College news
• Karson Barclay of Londonderry recently received a B.S. in pharmaceutical sciences from the University of Rhode Island.
• The following local students were honored for academic achievement during the summer 2025 semester at Southern New Hampshire University. Named to the President's List were Jessica Waldman of West Dover, Grady Lockerby of Putney, Nathaniel Sanderson of Newfane, Michelle Little of Brattleboro, Charlie Slicer of Brattleboro, Briana Lyman of Brattleboro, Caitlin Faiola of Brattleboro, Ashleigh Vanleeuwen of Brattleboro, Magdalen Hodgson of Saxtons River, John Senechal of Grafton, John King of Grafton, and Alejandra Morcillo Franco of Bellows Falls. Jakrista Roetzel of South Londonderry was named to the Dean's List.
• Kristen Gouger of Brattleboro was named to the Champlain College Online President's List for the summer 2025 semester, and Jennifer Miner of Brattleboro and Fawn Joy of Bellows Falls were named to Champlain's Online Dean's List.
• Devin Speno of Brattleboro was named to the President's List for the spring 2025 semester at Western New England University in Springfield, Massachusetts.
Obituaries
• Pamela Amidon, 69, died Sept. 4, 2025, after a courageous battle with bladder cancer. She was predeceased by her lifelong friend and the father of her children, Kenneth Unwin Sr., her son Kenneth Unwin Jr. (survived by his wife, Shannon), and her husband Dennis Amidon. Pamela is survived by her children: Sarah Euber, Krystal Unwin, Joe Caples (wife Rebekah), Jesse Unwin, and Denise Smith. She also leaves behind her siblings, Yvonne Serrell, Jim Johnson (wife Sue), and Elaine Kies, as well as many grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended family who will continue to carry her memory in their hearts. For seven years, Pamela was a housekeeper at the Grafton Inn, where she was known for her hard work and dedication. Memorial information: A celebration of life and potluck gathering will be held on Saturday, Sept. 20, from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Bartonsville Grange, 116 Upper Bartonsville Rd. Family and friends are invited to join in honoring Pamela's life, sharing a dish, and sharing memories.
• Beverly A. Bernier, 90, of Hinsdale, New Hampshire. Died Sept. 6, 2025, in the comfort of her home, following an extended period of declining health. Beverly was born in Boston on Oct. 5, 1934, the daughter of Harold and Marguerite (Norris) Bernier. She was raised and educated in Hinsdale, graduating from Hinsdale High School with the Class of 1952. While in high school, she excelled in basketball and other sports. She later attended and graduated from the former Northampton (Mass.) Commercial College. She worked as an office manager in charge of records and registrations at the Brattleboro Retreat, from which she retired following 40 years of dedicated and faithful service with the hospital. Beverly thoroughly loved her job and her co-workers and other administrative staff members. She enjoyed tending to her gardens, loved her home on Plain Road which she grew up in, and time spent with family and friends. Survivors include one sister, Carol MacKnight and her husband William of Amherst, Massachusetts; one niece, Laura Nehring; two nephews, Stephen and Gregory Bernier; and several good friends and neighbors. She was predeceased by two sisters, Mary Jane Chester and Barbara Bernier, and one brother, Robert N. Bernier. Memorial information: Friends are invited to call at the Atamaniuk Funeral Home on Wednesday, Sept. 17, starting at 10 a.m. A prayer service will be conducted at 11:30 a.m., followed by committal rites and burial in Pine Grove Cemetery in Hinsdale, where she will be laid to rest beside her parents in the Bernier family lot. Donations to the First Congregational Church of Hinsdale, 36 Main St., Hinsdale, NH 03451. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Ernest "Ernie" Foster, 84, of Weston. Died at his home Aug. 31, 2025, leaving behind a lifetime of hard work, devotion, and love for his family. Born Nov. 25, 1940, to Hugh and Rachel (Gardner) Foster, Ernie grew up on the family farm in Weston, where he learned the value of hard work and a love for the land. After graduating from Chester High School, he proudly served in the Vermont National Guard, where he learned to run a grader and work on engines - skills that shaped both his career and passions. For 25 years, Ernie worked as a foreman for Frank W. Whitcomb Construction, paving countless Vermont roads. He later worked for the U.S. Forest Service, the town of Weston, and other local crews. On Dec. 10, 1965, Ernie married the love of his life, Betsey (Williams). Together they built a home and a life filled with laughter, family traditions, and gatherings that often ended with raucous rounds of NASCARDS. He loved tinkering with engines, Sunday drives, family trips to Old Orchard Beach, cheering proudly at his grandchildren's events, and attending the Vermont State Fair every year. Though he didn't smile often, when he did, it lit up his whole face. Memorial information: A celebration of life will be held Sunday, Oct. 5, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Rod & Gun Club in Weston. Donations to the Vermont State Fair, Rutland County Agricultural Society, P.O. Box 10, Rutland, VT 05702.
