Obituaries
• George Caron, 60, of Westminster. Died suddenly on Aug. 4, 2024. George was born in Edmundston, New Brunswick, Canada, to Jeannette (Bosse) and the late Belone "Ben" Caron on Aug. 9, 1963. George grew up in Forestville, Connecticut, with his family of six until he relocated to Vermont in the early 1990s. George was most happy and at peace amongst the serene landscape of Vermont. He found comfort in the quietness of the woods that surrounded his home and the fresh air he breathed on his many adventures outdoors. George was very skilled with his hands. You seldom could find him without tools on his person and a project to complete on his mind. He persevered through anything he put his mind to and never backed down from a complicated task. He often sent pictures and videos to his family of the many times nature gave him a run for his money, but yet, loved his cabin more than anything. George enjoyed spending his time with his companion, Kathy, taking trips on his motorcycle, and riding his snowmobiles in the wintertime across the vast Vermont terrain. In addition to his mother, Jeannette, George leaves behind his brother and sister-in-law, Gerard "Gerry" and Laura Caron of Bristol, Connecticut, niece Brittany Bonin and her husband and daughter Zachary and Adeline of Bristol, niece Alyssa Caron of Bristol, nephew Jacob Collins of Newington, Connecticut, nephew Aaron Collins of Bristol, and companion Kathy Foster of Bellows Falls. Besides his father, George was predeceased by his brother Mark Caron, sister Manon (Caron) Collins, and brother-in-law Francis Collins. Memorial information: A private burial ceremony will be held in Connecticut.
• Marilyn Lilla Dix, 96, of Vernon. Died Aug. 9, 2024, at Vernon Green Nursing Home, where she had been a resident for nearly three years. She was born in Brockton, Massachusetts, on Jan. 24, 1928, the daughter of Rudolph and Marion (Favor) Wetzell. She was raised and educated in Brockton, graduating from Brockton High School with the Class of 1946. Marilyn went on to graduate from Framingham State Teachers College receiving her bachelor's degree in education in 1950 and did a dietetic internship at Peter Bent Brigham Hospital in Boston. She later took graduate courses in Christian education and worked at Wheaton College in Illinois from 1954 to 1956. From 1951 to 1954, Marilyn was employed as a dietician at Hartford (Conn.) Hospital. After her time at Wheaton, Marilyn served as a missionary to Costa Rica for Latin American Mission from 1957 to 1964. Marilyn then taught home economics at North Junior High School in Brockton from 1964 until 1966. On March 5, 1966, at Trinity Baptist Church in Brockton, she was married to Jerrold Dix, who predeceased her in 2011. Marilyn and Jerry resided in central Vermont until moving to Lancaster, Pennsylvania in 1994. More recently Marilyn relocated to Keene, New Hampshire, then to Vernon. Most importantly, Marilyn was a devoted follower of God and a homemaker whose life centered around her family and friends. She enjoyed attending church and Bible study groups, was active with the Christian Women's Club, and also enjoyed sewing, crafting, and painting with oils and watercolors. Survivors include her son, Jonathan Dix, and his wife, Jennifer, of Spofford, New Hampshire; her sister, Janet Boyd, and her husband, Robert, of New Brighton, Minnesota; two grandchildren, Katy Aldridge and her husband, Berry, of Savannah, Georgia, and Tyler Dix; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. In addition to her husband, Marilyn was predeceased by her brother, Donald Wetzell. Memorial information: A memorial service was held Aug. 16 at Grace Community Evangelical Free Church in Spofford, with interment in West Brattleboro Cemetery, where she was laid to rest beside her husband. Donations to Vernon Homes, 61 Greenway Drive, Vernon, VT 05354 (greenhousevt.org/support-us). To share a memory or offer condolences to the Dix family, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Eric James Fortune, 39, died peacefully on Aug. 8, 2024, surrounded by the love of his mother and brother, at Albany (N.Y.) Medical Center after a courageous battle with declining health. Born on Jan. 8, 1985, in Brattleboro to Elsid (Al) and Karen Perry Fortune, Eric's life was a journey filled with varied experiences and unwavering loyalty to his family and friends. He was educated at Kurn Hattin and Bellows Falls Union High School, where his friendships blossomed and his generous spirit was evident to all who knew him. Eric was a man of many talents and interests, reflected in the diverse jobs he held over the years. He chiseled stones