Obituaries
• Dr. Mary Louise Bove, 70, of Columbia, New Hampshire, formerly of Brattleboro. Died of cancer at her Fish Pond home on June 9, 2025. Mary was born in Las Vegas, Nevada, on April 27, 1955, to Dorothy and Louis Bove. One of four children, she grew up in the family home in Portland, Maine, spent summers at Higgins Beach in Scarborough, and graduated from Deering High School. After earning a B.A. in clinical psychology from Trinity College of Vermont in 1977, Mary spent a month at an herbal gathering in Alert Bay, British Columbia, with medicine woman Norma Myers (1919–1988) of Green Shores Herbal College. Following this powerful experience, she knew she was going to be an herbalist and returned to Portland to open Hippocrates Herbarium, a retail herb store. She operated the store from 1978 to 1981 before founding Ram Island Farm Herbs in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, where she cultivated herbs, dried flowers, and managed sales until 1984. During this time, she also discovered a love of teaching. Combined with her passion for herbal medicine, she brought her expertise to classrooms across southern Maine before continuing her own education at the School of Herbal Medicine & Phytotherapy in Tunbridge Wells, England, where she earned a Diploma of Phytotherapy. Curious and gifted, she became a dedicated academic, earning a Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University in Seattle, Washington. She would go on to chair their Department of Botanical Medicine and co-chair the Department of Midwifery. She continued to teach in various positions and capacities throughout the U.S. and abroad until her diagnosis. In the early 1990s, Mary settled in Brattleboro with her two young children and opened the Brattleboro Naturopathic Clinic. She practiced family medicine, pediatrics, and midwifery until 2014 and considered careful listening to be one of the most important skills for a physician. She published a book, An Encyclopedia of Natural Healing for Children and Infants, which continues to be a leading reference on pediatric naturopathy. Her recent years were happily spent at her "little slice of heaven" on Fish Pond in Colebrook, New Hampshire, an idyllic place of open water views, rolling forest, and extensive herb gardens. There she spent time with family, especially her children, Will and Amelia, with whom she shared a special closeness. She savored time with her granddaughters, Chloe and Olivia, enjoying picnics and natural adventures; she delighted in teaching them about the animals and birds. Mary reveled in seeing the natural world unfold: listening to the loons and geese, enjoying otter antics, or watching her cats Comet, Elsa, and Camden prowl the yard. Her world was one of hope and possibility, underpinned by deep faith in nature's capacity for healing. Family and friends will always remember her energy, her spirit, her resolute attention to the needs of those she loved, her boxes of fun with natural sweets and hand-drawn cards, and her sprawling flower beds with wooded nooks inhabited by fairies and gnomes. She loved, and she is loved. Mary is survived by her two children, Amelia Dias and William Winship; two beloved grandchildren, Chloe and Olivia Dias; her siblings Greg Bove, Ann Bove, Matt Baker, Mike Bove, and Andrew Bove; their partners and children; many friends and loved ones; and a close-knit group of local women known as the "Soul Sisters." She was predeceased by her brother, Thomas Bove, as well as her parents Dorothy and Louis Bove. Memorial information: A celebration of life will take place Satuday, Oct. 11, at Ram Island Farm in Cape Elizabeth. Donations to Loon Preservation Committee (loon.org), New Hampshire Audubon (nhaudubon.org), Maine Audubon (maineaudubon.org), The School of Herbal Medicine (schoolofherbalmedicine.co.uk), and Bastyr University (bastyr.edu/give/ways-give).
