College news
• Several local students at Community College of Vermont were recognized for academic excellence in the summer 2024 semester. Named to the President's List were James Tarvit of Bellows Falls, Gregory Crespo of Brattleboro, and Nadine Kissell of Vernon. Named to the Dean's List were Jonathan Kelley, Bethany Kriger, and Gabriel Sistare of Brattleboro, and Paul Youngson of Putney. Named to the Student Honors List were Jacob Harrelson and Karissa Pavlovic of Bellows Falls; Riley Barker, Chiasa Brooke, Frances Cornick, Ellen Graham, Chelsea Hallock, Carol Maynard, and Hailey Taylor of Brattleboro; Krystal Martin of Dummerston; Tamara Barrett and John Marco of Guilford; Patricia Bills, Shane Martin, and Miles Plitt of Putney; Kailuna Holmes and Robin Patnode of Townshend; Alyssa Batts and Alexander Kemp of Vernon; Anthony Samani of West Dover; Victoria Augusta-Summers of West Halifax; Shannon Moore of Whitingham; and Shelly Hollywood of Wilmington.
Obituaries
• Ronald Alan "Ron" Ameden, 66, of Jamaica. Died peacefully on Sept. 3, 2024, with his wife by his side, following a brief illness. Ron's death like all his life was "on his own terms." Ron was born Jan. 19, 1958, in Townshend to the late Alwin and Joyce (Slade) Ameden. He attended the Winhall Elementary School and graduated from Leland & Gray Union High School in 1976. He owned and operated a property management company in the Winhall/Stratton area for many years. He married Debra D. Nadeau on July 16, 2024, and spent the last 12 years building a life and home together in Cavendish. Ron was an avid hunter and always looked forward to the "first weekend in hunting camp." He was also a firearms enthusiast and enjoyed sharing his knowledge of firearms with others. Ron enjoyed his weekly bowling nights with his team and took much pleasure in riding his Harley and spending time RVing with friends. He was a member of the Rutland Elks Lodge #345. Although Ron had no children of his own, he thoroughly enjoyed spending time with his nieces and nephews. Survivors include his wife; stepdaughter Kaylee (Roger) Purdy of Rutland, Kristie (Jason) McGraw of North Carolina, and Melissa (John) Colvin of Proctor; sister-in-law Brenda of Cavendish; a brother, Randy (Teresa) Ameden; and his sisters, Nancy (Robert) Oakes and Robin Ameden of Bondville. He is also survived by nieces Amanda (Nick) Bergeron of North Stratford, New Hampshire, Angela (Jared) Ryan of Poultney, and Andrea (Nate) Ameden of Bondville; nephews Tim (Elizabeth) Oakes of Bondville, Jared Ameden of Bondville, and Riley Kenney of Chester; and by numerous great-nieces and nephews and step-grandchildren. Memorial information: As per Ron's wishes, there will be no services, but a celebration of life will be held on Sunday, Oct. 13, at 2 p.m., at 2184 East Rd. in Cavendish. Donations to Shriners Hospitals for Children, Attn: Office of Development, 2900 N. Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL 33607, or Dorset Equine Rescue, P.O. Box 92, East Dorset, VT 05253.
• Charlotte H. (Brooks) Barrows, 82, of Wardsboro. Died on Sept. 7, 2024. She was predeceased by her parents Ray and Marie Brooks (Vose), and brother Leslie Brooks. She leaves behind sons Randy Barrows (Julie) and Ray Barrows (Marci); daughters Kelly O'Brien (Clinton) and Lora Barrows; sister Linda Long (Brooks), brother Kim Brooks; grandchildren Nathan Barrows, Bryan Barrows, Christopher Barrows, Jeremy Davis, Jessica Davis, Benjamin Davis, and Zachary O'Brien; and great-grandchildren Beckett Barrows, Copeland Barrows, and Addelynn Barrows. She was born on Aug. 17, 1942, and worked at Mack Molding in Arlington for many years prior to moving back to her hometown of Wardsboro in 1980. She then went to work at GS Precision and retired from there. Her greatest loves were the flower gardens that she nurtured for years and reading romance books. She also loved feeding the birds. Memorial information: A celebration of life will be held next spring. Donations to the Wardsboro Fire Department, 49 Main St., Wardsboro, VT 05355.