with the precision of an artist, brought life to lawns with meticulous care, and shaped tennis courts with dedication and skill. His hands also labored at the quail farm in Springfield, Vermont, and at Cheever Tire. However, his heart found joy in his favorite role at Athens Pizza in Bellows Falls, where he formed lasting connections with the community. Beneath his rugged exterior was a man with a heart of gold. He was known for his kindness and the friendships he cultivated wherever he went. Eric's compassion shone brightest in his dedication to his grandparents, Franklin and Beatrice Perry, whom he cared for with unwavering love, ensuring they could continue to live in the comfort of their home. Eric was an avid outdoorsman, with a deep love for hunting, hiking, and the simple pleasures of fishing with his beloved sons. He relished moments on the basketball court with his son, Carter, passing down the joys of sport. In his younger years, Eric was a passionate baseball and ice hockey player, embracing the thrill of the game with the same fervor he brought to every aspect of his life. Eric's legacy is one of love, resilience, and a life well lived. Though he has left this world, his memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him, a testament to a man who truly lived life on his own terms. He was predeceased by his grandfather, Elsid Fortune Sr., grandmother, Mary Gallant and her husband, Jerry, and grandparents, Franklin and Beatrice Perry. He leaves behind his devoted parents, his cherished sons, Keegan and Carter; his brother, Ben; and his sisters, Amanda (Mark) Scherlin of Spofford, New Hampshire and Melinda Maddolin of Springfield, Vermont; and his girlfriend, Jamie Zerba. Eric's memory will also be treasured by his many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and a wide circle of friends. Memorial information: A memorial service took place on Aug. 15 at Fenton & Hennessey Funeral Home in Bellows Falls.
• Elijah Lane "Eli" Harkness, 19, of Brattleboro. Died unexpectedly on July 30, 2024. Eli was born to Andy and Rebecca Harkness on Oct. 1, 2004. Eli was an extremely bright and energetic young man who loved his family, his pets (especially Otto), Ashley, skateboarding, playing video games with Sakarie, woodworking, music (he wanted to go to school for music mixing), pumpkin pie, Harkness cream pie, and so much more. He had a soft and gentle heart even when it did not seem like it on the outside. Eli truly and deeply loved those closest to him. He was also very persistent and determined when it came to getting what he wanted or what he believed. His mom and dad; his siblings Sakarie Hughes, Phoebe Harkness, Meekka Baker, and Hannah Harkness; his grandparents, stepmom, aunt, uncles, cousins, and friends - all can attest to that. These traits were given to him by God, who deemed Eli "His Masterpiece." Eli brought joy and laughter to all who came across his path. Even in death, Eli will continue to change those who knew him best for the better. All the good he brought into this world will never be forgotten. May Eli be dancing and singing with Jesus at this very moment. Memorial information: A Celebration of Life service will be held Aug. 24 at Community Bible Chapel in Brattleboro. Donations to Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302, in honor of Eli's great love of animals. To share a memory or offer condolences to Eli's family, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Juanita L. Lane, 79, of Brattleboro. Died peacefully, in the comfort of her home with her family by her side, on Aug. 12, 2024. Juanita was born in Hinsdale, New Hampshire on July 30, 1945, the daughter of Addison and Alberta (Lynch) Pond. She was raised and educated in Brattleboro, later attending high school in Vergennes and graduating from Vergennes High School with the Class of 1965. For more than 40 years ,she was a devoted childcare provider and owned and operated her own business located at her home on South Main Street. Juanita also assisted her husband, Ken, with Mercy Ministries, an outreach food distribution program coordinated by Agape Christian Fellowship. Steadfast in her walk of faith, she dedicated much of her life in assisting the homeless. She had a big heart and was always willing to help anyone in need. Juanita was a longtime member of Agape Christian Fellowship and was active in several of the church's committees and programs. She enjoyed reading and time shared with her family, especially her grandchildren. On July 10, 1965, at First Baptist Church in Brattleboro, she married Kenneth E. Lane, who predeceased her on Dec. 1, 2010. Survivors include