College news
• The following local students were honored for academic achievement in the fall 2022 semester at Champlain College in Burlington: Ashley Bolton of South Londonderry and Zachary Condon of Whitingham were named to the President's List, and Hailee Mattson of Dummerston, Mark Hunnewell of South Londonderry, Janelle Fisher of Whitingham, and John Clark of Brattleboro were named to the Dean's List.
• Liina Koch of South Londonderry was named to the Dean's List for the fall 2022 semester at Bates College in Lewiston, Maine.
• Owen Rounds of Westminster was named to the President's Honors List for the fall 2022 semester at the University of Hartford in West Hartford, Connecticut.
Obituaries
• Wells C. Cunningham Sr., 98, formerly of Brattleboro. Died Jan. 25, 2023 at Vernon Green Nursing Home. A self-proclaimed “Jersey Boy,” he was a true Vermonter at heart. Wells moved to Brattleboro soon after his wife, Jean Marie Gallup, died in 1977. Wells was born in Summit, New Jersey on May 12, 1924, the son of Leon and Josephine (Wells) Cunningham. Wells was raised and educated in Mendham, New Jersey and graduated from Morristown (N.J.) High School with the Class of 1941. A veteran of World War II, he enlisted in October 1942 and served in the Pacific Theater of Operations, first in the Army Air Forces and later as an infantryman, until his honorable discharge from active service in February 1946. Wells attended Marlboro College on the GI Bill with its first class and graduated with a diploma in social and political sciences. He and Jean Marie met at the train station in Brattleboro in 1946, when she accompanied a young man from Marlboro College to pick up a new student, Wells. Soon after, Jean Marie, accepting an invitation from Wells to a dance on Potash Hill, walked six miles in snowfall from her home on Ames Hill. Wells and Jean Marie were married at First Congregational Church in West Brattleboro before moving to Connecticut to raise a family. They both acquired master's degrees and moved on in life with dual incomes that allowed them to reach their dream of owning a historic home in Newington, Connecticut. Wells initially worked for the American Heart Association in New Britain before his employment with the Connecticut Department of Education. He worked 30 years in the Hartford office as a vocational counselor for veterans. With her degree from Boston College, Jean Marie was initially a physical therapist and later became a special education teacher. Wells was a non-competitive athlete and remained strong and fit throughout his life. He could often be seen in his neighborhood rollerblading and “skinny skiing.” He excelled at ice skating and tennis, and won many trophies in skeet shooting. Wells was an avid bocci player. He was an advocate for the placement of the bocci court across the street at Memorial Park, and acted as a teacher to any passers-by interested in learning the sport. At the Brattleboro Tennis Club, he encouraged his grandson in his matches and kept up his own skills at the backboards when he was in his late 80s. Wells often reminisced about his days as a young boy growing up in New Jersey in an adult-centered home with his parents, grandparents, and a loving sister 10 years his senior. He played jokes to the entertainment of everyone and supported his family during the Great Depression by doing odd jobs around town. “Wellsy” earned a reputation with locals as an innovator and was sought after for odd jobs. He led the pack in commercial berry picking by cleverly grasping the basket between his thighs and using two hands to move more quickly than others down the rows. He once got himself in a pickle when he told the lady next door that he could sand floors. She left him to it with a sander twice his size. Unwilling to tell her his ruse, he developed a special floor-sander technique that impressed his benefactor so much he received double pay. In a safe, quiet time when Ford cars were first seen on the streets, Wells left the house in the morning, always finding adventures to tell his folks about at home over dinner (which he, most often, provided). In his young adult life, Wells worked many occupations while attending Marlboro College. One reminiscence was his story of his “ditch-digging” days, when he and a couple of other young bucks were fixing the roads around the Marlboro College. He also drove a laundry truck in Brattleboro and helped the old ladies who provided boarding for him at their Wilmington home, probably in exchange for their wonderful cooking, of which he often spoke. There was never a complaint from Wells regarding labor. For him, it was more about insight into lessons learned from each job…and the jokes to be had. Wells devotedly attended the Guilford Fair, first with his wife's family, who were auctioneers and callers for the horse- and ox-pulling competitions. He never missed a local sugar-on-snow supper and enjoyed socializing, especially at the meals at the Brattleboro Senior Center. Wells loved to eat, but never gained extra weight. Wells had no complaints about his enlistment in the Army Air Forces and was not at all homesick as his mother had hoped. Wells had high regard for his wrist watch, as its origin was his favorite story to tell. While he was stationed in Guam, a fellow enlisted man had the innovative idea to make steel wristbands from a downed Japanese plane. Wells forever admired the man and the watch never came off his wrist until a few days before he died. Wells' many stories about his experiences in war were good memories of adventurous times, and not at all about waiting with his buddies for the invasion of Japan that never happened. He will be greatly missed by all, and his memory will continue on for generations to come. Memorial information: In keeping with his final wishes, no formal services are scheduled. Wells will be laid to rest in the family lot in Christ Church Cemetery in the Algiers section of Guilford. Friends are welcome to plant a flower for his remembrance in their garden or at his stone under the lilac bush.