• Marion Otis Lewis, 80, died July 25, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. Beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, she was born in Brattleboro on Jan. 28, 1945, to Dr. Carlos G. and Ruth E. Otis of Townshend. She graduated from Leland & Gray Seminary in Townshend in 1963. She attended the University of Vermont and graduated from Champlain College. She married Paul W. Lewis of Townshend on Sept. 10, 1966. After Paul's graduation from UVM, they lived in Germany for five years, where Paul served as a captain in the Army. Their daughter Marieke was born while they were overseas. Marion was a homemaker, room mother, Girl Scout leader and ardent supporter of her daughters' and grandchildren's musical and sports events. She co-founded and operated a food co-op with neighbors and volunteered at the local elementary school. She went to George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia, and graduated with a degree in accounting. She worked for the Visiting Nurses Association and other firms operating in international public health in the Washington, D.C., area before retiring to raise three of her grandchildren. She was accomplished in needlecraft and especially loved knitting. She took trips to England, Scotland, and Ireland that focused on knitting and gardening, another one of her delights. She also made several trips back to Germany. She enjoyed playing games, watching Jeopardy, and cheering for the Washington Nationals and Washington Capitals. She enjoyed welcoming and hosting students and other young adults in her home over a number of years, whether they were exchange students, family friends, or family, as they started their careers and adult lives in the D.C. area. She had an abiding love and was very proud of her Vermont roots and planned to have a seasonal home on her property on Newfane Hill. She will be greatly missed by her daughter Marieke Lewis Brock, her husband Jason, and their son Gordon; grandchildren Jonathan Dolan, Rian Van Tassell and spouse Kristal Hwang, A.J. Van Tassell, and Mariah Van Tassell; and her sisters Ann O. McDowell of Brockville, Ontario, and Carleen O. Pelsue and her husband Neil of Newfane; special friend Anne Pelsue Golec of Green Valley, Arizona; her former husband Paul W. Lewis and his wife Diane Rodill of Seattle, Washington; and several nieces and nephews and dear friends. She was predeceased by her parents and a brother, Carl John Otis. Memorial information: A family gathering in her honor will be held at her Tiny Home in Newfane in 2026. Donations to Grace Cottage Hospital, P.O. Box 1, Townshend, VT 05353; Valley Village, 457 Grafton Rd., Townshend, VT 05353; or The Townshend Church, P.O. Box 273, Townshend, VT 05353.