• Pearson Hill "Red" Dawkins Jr., 90, of Westminster. Died peacefully Sept. 19, 2025, at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire. Also known as Junior, Daddy, Diddy Dawkins, Pa, and Darlin', Red was born June 17, 1935, in Rockingham, North Carolina, son of Pearson Hill Dawkins Sr. and Gladys Pierce Dawkins. After graduating high school in 1953, he served in the Naval Reserve. On Oct. 30, 1955, he married Doris (Little) Dawkins, who survives. Later on, he worked as a mill tender; general manager, and eventual owner of Green Mountain Specialties. Red was a cherished dad to his family and looked up to by many others, especially in the Westminster neighborhood. In his younger years, he was known for being an avid water skier, taking home trophies and doing traveling shows in their local area. Red was always community minded - jumping on the trampoline with the kids, letting all the kids know they could go swimming, having large cookouts, and spearheading the luminarias that lined the village of Westminster on Christmas Eve. He was a member of the First Congregational Church of Westminster, and was also a member of the Fraternal Order of the Elks #1619 and the Loyal Order of the Moose in Bellows Falls. In addition to his wife, Red is survived by a son, Gary Dawkins (Cathy); daughters Virginia "Ginger" Cook (Mike) and Marsha Dawkins; grandchildren Ryan Dawkins (Tacey), Caroline Powers (Rob), Benjamin Cook (Marie), Shawn Pollard (Lindsey), Elizabeth Smith (Dan), and Travis Cook (Kayla); and great-grandchildren Kannon, Ember, Blaze, Nolan, Maxton, Zoe, Layla, Mina, Genevieve, Morgen, Travis, Marilyn, Temperance, Kalliope, Riley, and Olivia. He is also survived by his sister, Cheryl Lampley (Wilson), sister-in-law Judy Dawkins, as well as many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, brothers Edward Dawkins and Larry Dawkins, and a sister, Elaine Shelton. Memorial information: A funeral serve was held Sept. 27 at First Congregational Church of Westminster. Burial will be at a later date in Rockingham, North Carolina. Donations to First Congregational Church of Westminster, P.O. Box 122, Westminster, VT 05158, or West Rockingham United Methodist Church, 217 US 74, Rockingham, NC 28379.
• Rose Eleanor Dunn, 93, of Brattleboro. Died peacefully at home, in the company of dear friends, on Aug. 30, 2025. She was born on August 28, 1932, in Springfield, Massachusetts, the daughter of Frank W. Dunn and Mary L. (Latour) Dunn. Rose served for 39 years abroad and in the U.S. as a budget analyst for the U.S. Army's 1st Armored Division. She received the Superior Civilian Service Award as well as other recognitions of her long and dedicated service to the Army. Rose was a devoted member of St. Michael's Catholic Church in Brattleboro. Rose came from a family of 12 children. Her twin sister, Mary, along with eight brothers and sisters, predeceased her. She leaves behind a brother, Robert Dunn of Agawam, Massachusetts, a baby sister, Patricia Lemieux of North Attleboro, Massachusetts, and numerous nieces and nephews and dear, caring friends. Memorial information: A funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 8, at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart in Springfield, Massachusetts. Committal rites and burial will follow in St. Michael's Cemetery in Springfield. Donations to St. Michael's Catholic Church, for the benefit of the homeless, 47 Walnut St., Brattleboro, VT 05301. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Michael J. Finnell, 77, of Keene, New Hampshire. Died peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family, on Sept. 15, 2025. Michael was born in Brattleboro on Dec. 18, 1947, to Everett and Marjorie Finnell. He was a devoted husband to his wife, Diane Finnell, and a proud father to his three children, John Finnell and wife Cristine, Sean Finnell and wife Jennifer, and Bonnie Finnell and her partner Jimmy Castagna. Michael was also a cherished grandfather to Alyssa Hotin and her husband Tyler, Steven Finnell and his wife Eryn, Madison Finnell, Makayla Finnell, Molly Finnell, Eli Echavarria, and Janssen Echavarria, as well as great-grandfather to Everhett Hotin. He is also survived by brother Larry and wife Ellen Finnell, sister Sharon and husband David Ward, sister Linda and husband Doug Haskell, sister Pat Finnell, and brother Benjamin Finnell. As well as his great Aunt Iva and Uncle Bert and their children, Crystal and Bert Jr., Michael was preceded in death by his beloved sister Claire Lavender and her husband Michael, as well as his brother Ronald Finnell. Michael touched many lives and built a remarkable network of friends through his involvement with coaching youth sports, from coaching his sons in Pee-Wee to a stint as the varsity softball coach in Hinsdale coaching his daughter, and later with his involvement in the Elks organization, where he served in many capacities, including serving as Exalted Ruler. He was also a proud member of the American Legion and VFW. Among his closest friends were lifelong companions Susie and Bobby Hamblin, and Gene and Melissa Whitney, who were like family to him. Michael dedicated