Died Sept. 14, 2022, following a period of failing health due to his years of alcoholism. Terry was born in Brattleboro on Jan. 6, 1948, the son of Herbert and Helen (Boroski) Slate. He attended Brattleboro public schools and was a graduate of Brattleboro Union High School, Class of 1966. Following high school, he went on to serve his country in the Navy during the Vietnam War. Upon his honorable discharge from active service, he returned home to Brattleboro to work as a machine operator at The Book Press on Putney Road for 36 years. He later worked at Vermont Circuits in Brattleboro, retiring in 2011. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and raising a vegetable garden each summer. He was a member of American Legion Post 5 in Brattleboro. On Oct. 24, 1970, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Seattle, Wash., he was married to Laura VanHise, who survives. Besides his faithful and devoted wife of 51 years, he leaves two sons, Timothy J. Slate and his wife, Li Li, of Middletown, Del., and Thomas J. Slate and his partner, Lori VanNess, of Westminster; two sisters, Ann Nebelski and her husband, John, of Mount Airy, N.C., and Mary White of Hinsdale, N.H.; and nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents and one brother, Michael Slate. Memorial information: In keeping with his final wishes, there are no formal funeral services scheduled. Donations to the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To send condolences, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Francis Earl Temple, 89, of Putney. Died Sept. 13, 2022 at Cheshire Medical Center in Keene, following a period of declining health. Francis was born at home in Putney on July 8, 1933, the son of Lawrence and Helen (Fisher) Temple. He was raised and educated in Putney and attended Brattleboro High School. He went on to proudly serve his country in the Army and, upon his honorable discharge from active service, returned home to Putney. Francis became a licensed plumber and went to work for Heustis Plumbing & Heating in Brattleboro for 19 years. In 1977, Francis established Brattleboro Plumbing & Heating with a partner. Then, in 1979, he established Temple Plumbing & Heating, which is currently owned and operated by his sons. He retired from full-time work following the passing of his wife, but up until recently managed the office on a limited basis. Steadfast in his Christian faith, Francis was a longtime member of the Green Mountain Chapel of the Christian & Missionary Alliance, where he served as treasurer, elder, deacon, Sunday school teacher, and sang with the church choir. Francis enjoyed antique cars and was the proud owner of three Ford Model A's. He meticulously oversaw the restoration of each vehicle, completing much of the work by himself. He enjoyed taking day trips, puttering around his home, and time shared with his family. Francis sang with the Yankee Male Chorus for 25 years. On May 9, 1958, at the Pottersdale, Pa., Alliance Church, he was married to Olive I. Wooster. His faithful and devoted wife of 59 years predeceased him on October 20, 2017. Survivors include his two sons, Bradley Temple and Dale Temple and his wife, Jessie, all of Putney; and one daughter, Marcia Rothra and her husband Daniel of Raleigh, N.C. He is also survived by one brother, Edward Temple of Putney, a sister, Eleanor Temple of Brattleboro, seven grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Francis was also predeceased by his daughter-in-law, Pennie Temple. Memorial information: Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, Oct. 1, at 1 p.m., at Green Mountain Chapel in Brattleboro. Burial will be in the family lot in Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Putney, where he will be laid to rest next to his beloved wife. Friends are invited to call at the Atamaniuk Funeral Home in Brattleboro on Friday, Sept. 30, from 4 to 6 p.m. Donations to the Putney Volunteer Fire Department First Response Squad, P.O. Box 875, Putney, VT 05346 or to the Christian and Missionary Alliance at secure.cmalliance.org/give.
• Maxine S. Vigneau, 74, of Hinsdale, N.H. Died peacefully on Sept. 9, 2022 at Pine Heights Nursing Home in Brattleboro, following an extended illness. Maxine was born in Brattleboro on Oct. 21, 1947, the daughter of Gordon and Shirley (Hildreth) Hescock. She was raised and educated in Brattleboro, attending local schools, and was a graduate of Brattleboro Union High School, Class of 1965. She had been employed at the Holstein-Friesian Association, working in the registry department. Maxine retired from her position following many dedicated years with the company. Maxine loved her family dearly. They meant the world to her. She had a heart of gold and always thought of others before herself. Some of her favorite things to do were spending time her family and friends, shopping, camping, day trips and spending time at the seacoast, especially in Rhode Island. On April 21, 1973 in Vernon, she was married to Stephen Vigneau, who survives. Besides her devoted husband, she leaves her twin daughters, Renea Bagley and her husband, Dave, of Vernon and Kari Chapin and her husband, Jack, of Hinsdale; two brothers, Donald Hescock of Hinsdale and Bruce (Mary) Hescock of Brattleboro; a sister, Gayle (Dennis) Janovsky of Warwick, R.I.; and many nieces and nephews. Maxine was predeceased by her grandson, Griffin White, whom she loved so very much. She was also predeceased by her parents, sister Patricia (Dan, who survives) Barnes and her brother, Gordon (Dotty, who survives) Hescock. Memorial information: In keeping with Maxine's final wishes, there are no formal funeral services scheduled. Following cremation, she will be laid to rest in Locust Ridge Cemetery on Black Mountain Road. Donations to the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To share a memory or send condolences to the family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• John R. Wright, 92, of Brattleboro. Died on Sept.11, 2022 at Pine Heights Nursing Home. There are no surviving family members. John was born at home in Rockford, Ill., on Dec. 31, 1929, the son of Earnest and Eunice (Eno) Wright. He was a 1947 graduate of Freeport, Ill., High School where he lettered in football and was president of his senior class. John entered Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa, in the fall of 1947. He was elected president of the student body in his senior year. John dropped out in the middle of that year to enlist in the Army for three years during the Korean Conflict, serving as a counterintelligence special agent. He returned to Cornell to earn his bachelor's degree in sociology in 1954. John spent all of this high school and college summers as a staff member at various camps for boys and girls. On Oct. 5, 1953, in Millbrook, Ill., he married Mary C.A. Paulin, whom he had met in Iceland, but who was a native of Turners Falls, Mass. Mary predeceased John in 2015 - 22,380 days after their wedding day. Upon graduation from college, John went to work in Chicago as export advertising manager for the Oliver Corporation, a manufacturer of farm machinery; and later as U.S. advertising manager for Pfaff Sewing Machine from Germany. From 1958 through 1970, he was a vice president/account supervisor at three different advertising agencies in Chicago. In 1970, John and Mary moved to Brattleboro, where he managed a scholarship program for young Americans going abroad with The Experiment in International Living. He retired at age 65. During his 52 years in Brattleboro, John served two terms as Town Grand Juror; was a board member of 12 Clark Avenue, a group foster home for teenage girls; and on the board of the Boys & Girls Club. In his retirement years, he was a very active volunteer at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital. For many years, he worked at the polls on election day. John was also a longtime regular every-other-month Red Cross blood donor. In his later years, he also regularly volunteered at the Vermont Foodbank. Memorial information: In accordance with John's wishes, there will be no calling hours or services. John was an organ donor. His remains will be cremated and his ashes scattered over a lake in northern Wisconsin, where he and Mary were directors of a camp for boys and girls during the first summer of their marriage. Donations to the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To share a memory, visit www.atamaniuk.com.