• Gordon Connor Pine, 85, of Brattleboro. Died peacefully at home on Sept. 3, 2024, after co-existing with cancer for four years. His loving wife of 61 years, Mia, and both of his daughters, Kristin and Elissa, were by his side. Born on Dec. 17, 1938, in Poughkeepsie, New York, Gordon was predeceased by his parents Walter and Catherine, and his brother Roger. In the 1950s, Gordon summered with his family at Lake Memphremagog in Newport where, at age 14, he met his future wife, Mia. They got married after Gordon graduated from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, and eventually settled in Connecticut with their young family. After numerous years of commuting to New York City, Gordon and Mia made the bold decision to uproot and move to Woodstock, Vermont. They purchased land on a dirt road and had a log home built on their property. Gordon was very handy with tools and loved the outdoors. He finished the interior of the log cabin by himself and created a beautiful landscaped yard where they raised sheep and pigs for a while, as well as a flower and vegetable garden. He loved to ski and hike, walking part of the Appalachian Trail several times in Vermont and the White Mountains of New Hampshire, and even hiked to the source of the Ganges river in northern India. Gordon was also a natural born teacher, teaching both daughters solid family values, how to budget wisely and, of course, how to chop and stack wood. In his downtime, Gordon loved photography (developing his own black and white prints in the bathroom) and reading, especially during Vermont winters. The bulk of his working career was spent in book publishing, starting in New York City, then transitioning to The Countryman Press in Woodstock. Finally, Gordon's love of travel inspired his whole family in numerous ways to go out and see the world. He executed two wonderful months-long trips to Europe with his wife and daughters while he was a teacher in the late 1970s and early 1980s and, in later years, found a love in travel to the mystical country of India. He and Mia traveled there five times, exploring the land, and embracing the peaceful, hospitable Indian culture. An incredible family-oriented man, Gordon was deeply loved and will be sorely missed. He leaves behind his devoted wife, Mia; daughter Kristin Echavaria and son-in-law, David; daughter Elissa Pine; grandchildren Anthony, Meyru, and Tanmatra; extended grandchildren Anna Echavaria and Vince (Alessia) Echavaria and his children Enzo and Mera. Memorial information: A celebration of his life will be held in West Brattleboro in May 2025.
• Samuel Charles "Sam" Record, 86, of Randolph. Died peacefully on Sept. 1, 2024, at Pine Heights Nursing Home in Brattleboro. Sam was born on Dec. 19, 1937, on the farm on Orchard Street Extension in Brattleboro to Wendell and Lina (Smith) Record. He was the second of three children. Sam grew up in Brattleboro and attended local schools. He had numerous jobs during his life. He worked for Bartlett Tree, then Crosby Milling early on. Later, he was a truck driver, mechanic, service station owner, real estate salesman, newspaper carrier, vacuum salesman, trash collector, beefalo farmer, carpenter, auctioneer, and antique dealer, just to mention a few. Sam married Susan Robinson on Dec. 17, 1955, in Newfane. They had four children: Gregory (Debra) Record and Cina (George) Friend of Newfane, Kipling (Jill) Record of Dummerston, and Corey (Tammy) Record of Virginia. The family moved to Connecticut in 1958. After 30 years of marriage, Sam and Sue divorced, but remained close friends. Sam remarried in 1993 to Carol Farnham and together, in 2004, they built a new home in Randolph. Carol died in 2019. Sam was predeceased by his parents, siblings Dorothy Searles and Floyd Record, and half-brothers Clinton, Searle, and Cedric Allen. He is survived by his four children, six grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews, and his beloved canine companion, Chewy. Memorial information: Sam's wishes were for no memorial service. A small gathering at a future date may take place. Those wishing to make a donation may do so for Chewy's benefit, to The Mitzvah Fund, P.O. Box 56, East Montpelier, VT 05651. Mitzvah provides medical care and assistance in re-homing companion animals for seniors, veterans, and unhoused neighbors.
