College news
• The following local students received bachelor's degrees from the University of Vermont during its recent 222nd Commencement: Hannah Balda of Londonderry (microbiology), Allura Cameron of Londonderry (medical laboratory sciences) Kristina Harmon of Londonderry (microbiology), Madeleine Blanchard of South Londonderry (neuroscience), Bella Bonneau of Brattleboro (community entrepreneurship), Kiki Carasi-Schwartz of Brattleboro (global studies), Emily Crespo of Brattleboro (dietetics, nutrition, and food sciences), Natalie Gadowski of Brattleboro (dietetics, nutrition, and food sciences), Janet Hawthorne of Brattleboro (religion), Benish Nabeel of Brattleboro (neuroscience), Katharine Taggard of Brattleboro (public communication), Addison Worsman of Brattleboro (psychological science), Joslynn Wright of Brattleboro (English), Forest Zabriskie of Brattleboro (music), Bianca Labuschagne of East Dover (molecular genetics), Stevie Roberts of Jamaica (magna cum laude, psychological science), Niklas Johnson of Newfane (environmental sciences), Aiden McCormack of Newfane (computer science), Nina Singleton-Spencer of Newfane (psychological science and studio art), Evelyn Williams of Brookline (psychological science), Tyler Allembert of East Dummerston (computer science), Emmett Dews of East Dummerston (mcrobiology), Mason Redfield of South Newfane (mechanical engineering), Evan Bernard of Townshend (environmental studies), Maris Linder of Townshend (food systems), Lucas Newton of Townshend (cum laude, history), Karson Petty of Townshend (English), Matt Young of Townshend (civil engineering), Dareen Abdallah of Vernon (sociology), Emma Allen of Vernon (cum laude, political science), Nathan McKenney of Vernon (economics), Jennifer Hill of West Dover (mechanical engineering), Isabella Nick of West Dover (sociology and political science), Brandi Butler of Halifax (animal sciences), Olivia Geissler of West Townshend (chemistry), Olin Ruppert-Bousquet of Windham (computer science), Alissa Walkowiak of Whitingham (art education), Codie Wershoven of Whitingham (psychological science). Molly Wrathall of Whitingham (early childhood preschool), and Olivia Genella of Wilmington (molecular genetics).
• Addison Kujovsky of South Londonderry was named to the Dean's List for the spring 2023 semester at Hamilton College in Clinton, New York.
• Gabrielle Beal, a member of the Class of 2024 from Wilmington, was named to the spring 2023 Dean's List at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts.
• William Frank of South Londonderry, Owen Rounds of Westminster, Caroline Mehner of West Wardsboro, and Samuel Thibault of Williamsville were all named to the President's Honors List for the spring 2023 semester at the University of Hartford (Conn.)
Obituaries
• Patrick Edward Elmore, 51, of Bellows Falls. Died peacefully on July 3, 2023, surrounded by his beloved wife Kimberly (LaBarge) Elmore, his loving family, and his very best friend, Pastor Brian Cook. Patrick often told people, "I'm living to live, I'm not living to die." He fought to live until the very end but was completely at peace with the Lord's ultimate will. Patrick and Kimberly met online and immediately fell in love. Patrick often noted his dating app criteria was 50 miles, but God had something else in mind with 90 miles. They made the distance work for over a year, seeing each other every weekend or day off. The love birds were married July 16, 2005 in Lake George, New York. Patrick officially made Nathan his son just before their marriage, often joking Nathan got his last name before Kim did. Patrick was born July 9, 1971, on his sister's third birthday, making him forever her birthday buddy. He was born the youngest of three children to Robert and Caroline (Paddock) Elmore of Queensbury, New York. In 1989, he graduated from Queensbury High School and attended Warren County Vo-Tech, learning small engine repair. He then went to serve as a hospital corpsman in the Navy from 1989 to 1994. Later, Patrick found a career in the office furniture industry, first at GBI in upstate NY, then in Vermont at Red Thread, formerly Business Interiors. Living in Bellows Falls, they raised their son and enjoyed being part of the BFUHS football family and seeing as many movies as possible. Family was important to Patrick. If family or children couldn't go somewhere, he had little interest in going. The couple attended church in Hinsdale, New Hampshire, leading a youth group for more than 10 years. Patrick thoroughly enjoyed working with the youth and sharing his faith with them. Hundreds of teens over the years spent their Wednesday nights learning about Jesus, having fun, praying, and playing crazy games with names like, "Egg Splat'' and "Sardine Sliders." Patrick even purchased a guitar and signed up for weekly lessons from Pastor David Berman in an attempt to bring live worship music to the teens. The couple ultimately found their church home in 2016 at Christian Life Fellowship (CLF) in Swanzey, New Hampshire. The