• Harold Chester Lindquist Jr, 86, of East Jamaica. Died peacefully, with his family at his side, at Grace Cottage Hospital in Townshend Aug. 30, 2025, following a brief illness. He was born July 27, 1939, in Stoneham, Massachusetts, the son of Harold C. and Ethelyn Marcia (Howard) Lindquist. His mother died shortly after his birth and he was lovingly raised by his aunt, Phyllis Howard, in Jamaica. Harold was raised on the family farm, attending elementary school in East Jamaica. He was a graduate of Leland & Gray Seminary, Class of 1957. Following high school, he went on to attend two years of college. During his youth, he worked on the family farm and later in his teens he worked on the Ball Mountain Dam Project in Jamaica during its construction. Later, Harold was employed as a metal plater for Metal Bellows Inc., an aerospace technology company located in Sharon, Massachusetts, which he retired from following more than 20 faithful years with the firm. Steadfast in his walk of faith, he was a member of the West Townshend Seventh Day Adventist Church where he served as an Elder. He loved reading and studying the Bible, his daily morning devotions and was looking forward to the second coming of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Harold was gifted with a wonderful singing voice and sang with the Townshend Community Choir. He truly loved music and played the piano, accordion, and harmonica. He enjoyed hiking, cross country skiing, spending time at Horse Neck Beach and, most importantly, time with his family. Harold had a youthful exuberance for life and endeared himself to whomever he met. He was well-known for his spirit of friendship. He was first married to Janice Mulkern, who predeceased him. He later married Aina Gulbis on Aug. 21, 2005, at the Jamaica Congregational Church. Besides his wife, survivors include two sons, Michael Lindquist (Michele) of Foxboro, Massachusetts and Kenneth Johnson (Cathleen) of Valley Village, California; four daughters, Jeanne Murphy (Michael) of Milo, Maine, Julie Leroux (Michael) of Portland, Connecticut, Deborah Ramsay (Samuel) of Syracuse, Utah, and Patti Johnson of Cavendish; one brother, John Lindquist (Sandy) of Ooltewah, Tennessee; one sister, Janet Tooley of Tacoma, Washington; and a special cousin, Donna Young of Jamaica. Additionally, he leaves 37 grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Harold was predeceased by a son, Mark Lindquist. Memorial information: A celebration of his life will be conducted Sunday, Sept. 21, at 11 a.m. at the Mountain View Seventh Day Adventist Church in Vernon. A reception in the church's fellowship hall will follow. Interment will be in the family lot in Riverview Cemetery in Jamaica. Donations to the charity of one's choice. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• William Joseph Patenaude, 89, of Spofford, New Hampshire. Died Aug. 27, 2025, at the Jaffrey (N.H.) Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. His parents, Alphonse J. and Caroline R. (Scales) Patenaude welcomed their son into the world on Aug. 31, 1935, in Bellows Falls. William was a 1953 graduate of Keene High School. While in high school he was a member of the school's track team. William enlisted in the Marine Corps on Oct. 13, 1953, and proudly served his country during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged from the Marines Jan. 1, 1974, after more than 20 years of service, earning the rank of First Sergeant. His miliary decorations included the Combat Aircrew Badge with three gold stars, the Air Medal with five gold stars, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with combat "V," and the Combat Action Ribbon. He was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 799, the Disabled American Veterans, the Marine Corps Association, and the Fleet Reserve Association. He was also a 48-year member of the Gordon Bissell American Legion Keene Post #4. Following his military service, William worked for 20 years as a sorter of misdelivered mail with the Keene Post Office. He will be greatly missed by many, especially his wife of 70 years, Shelia M. (Blanchard) Patenaude of Spofford, whom he married Feb. 18, 1955; his children, William J. Patenaude Jr. and his longtime partner Jim Narkiewicz of Tilton, New Hampshire, Brian M. Patenaude and his wife, Kathy, of Brattleboro, Deena M. Getty, of Keene, Donna C. Blanchard and her husband, Todd, of Keene; and 17 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren, as well as extended family members. He was predeceased by a son, Forrest L Patenaude, in 2019, and his son, Patrick D. Patenaude who sadly died the same day as William, Aug. 27, 2025. Two sisters, Ann Lancey Chamberlain and Adrienne Roy, also predeceased him. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held Sept. 10 at St. Bernard Church in Keene, followed by burial with military honors in St. Joseph Cemetery in Keene. Donations to Disabled American Veterans, PO Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301 (dav.org).