• Charles Edward “Chuck” Evans, 78, of Guilford. Died peacefully on Feb. 27, 2023 in Bennington at the Washington Elms Home for Assisted Living. Charles was born at Grace Cottage in Townshend on Jan. 2, 1945 to Margery and Emery Evans, the youngest of three children, and spent his early life at the Evans Family Farm in Guilford. He was an avid hockey and football player and played in the Shrine Maple Sugar Bowl for the Vermont team. After graduating at the top of his class from Brattleboro Union High School, he attended the University of Vermont. Upon graduation from UVM, he enlisted in the Army on Oct. 23, 1967. While in the army, he learned the Russian language and served in Army Intelligence and Security in West Berlin in Germany. After his honorable discharge, he struggled with the experiences he had while serving in Berlin and shared many stories of his time there. Living a simple and kind life, Charles will always be fondly remembered for his garden, his art, and his work in translating stories from Russian to English. Charles was predeceased by his parents and his sister Marcia Evans Kempf. He is survived by his brother Chester Evans and his children: Tami Evans Napolitano (husband Anthony Napolitano), Ronald Evans, Chad Evans (son Kyle Evans), Jason Evans (daughter Malana Evans), and Nicole Evans (daughter Aliza Mahoney), as well as Marcia Evans Kempf's son Daniel L. Brush (wife Maureen Hall), and grandchildren Aurora Brush, Emery Brush, and Alex Brush. Memorial information: Services will be held on May 23, at 11 a.m., at the Christ Church Cemetery in Algiers to be followed by an afternoon potluck at the Clark farm in Guilford.
• Nellie Maria (Wessel) Hamilton, 75, of Hinsdale, New Hampshire. Died March 1, 2023. Born Neeltje Maria Wessel in Vlaardingen, Holland, she emigrated to the United States with her parents in 1954. She grew up in Brattleboro, where she attended Brattleboro Union High School. Nellie enjoyed all things involving yarn and thread. She loved cross-stitch and needlepoint, knitting and crocheting, as well as making clothes for herself, family, and friends. She had a great love of local history and was an avid scrapbooker of local events. She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Wayne Hamilton; her four children, Willem (Deb) Hamilton, Jeana (Tom) Woodbury, Johannes Hamilton, and Harral Hamilton; her granddaughter Mariah (Lyndel) Farmer-Major; and her two great-grandchildren, Malachi and Serenity. She also leaves behind her brother Bill (Sharon) Wessel, sisters Trixie (Eric) Stinebring, Joy (Ian) Trigg, Rose (Wendy) Wessel, and many nieces and nephews. Nellie was preceded in death by her parents Johannes and Sophia (van Hoeven) Wessel. Memorial information: A private memorial is planned for the spring.