two continued to be a part of the lives of the youth at CLF on Monday nights. In 2017, the Lord blessed Patrick and Kim with their daughter Chloe Ann. He loved being a father again. Holding her in his arms during worship was one of his most favorite things. Patrick continued in youth ministry until his treatment forced him to step back. As a family they frequently camped on the Battenkill River in Salem, New York. Boating and fishing became a favorite family pastime. Patrick was predeceased by his beloved mother and father-in-law David LaBarge. Surviving are his wife Kimberly, son Nathan, daughter Chloe, father Robert, sister Robyn (Myron) Gates, brother Michael Elmore, mother-in-law Elizabeth LaBarge, brother-in-law Lawrence (Sandy) LaBarge, nieces Staycia, Tiffany, Alycia, Hayley, and Alexis, nephew Nathaniel, and grandnephews Dylan, Joseph, Thomas, and Robert. Patrick will be remembered as a true man of God. He would go where Jesus called him to go. Memorial information: A service was held at Christian Life Fellowship on July 16. A GoFundMe has been set up for his family at gofund.me/2b876c12. To share a memory or offer condolences to his family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Alan A. Heller, 97, of Brattleboro. Died June 28, 2023 at Thompson House after a brief illness and a long life. He had been a resident there for just over two years after his wife of more than 60 years died from Covid. He was surrounded by his son, his daughter-in-law, and his grandson. He was most proud of his family and his service to his country. He was born Aug. 14, 1925 and grew up in Brooklyn, New York. He went to Boys High, graduated, and was drafted into the army and served in Europe. As a combat World War II veteran, he took a renewed pride in his service later in his life. Growing up in Brooklyn, he was an avid baseball fan. He saw many of the greats, went to the first night games, and was sad his Brooklyn Dodgers moved to the West Coast. When the Mets came, he entered into what can only be described as a love/hate relationship with the team. This lasted until his last day. In the end, though, he just loved the game of baseball. Upon being honorably discharged from the Army, Alan went into advertising. He met the love of his life, Madeline, and they were married in 1951. They had two children, Marjorie and Richard. They loved their family, traveling, friends, sports, bridge, theater, the ballet, and sports but, most of all, their grandson Jackson whom they couldn't get enough of. As New Yorkers, they were deeply involved in the various cultural opportunities the city had to offer. They were always eager to share this with their grandson who became a lover of the city as well. Alan was predeceased by his wife and daughter as well as most of his friends, all of whom he missed dearly. He will be missed by his nieces Debra and Susan, and his nephew Evan, along with his sister-in-law Joan Rosenwald. He will be greatly missed by his son, daughter-in-law, and grandson, which is an understatement. Those that knew him described him as a nice man, attentive to the interests of others and always willing to share the history he was fortunate and perhaps in some cases unfortunate to be a part of and witness. Alan lived a full, long life, exemplified kindness and caring, and was a great father and friend. Memorial information: Donations to the Wounded Warrior Project, National Processing Center, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675; or Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To offer condolences, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Barbara R. (Potter) Johnson, 88, of Chesterfield, New Hampshire. Died on July 11, 2023, following a brief illness. She was born in Dummerston on March 21, 1935 to Perley Potter and Bernice (Dodge) Potter. Barbara was educated in Brattleboro area public schools and graduated from Brattleboro High School in 1953. During and after high school, Barbara worked at Estey Organ, and then at a local book press. Barbara was known for her self-taught expertise of crocheting, crafting, and quilting. Barbara always spoke her mind, and did so, with little to no room for misunderstanding. She enjoyed country music, square dancing, playing Bingo at local halls and last, but not least, spending time with her family. Barbara is survived by one sister, Doris Bascomb of Guilford; six children: Leroy Hescock, of Arlington, Randi LaFrance of Chesterfield, Shirley Kohler of Brattleboro, Andrew Kohler of Sandpoint, Idaho, Kurt Kohler of Winnemucca, Nevada, and Eric Kohler of Dummerston; and 17 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandson. Barbara was predeceased by her brothers Clayton, Earl, Bernard, and Frederick Potter. Memorial information: A celebration of life will be held at the VFW, 40 Black Mountain Road, Brattleboro, on Saturday, July 22, from 1 to 5 p.m. Donations to the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302. She loved animals, especially her many cats over the years.