two daughters, Alberta Seale and her husband, Mike, of Winchester, New Hampshire, and Jean Gilbeau and her husband, Arron, of Ashuelot, New Hampshire; two sisters, Carol Lynch of Dummerston and Marlene Heinonen of Winchester; a brother, George Pond of Vernon; and three grandchildren, Austin, Brenden and Jake. Additionally, she leaves many nieces and nephews as well as her church family. Juanita was predeceased by a son, Kenneth E. Lane Jr. and a sister, Ida Welch. Memorial information: A funeral service was held Aug. 20 at Green Mountain Chapel in Brattleboro, followed by burial in Meeting House Hill Cemetery, where she was laid to rest next to her husband, Ken. Donations to Mercy Ministries, in care of Agape Christian Fellowship, 30 Canal St., Brattleboro, VT 05301; or Brigid's Kitchen, 47 Walnut St., Brattleboro, VT 05301. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Timothy Lewis "Tim" Snow died peacefully at his home in West Dover on Aug. 8, 2024, after a long, hard fought battle with cancer. Tim had fond memories of his time in the Air Force. After his service, Tim returned to Vermont where he met the love of his life. He married Rebecca Brassor on Aug. 13, 1983. The couple built their life and family on the same farm where Tim grew up. Tim and Becky did everything together, including owning and operating Snow's Excavating, with the invaluable help of Brian Moore and Robert Holland. Tim loved the great outdoors, hunting, and spending time with friends and family. He was always up for a great joke or a good story. There wasn't much Tim couldn't fix, build, or make. He was ready and willing to help where he was able. Tim is survived by his wife of 41 years, Becky; his daughter and son, Samantha and Lewis; his grandson, Teddy; and his sister, Elaine (Wallace) Orcutt. He was predeceased by his father, Lewis; his mother, Mildred; and his sister, Karla Stewart. Memorial information: Tim loved a good time and, in honor of that, there was a celebration of his life at the Snow Farm in West Dover on Aug. 17.
• Robert Stachelek, 79, of Wilmington. Died Nov. 15, 2023, in a car crash on Route 9 while he and his wife, Gale Stachelek, were singing "oldies" in theirr car. In Gale's words, "I lost my best friend, my love, my joy, and my priceless gift that showered me with happiness and fun, and wonderful love for 54 years. Bob had a great personality and always sprinkled humor in all he did. Our love was intertwined in our whole life together." Bob was predeceased by his twin brother, Bill, and brother Jim, and his parents, Theresa and Joseph. Bob always told the family he had the best voice, so blasted the lyrics of the favorite songs he loved. He always said he was the better looking twin, and reminded Bill of that fact all the time. What wonderful adventures ensued. Five wild brothers: Bob, Bill, Jim, Tom and Ken now moved to New Britain, Connecticut to Sunvale Project, where all the excellent athletes hung around. He learned to play basketball, tennis, football, golf, cross country skiing, and boating. On Harriman Lake, one day their boat filled up with water and started sinking just after passing inspection by the lake ranger. All the friends on board starting screaming. Bob stopped the "Titanic" and calmly put the drain plug in, which he forgot before launching. He then hit it for 65 mph and all the excess water bailed itself out. Bob was a great chef on the grill, but he forgot to turn the grill off. They came back home to a forest fire all around the grill. No problem a hose couldn't fix. He could always handle a crisis calmly while Gale ran around screaming. He was so understanding and kind. Bob attended Central Connecticut State University, where he earned bachelor's and master's degrees in education. He taught computer science and technical education in Middletown, Connecticut, for 35 years. He squared away all of the challenging students with great learning activities and not that many lost fingers. Bob and Gale's hearts were linked together, no matter what happened, and their lives were always filled with love and laughter. Memorial information: There will be a private family service. In lieu of flowers, in Bob Stachelek's honor, a memorial donation can be made to Deerfield Valley Rescue, P.O. Box 854, Wilmington, VT 05363, dvrescue.org. To send condolences, visit sheafuneralhomes.com.
Services
• Graveside committal services and burial for Karen Puzzo will be conducted Friday, Aug. 30, at noon, in St. Michael's Parish Cemetery in Brattleboro. Ms. Puzzo, 81, died on July 3, 2022. To view her full obituary, visit atamaniuk.com.
This Milestones item was submitted to The Commons.