• Marguerite L. (LeComte) Madonna, 91, formerly of Fall River, Massachusetts. Died February 26, 2023. Born in Fall River, she was the daughter of the late George and Rose (Bougie) LeComte, and wife of the late Andrew C. Madonna of 59 years. Marguerite worked at Shelbourne Shirt for 41 years, retiring as a floor supervisor. She spent the last eight years experiencing life in Vermont with her daughter Diane and her husband Eugene. Marguerite was always open for a road trip and was a true foodie at heart who also enjoyed playing bingo. She is survived by her children: Catherine A. Augustine (husband Robert), Jo-Ann M. Preble (husband Kenneth), Diane Wrinn (husband Eugene), and Eric D. Madonna (wife Janice); daughter-in-law Carissa Madonna; seven grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, and many nieces and nephews. She was also the mother of the late David B. Madonna and sister of the late Arthur and Leo LeComte, Lydia St. Yves, Sister Mary Theresa Madonna, Irene Casey, Germane Fortier, Elizabeth Bougie, and Georgette Quintin. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held March 1 at St. Mary's Cathedral in Fall River, with burial in St. Patrick's Cemetery. To express condolences to the family, visit www.hathawayfunerals.com.
• Robert Arthur “Bob” Pease, 85, of Wilmington. Died at his home on March 8, 2023 after waging a strong fight with cancer for eight years. Robert was born in Brattleboro, the son of Arthur and Eleanor (Robbins) Pease. He graduated from Brattleboro Union High School with the Class of 1958 and enlisted in the Army, stationed in Fort Sill, Oklahoma. At the age of 18, Robert worked at the Retreat Dairy Farm, and then transitioned to the Retreat Carpentry Shop, retiring after 45 years. Robert was a true meat and potatoes guy. He enjoyed the outdoors hunting deer, bear, rabbit, and turkey. It was normal for him to “bag a good deer every year.”. He would hunt the ridge lines in Wardsboro, and also spent some time hunting in northern Vermont, where he got his largest deer of 220 pounds, with a nice rack of 11 points. Ice fishing was also a favored pastime, back when the perch was plentiful by the buckets. He was a past member of the Deerfield Valley Stump Jumpers Snowmobile Club and was a loyal Red Sox fan. Robert always enjoyed the calming peace he got with Red Man tobacco and Budweiser beer, giving them his fair share of business. Sundays were always the day for a large bowl of popcorn that was enjoyed by the family after church. He also was a master of making Westerns, popcorn, and pan fried perch. At the age of 18, he purchased property in West Wardsboro and built his own hunting camp with his father. It has had many years of use and memories. Target practice at camp was one of the many memories he shares with his children and grandchildren. Robert was a quiet man, but his words were always full of wit and wisdom. Robert is survived by his wife Shirley (Adams) Pease, whom he married in Wilmington on April 2, 1967, their two daughters, Heather Pease-Dix (her husband Jeremy Dix) and Amanda Pease (companion Sean Barber); grandchildren Quinlan, Lillian, and Elizabeth Barber; his brother Warren Pease and sister Sara Morse. He was predeceased by his parents and a sister, Mary Brilliant. Memorial information: The family would love you to share memories and photos. Please send an index card or bring to the services, which will be held later in the summer. Donations to the Deerfield Valley Rescue Squad, in care of Covey Allen & Shea Funeral Home, P.O. Box 215, Wilmington, VT 05363. To send condolences, visit www.sheafuneralhomes.com.