• Tamsyn A. "Tami" Maskell, 48, of Hinsdale, New Hampshire. died unexpectedly July 10, 2023 at her home. She was born in Brattleboro on June 11, 1975, the daughter of Burnett and Shannon (Saari) Butler. She was raised and educated in Hinsdale, graduating from Hinsdale High School with the Class of 1993. She had been employed as a store clerk at the T-Bird Mini Mart on Brattleboro Road for several years and previously had worked at PlumPak in Winchester, New Hampshire. Tami had been a member of the North Hinsdale Community Church and more recently attended Agape Christian Fellowship in Brattleboro. She enjoyed the outdoors and liked camping, fishing, hiking, and spending time with her family. She was a talented artist and painted with both water colors and oils. She was also very crafty and was an accomplished creator of unique jewelry. Tami was married to Todd Maskell, who predeceased her. Survivors include her mother, Shannon Dube of Claremont, New Hampshire; her father, Burnett Butler and wife, Gayle, of Hinsdale; three children, Marcus Pratt and Shyann Pratt, both of Newfane, and Kelsey Kingsbury of Claremont; siblings Troy Butler and Cassie Butler-Wright, both of Hinsdale; two half-sisters, Tara Lafferty of Seattle and Tina Butler of Portland, Oregon; a half-brother, Clifford Butler of Oregon; two step-isters, April Anderson and Cynthia Stage, of Hinsdale; and a stepbrother, Dennis LaFlam of Ohio. Additionally, she leaves eight grandchildren and several aunts, uncles and cousins. She was also predeceased by a son, Tyler Butler, and a granddaughter, Bethann Marie. Memorial information: Graveside committal services will be conducted Saturday, July 22, at 1 p.m., in Oaklawn Cemetery on Meetinghouse Road in Hinsdale. A reception will follow the services to held at the family home on Meetinghouse Road. Donations to the Monadnock Humane Society, 101 West Swanzey Road, Swanzey, NH 03446. To offer condolences, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Donna Lucia (Garland) Radcliffe, 78, of Marlboro. Died June 23, 2023, surrounded by her loving family, at her home. She lived her life to its fullest up to her death, enjoying every moment. She was an explorer of life, hardly ever saying no to an opportunity and a chance to see or learn something new. Donna was born Sept. 4, 1944, the daughter of Everett and Priscilla (Cullinane) of Bellows Falls and Westminster. She was raised in Westminster and was a graduate of Bellows Falls High School, Class of 1962, where she was both a basketball player and cheerleader. She married Richard Radcliffe of Marlboro at the Westminster Congregational Church on Jan. 31, 1964. They were in their 59th year of marriage. They made their home in Marlboro, where Donna focused on raising her two daughters, Tisha and Susie, and was their enthusiastic cheerleader at sports events and in life. She started her career working for Arnold White and managed his Marlboro gift shop location for many years. In the second half of her life, she became a partner and office manager of Business and Tax Consultants, Inc. of Brattleboro. She loved her work, colleagues, and clients and the word "retirement" was not in her vocabulary. Donna formed so many wonderful relationships and memories through her work that her family is grateful for. Donna loved her pets and owned many dachshunds over the years. She and her husband were avid gardeners. Donna thoroughly enjoyed many trips throughout the years, especially those with her family. She liked all kinds of music and enthusiastically attended concerts with family and friends. Happily, she achieved items on her bucket list - Graceland (she was a huge Elvis fan), seeing Roy Orbison, The Eagles, and Emmylou Harris (three times), in concert, going to Farm Aid, and more. She is terribly missed, with her love continuing on in her survivors - her husband, Richard; daughters Tisha Radcliffe and husband Robert Michaels and Susie Radcliffe and husband Patrick Higgins; brother Nelson Garland (Susan), and sister-in-law Jane McCormick, along with many nieces, nephews, and friends near and far. When we all wish to see her again, we will look for her in the many cardinals, hummingbirds, pheasants, and other winged creatures who constantly visit her yard. We will look for the bears to come and say goodbye. Memorial information: Graveside services were held July 15 at Meetinghouse Hill Cemetery in Brattleboro. Donations to Susan G. Komen for the Cure (www.komen.org); Brattleboro Memorial Hospital Oncology Gas Card Program in care of Gina Pattison, BMH Development Office, 17 Belmont Ave., Brattleboro VT, 05301; or The Hospice Foundation of America, 1707 L St. NW, Suite 220, Washington, DC 20036.