• Stewart Alan Sprague, 77, of Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina. Died peacefully Sept. 4, 2025. Stewart was born Sept. 13, 1947, in Brattleboro, the son of Bertie and Myrtle Sprague. As a youth, Stewart was active in the Boy Scouts, achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. When his sons joined Scouting, Stewart followed in his father's footsteps and served as a Cubmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster. He was active in St. Michael's Catholic Church, and a graduate of the parish schools. Stewart received an A.S. in electrical engineering from Vermont Technical College and a B.S. in electrical engineering from Lowell (Mass.) Technological Institute. He did graduate studies at Georgia State University in Atlanta. Stewart was a power engineer and project manager, responsible for vital community infrastructure. During his career he became a licensed Professional Engineer (PE). His professional pursuits brought him to Worcester, Massachusetts; Stone Mountain, Georgia; Ledyard, Connecticut; and eventually to Fuquay-Varina. Always open for an adventure, he embraced all the communities he lived in. Being an electrical engineer, he enjoyed tinkering with all sorts of things. Stewart loved old sports cars, including his collection of MGBs and his convertible Jaguars. He particularly loved coin collecting and fishing. But above all, he especially loved his family. He is survived by his wife of 55 years Donna Ebbighausen Sprague and his four children - Justin Sprague (Kimbie), Adrianne Moulton (Brett), Ethan Sprague (Ainslie), and Amelia Howard (Jeff). He is also survived by grandchildren Ellie, Everett, Molly, Cameron, Rush, Kelsey, Bennett, and Tucker, and his siblings Bertie Sprague, Cheryl Rocheleau, and Darlene Leonard. Memorial information: A graveside memorial service was held Sept. 13 at Oak Lawn Cemetery in North Hinsdale, New Hampshire.
• Martha "Marty" Van Oot, 73, of Orleans, Massachusetts. Died Aug. 17, 2025, at her home. She was a distinguished attorney and fierce advocate for justice who was deeply committed to her family and friends. Born Nov. 13, 1951, in Midland, Michigan, to Elizabeth Dawson Oot and Albert P. Oot Jr., she grew up in Westminster, graduated magna cum laude from Middlebury College, and earned her law degree from Northeastern University School of Law. Marty served in the New Hampshire Attorney General's Office before turning to private practice and building a distinguished career with several Granite State firms as an admired partner, top litigator, and valued mediator. In 2012, she joined Jackson Lewis in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, as a partner and practiced there until her retirement in 2021. She received numerous honors throughout her four-decade career as a litigator, including the New Hampshire Campaign for Legal Services' John R. Tobin Jr. Justice Award for her decades-long work advocating for access to justice, and the New Hampshire Women's Bar Association's Marilla M. Ricker Award. She was a dedicated supporter of Democratic and progressive candidates and served on numerous charitable and civic boards, including the Granite, Merrimack, and Greater Manchester United Ways; New Horizons Inc; the New Hampshire Endowment for Health, and the Friends of Norris Cotton Cancer Center. For those who were lucky enough to know her, Marty's most important legacy will be as a devoted friend and fierce ally whose generosity knew no bounds. She was an anchor of her family, whom she loved beyond reason. Marty is survived by her son Benjamin Van Oot, his wife Sarah Daly Van Oot, and their children Olivia Van Oot, and Jack, Avery, and Noah Diorio; her siblings Christopher Van Oot (Sara), Peter D. Van Oot, Laura Oot Sheridan (John), and Betsy Van Oot. Memorial information: In lieu of flowers, Marty's family asks friends to consider donations in her honor to the New Hampshire Campaign for Legal Services, the Family Pantry of Cape Cod, or the Pan-Mass Challenge. Maybe the best way to honor her legacy is to live your life as she did: by trying to leave the world a better place than you found it. To offer condolences, visit NickersonFunerals.com.
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