• Sandra Jean "Sandy" Sorrell, 72, of Newfane. Died Aug. 31, 2024, in the comfort of her home surrounded by her family, following a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Sandra was born in Bolton, England on Sept. 24, 1951, the daughter of Cecil and Selena (Whenlock) Williams. She came to the United States as a young child with her family, first residing in the area of Old Orchard Beach. Maine and, later, in Massachusetts. She was a graduate of Lenox Memorial High School and later earned an associate's degree in liberal arts from Berkshire Community College. A former resident of the Colorado Springs, Colorado area from 1985 to 1998, with her husband, she owned and operated Bits & PC's, a retail computer sales and service business. Most importantly, Sandra was a faithful and devoted homemaker whose life centered around her family. She enjoyed yard sales and attending auctions, always looking for that special bargain. Sandra also enjoyed cooking and was an avid reader and book collector. She loved traveling to new places and had the opportunity to experience almost all the lower 48 states. She had a big heart for cats, particularly those in need of help or a home. On Dec. 31, 1969, in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, she married Reginald C. Sorrell, who survives. Besides her loving husband of 54 years, she leaves six daughters and two sons-in-law, Renee Jomaa and husband Tony of North Bennington, Robin Sorrell and husband Vincent Bergamo of Bethel, Vanessa Sorrell also of Bethel, Rebecca Sorrell of Manchester, New Hampshire, and Emily Sorrell and Rachel Sorrell, both of Newfane. She is also survived by grandchildren, Byrom and Callam Jomaa, Leon Bergamo, and Olyvia and Leena Jomaa; and five sisters, two brothers,and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a son, Andy Sorrell, in 2022. Memorial information: There are no formal funeral services scheduled. A memorial service in celebration of her life will be held at a future date and time to be announced. Donation to Second Chance Animal Center, 1779 Vermont Route 7A, Arlington, VT 05250. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Kathryn Ann "Kathy" Sousie, 80, of Brattleboro. Died peacefully on Sept. 2 2024, at the Jack Byrne Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire, following a period of declining health. Kathy was born in Brattleboro on July 11, 1944, the daughter of Roger R. and Sophia (Bobee) Pinger. She was raised and educated in Brattleboro, attending St. Michael's Parochial School. She graduated from St. Michael's High School with the Class of 1962. She had been employed at the former Amp Keyboards in Brattleboro, which she retired from as a supervisor in 2014. Previously, Kathy owned Carpet Works on Putney Road. In her early years, Kathy also worked for Vermont Circuits, Inc., DJ Building Materials, and for several food service agencies. Kathy was a longtime communicant of St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church in Brattleboro. An avid beach goer, Kathy enjoyed traveling to Wells, Maine and collectin coins. On Feb. 2, 1969 in Whitehall, New York, she was married to Robert E. Sousie, who predeceased her. Survivors include her three children, sons Robert Sousie II of Marlborough, New Hampshire, and Scott Sousie of Spofford, New Hampshire; a daughter, Christi White and her husband Garry of Spofford; two brothers, Andrew Pinger and his wife Jackie of Brattleboro and Thomas Pinger of Pasadena, California. Additionally, she leaves two grandchildren, Marisa Sousie and Kramer Marshall; and several nieces and nephews. Kathy was predeceased by three brothers, Stephen, Roger, and Paul Pinger. Memorial information: Graveside committal rites and burial will be conducted Friday, Sept. 20, at 2 p.m., in the Pinger family lot in St. Michael's Parish Cemetery. Donations to Ever After Mustang Rescue, 463 West St., Biddeford, ME 04005. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
Services
• Graveside services for Patricia Elizabeth "Pat" Woodard will be conducted Saturday, Sept. 21, at 11 a.m., in the family lot in Dummerston Center Cemetery. Mrs. Woodard, 90, of Putney, died peacefully Feb. 6, 2024, at Charlene Manor in Greenfield, Masssachusetts. To view her full obituary, visit atamaniuk.com.
This Milestones item was submitted to The Commons.