• Shirley Merling Walsh, 93, of Brattleboro. Died peacefully, in the comfort of her home with her family and caregivers by her side, on June 27, 2023, following a period of declining health. Shirley was born at home in Putney on Nov. 16, 1929, the daughter of Robert and C. Margaret (Simonds) Austin. She was raised and educated in Putney and graduated from Brattleboro High School with the Class of 1947. She had been employed for 30 years at the former H. Margolin handbag store on upper Canal Street where she eventually became manager of the company's retail store outlet. Later, Shirley worked for the state of Vermont at the Interstate 91 Welcome Center, which she retired from in 2012 following 20 faithful years with the state. In her early years, Shirley had been employed at the former C.F. Church Company in Brattleboro. Shirley was a longtime member at Centre Congregational Church and was a former member of the Brattleboro Women's Evening Club. She enjoyed taking bus trips and time shared with her family. On Sept. 27, 1950, at Putney Federated Church, she was married to Vernon "Bud" Merling ,who predeceased her in 1971. She later married Donald Walsh, in Hinsdale, New Hampshire, on Feb. 23, 1974. Her second husband predeceased her in 1984. Survivors include her two daughters, Sheila Candall (Paul) of Douglas, Massachusetts and Kim Gage (Kevin) of Westminster; step-daughters Linda Austin and Donice Bissonnette; a foster daughter, Rosemary Sisco; sisters Phyllis Graham and Marilyn Loomis, both of Putney, and Gail Petruski of Charlotte, North Carolina; brothers Lyle and Robert Austin, both of Venice, Florida; grandchildren Margo Lafland, and Dennis and Gregory Crandall; and four great grandchildren, Tyler and Jacob Crandall, and Amelia and Zoe Lafland. Additionally, she leaves many nieces and nephews. Shirley was predeceased by a sister, Joyce Loomis, and a brother, Glenn Austin. Memorial information: In keeping with her final wishes, there are no formal funeral services scheduled. Her cremated remains will be interred in Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Putney. Donations to Rescue Inc., P.O. Box 593, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To offer condolences, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Phyllis Luane Young, 94, of Rockingham. Died on July 6, 2023, after a period of declining health from a bad fall in January. She was surrounded by her family and under the extraordinary care of Hospice through VNA of Vermont and New Hampshire. Born on Jan. 6, 1929 to Harriet and Joseph LaClaire, she was one of 10 children. Phyllis graduated from Thompson School of Nursing in 1947. For more than 40 years, she worked primarily at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital as well as the Brattleboro Retreat, local nursing homes, and private duty nursing. She resided for many years in West Brattleboro before moving to Jamaica and, finally, Rockingham, where she spent her last 20-plus years in retirement. In her later years, she immersed herself in her artwork and gardening and took great pleasure in her flower beds in addition to sharing her flowers while flower arranging at Saint-Gaudens National Historic Park in Cornish, New Hampshire. She was predeceased by her husband, Sheridan; and siblings Alden, Marion, Joseph, Oliver, James, Ellie, and Roy. She is survived by siblings June and Leonard; her son, Sheridan (Terry) Young and daughter, Carol Young; and granddaughters Hilary Seifer and Margo LaFland and their families. Memorial information: Per her request, there will be no services. Donations to the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302.