• Sharyn Effie “Neenie” Sargent, 74, of Brattleboro. Died March 3 2023, surrounded by her loving family and friends, following a short, courageous battle with cancer. She was born on Nov. 21, 1948 and lived in Putney with her parents, Earl and Marie Cook, and her five siblings, Charlie, Skip, Harold, Mary, and John. Although they didn't have much growing up, Sharyn found the beauty of making the most out of life with her siblings. Her love of life and willingness to make something out of nothing carried over into adulthood. Sharyn carried many jobs during her life, but the one she was most fond of was working at the “snack shack” at Living Memorial Park. Although she enjoyed working at the pool and ice skating rink, her true love was the men's softball games. She treasured all the relationships she gained in those years. Her greatest accomplishment in life was her family. She gave birth to four wonderful daughters and raised them in Brattleboro. Later in life, she was blessed with 10 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Sharyn was a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, sister, friend, and co-worker to any and all who needed someone. Everyone knew her as Neenie. If you didn't have a place to go, you had a place at her table, no questions asked. She loved unconditionally, never missing a chance to just pick up the phone to say hello. She was the type of woman who would give anything to anyone in need and never take in return. She played softball in her 20s. She coached t-ball and youth baseball. She enjoyed strawberry picking and making jam. She was an avid reader, and a jack of all trades. From wallpapering, sewing, quilting, and flooring, there was nothing she could not do. Sharyn will be remembered as the hardworking, compassionate, coffee-obsessed, flower-loving, middle finger-toting, loving woman we all knew and loved. She continues to live and exist through her daughters Jeanna Langlois-Sargent and her wife Sherrie of Iowa, Crystal Grandmont and her husband Ryan of New Hampshire, Heather Chase and Shaheim Bradshaw of Massachusetts, and Amanda Sargent of Brattleboro. She also leaves her grandchildren Kristopher Gurney and his wife Suzie, Mackenzie, Noah, Jake, Rene, Adison, DJ, Austin, Chellby, and Domenic, and her great-grandchildren Kooper, Karter, Karson, and Kaitlyn. Memorial information: There will be a private family service in the spring.
• Ethel Jean Stevens, 83, of West Dover. Died peacefully Tuesday night, March 14, 2023, in the comfort of her home following an extended illness. Jean was born in the Littleville section of Chester, Massachusetts on July 4, 1939, the daughter of Harry and Weltha (Griffin) Woods. She was raised and educated in Chester, graduating from Chester High School. Jean went on to attend Cooley-Dickenson Hospital School of Nursing in Northampton, Massachusetts, where she received her RN diploma. She first was employed at Cooley-Dickenson Hospital and later at Noble Hospital in Westfield, Massachusetts. Upon relocating to Vermont, Jean joined the nursing staff at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital, from which she retired following 31 dedicated years at BMH and 51 total years in nursing. Of her leisure time activities, Jean enjoyed bowling and was involved with a five-member women's bowling team from Northampton. The team competed in several national tournaments, and she was able to travel throughout the United States as a result. She loved working in her garden(s), and the landscaping surrounding her home. She would spend hours with the waterfalls and ponds in her back yard. During her youth, Jean was very active in 4-H and represented Massachusetts at the National 4-H Congress held in Chicago. She also canned and exhibited vegetables at many agricultural fairs throughout the tri-state area, including the Eastern States Exposition. With her sister-in-law, she was a blue-ribbon winner for several years. Jean also enjoyed crafting and exhibited at many local craft fair events including the Mount Snow Craft Fair. Survivors included her companion of 46 years, Bruce Wyman of West Dover; two daughters, Frostine Katchis of Chappaqua, New York and and Jennifer Lindsay of Ashford, Connecticut; two sons, Kyle Stevens of Scarsdale, New York and Dwaine Stevens of Bennington; and 10 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews that include a special niece, Stacy Whitmore of Fairfield, Pennsylvania. Jean was predeceased by a son, Daryl Stevens, and a brother, Clarence “Woodie” Woods. Memorial information: In keeping with Jean's final wishes, there are no formal funeral services scheduled. A memorial gathering will take place at a future date. Donations to Bayada Hospice, 1222 Putney Rd, Suite 107, Brattleboro, VT 05301. To share a memory or send condolences to the family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
Services
• A celebratory gathering for Jim Ferris will be held on Saturday, May 18, from noon to 4 p.m., at the Eagles Club, 54 Chickering Drive, Brattleboro. Mr. Ferris, 68, of Brattleboro, died on Dec. 24, 2022 at Albany (N.Y.) Medical Center.