his career to construction and maintenance, bringing skill, pride, and care to his work. His career culminated with a deeply fulfilling position at Westmoreland (N.H.) Elementary School, where he not only contributed to the upkeep of the school but also built lasting friendships and a strong connection to the educational community. Family was the heart of Michael's life. He cherished annual family vacations to Cape Cod, the White Mountains, and several locations in Maine, creating memories and traditions that will continue for generations. Michael's adventurous spirit and love for fun extended to his athletic pursuits - he was a three-sport star in high school before becoming a dedicated softball player for many years. He was also an avid pool player, from his days at Chucky's pool hall to later leading his league teams to multiple championship tournaments in Las Vegas while playing with his sons. Michael was known for his warm heart, quick wit, and ability to bring joy to those around him. He inspired a deep love in his family and friends as well as his Irish heritage. He never missed an opportunity to make someone smile - even during life's most challenging moments. Michael's legacy of love, laughter, and selflessness will continue to shine through the lives of those who were fortunate enough to know him. Memorial information: In keeping with Michael's spirit and his wish to be remembered through joy rather than sadness, the family held a celebration of his life on Sept. 27 at the Elks Home in Brattleboro. Donations to the Silver Towers Camp of Vermont, a cause close to Michael's heart, through the Elks Association of Vermont.
• James L. Jack, 75, of Springfield, Vermont, formerly of Brattleboro. Died Sept. 15, 2025. He was born in Bellows Falls on Feb. 1, 1950. He was raised in Brattleboro and attended St. Michael's High School, where he played basketball and forged many lifelong friendships. He attended Castleton State College for two years. He worked his entire career in commercial printing, starting as a pressman at the Brattleboro Reformer and finishing as an estimator at Springfield Printing. Jim met his wife Opal (Rubik) in Brattleboro and they married Oct. 6, 1979. They had no children. They lived in Springfield for 38 years. Jim was a charming, kind, and funny man who loved a good laugh, a cold beer, and taking care of his home and property. His final months were spent at the Gill Home in Ludlow. He was predeceased by his mother Doris Jack and sister Carole Worden, both of Brattleboro. Memorial information: No services are planned.
• Charlotte (Wright) Kittredge, 80, died peacefully on Sept. 22, 2025. Born in Keene, New Hampshire, on Oct. 4, 1944, she was the daughter of the late Frank and Pauline (Wilbur) Wright. Charlotte grew up in North Walpole, New Hampshire, and graduated from Bellows Falls High School. With a passion for cooking from a young age, she started her career as a chef after she graduated high school. She worked at many restaurants throughout her career but took great pride in the time she worked at The Whale restaurant at the former Folger Hotel on Nantucket Island, and the two successful restaurants she owned - the Putney Cafe in Vermont and The Prime Thyme Café, in Keene. In 2005, she retired as a chef from Keene State College after 15 years. Charlotte was an avid reader, gardener, scrapbooker, and an antique collector. She was known to read cookbooks like they were novels. She competed in numerous local Iron Chef competitions and once cooked a rattlesnake into the shape of its natural coil. She loved spending time with her family and friends, and overdecorating for the holidays when hosting for her family. Charlotte was so loved for her funny and witty personality. She was always the life of the party. She was known for collecting many things such as witchy things, buddhas, and elephants. She owned two homes in New York, one being a farm, and two homes in New Hampshire, and spent her retirement years as a snowbird in sunny Boynton Beach, Florida. She is survived by her daughters Dophine C. Frazier and partner Steve Lyons of Swanzey, New Hampshire, Paulette N. Sharkey of Boynton Beach, Corinna J. Draper of Keene, Shannon L. Kittredge of Swanzey, and Crystal G. Kittredge and wife Lisa MacMillan of Danvers, Massachusetts; sister Carole Wright of Boynton Beach; brother Cass Wright and wife Deborah of Bellows Falls; sister in-law and partner in crime Louise Wright of Swanzey; grandchildren Shaun Frazier, Jessica Kittredge, Sarah Vogtritter, Bryce Sharkey, Aron Superba, Casey Superba, Eric Draper, Lacie Kittredge, Weston MacMillan-Kittredge, Charlotte MacMillan-Kittredge, Yvonne MacMillan-Kittredge; great-grandchildren Ryan Frazier, Colby Frazier, Kinsley Menard, Cooper Vogtritter, Alex Heath, Layla Roderick, Tristan Cacilhas-Kittredge, Dahlia Rose, Noah Rose Imbornone; and many loving nieces and nephews, friends, and best friend Pat Hall. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her grandson Ryan Frazier, brother Caleb Wright, sister Hiley Wright, and son-in-law Barry Sharkey. Memorial information: A celebration of her life will be held at a later date.
• Gary J. Kurowski, 65, of Brattleboro. Died peacefully on Sept. 19, 2025. Gary was born on Aug. 28, 1960, in Fall River, Massachusetts, to the late Walter and Dorothy (Perry) Kurowski. Gary attended Durfee High School in Fall River. Many will fondly remember Gary from his days delivering auto parts in Fall River. He later retired as a maintenance man in Brattleboro. When not working, Gary loved to garden and make people laugh, and enjoyed animals. In addition to his parents, Gary was predeceased by his sister Cheryl DeCosta and longtime sweetheart Patricia Toomey. Gary is survived and will be missed by his brother Steven Kurowski (Lisa), his sister Wendy Ewens, and his brother-in-law Gilbert DeCosta. Gary also leaves behind nieces Melissa Billetts, Heidi Ewens, Nicole Ewens, Stephanie Ewens, Janelle DeCosta, and Jillian Colby; nephews Alex Kurowski, Andrew Kurowski, Ethan Kurowski, and Jonathan DeCosta; and many great-nieces and great-nephews. Memorial information: A graveside service was held Sept. 27 at Morningside Cemetery in Brattleboro. Donations to Southwesten Vermont Medical Center, 140 Hospital Drive, Bennington, VT 05201, or the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To offer condolences, visit csnh.com.
• Elizabeth A. "Betty" Rancourt, 86, of West Chesterfield, New Hampshire. Died peacefully Sept. 25, 2025, at Covenant Living of Keene, New Hampshire, where she had resided for the past few months. Betty was born in Bellows Falls on April 19, 1939, the daughter of Dwight and Amy (Wright) Bell. She attended Dummerston Elementary School and graduated from Brattleboro High School with the Class of 1957. For many years she was the office manager for John R. Mann, DDS, from which she retired following many years of faithful service. On March 1, 1958, in St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church in Brattleboro, Betty was married to John M. Rancourt, who survives. Betty enjoyed wintering with her husband in Lake Placid, Florida, flower gardening, and cruises to Alaska. She was a Boy Scout troop leader for many years, and held many fond memories of her times in Kiawah Island, South Carolina. Most of all, she cherished time with her family. With her husband, she was a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church. Besides her husband of 67 years, she leaves five sons: Kipp Rancourt (Amanda) of Chesterfield, Todd Rancourt (Deborah) of Brattleboro, Tayne Rancourt (Lisa) of West Chesterfield, Tal Rancourt (Darlene) of Lake Placid, Florida, and Troy Rancourt (Doreen) of Westmoreland, New Hampshire; and 12 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by an infant son, Louis Dwight Rancourt, in 1958; two brothers, Francis and Malcolm Bell; and two sisters, Jean Gorsuch and Linda Tassinari. Memorial information: A funeral Mass will be held Friday, Oct. 3, at 11 a.m. in St. Michael's Catholic Church. A private burial will be at a later date. Donations to St. Michael's School, 48 Walnut St., Brattleboro, VT 05301 Attn: Elaine Beam.
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