Milestones

Obituaries

• Stephen Bayard "Step" Chambers, 64, died Oct. 20, 2025, while receiving excellent nursing and medical care at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital after being ill since Jan. 9, 2024 when he had been severely burned on one third of his body including throat, lungs and heart. The cause of death was pneumonia and lung cancer. He was born Dec. 16, 1960, in Philadelphia. His childhood and teenage years were spent in Summit, New Jersey. There, he became an entertainer both on and off stage. He attended Keene State College but earned his degree in the field of hard knocks. He skied with his family on Stratton Mountain and Keystone, Colorado. His great joy in life was being a busker on the sidewalks of New York, San Francisco, Denver, Keene, Austin and, of course, his place of choice, the Harmony Lot in Brattleboro. He was predeceased by his sister, Lani; his brother, Terry; a couple of cousins, great-grandparents from the mountains of Vermont and North Carolina; his grandparents, Chambers and Stout; and his stepfather, John C. Jamison. He is survived by his parents, Judith Stout of Brattleboro and Richard Chambers of Yorktown Heights, New York; his brother, Richard Chambers, Jr. of Salida, Colorado; four half-siblings and a dozen cousins living in California and New Zealand; and his uncle, Murray Brennan, who was a special consultant to the medical team at Massachusetts General Hospital and BMH. Memorial information: A green burial took place on Oct. 24 at King Cemetery in Marlboro. A gathering of sharing, singing and joy will be held at All Souls Church, 29 South St., West Brattleboro, at 2 p.m. on Dec. 16, 2025, the day Step would have been 65. Donations to Brattleboro Memorial Hospital, 17 Belmont Ave., Brattleboro, VT 05301; or All Souls Church, P.O. Box 2297, Brattleboro, VT 05302; then sing a song and sow love. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.

• Gary Lee Gale, 68, of Marlboro. Died unexpectedly Oct, 14, 2025 at his home, following a brief period of declining health. Gary was born in Springfield, Vermont, on June 2, 1957, the son of George and Martha (Austin) Gale. He was raised and educated in Brattleboro, graduating from Brattleboro Union High School with the Class of 1975. Gary was a member of the BUHS track team and was an accomplished runner who was recently slated to be inducted into the BUHS Hall of Fame. He went on to attend Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa, where he received his B.A. in 1998. Gary later attended seminary at Notre Dame Graduate School of Christendom College in Alexandria, Virginia, where he earned his M.A. in theological studies in 1999. Steadfast in his walk of faith, Gary was a communicant of St. Stanislaus Church in Winchester, N.H., a unique, traditional parish that performs its Masses in Latin. He was known for his love and dedication to his Catholic faith. At the time of his death, Gary was employed as a security guard at the Mount Snow Resort in West Dover. Previously, he worked in security for healthcare facilities and schools which included Franklin Pierce University and three other major colleges. Gary also was an elementary and secondary teacher at Immaculate Heart of Mary School in Richmond, New Hampshire, where he also served as librarian. Gary proudly served his country in the Coast Guard, where he attended defensive driving, firefighting, and search and rescue schools. He enjoyed studying Scripture and reading the Bible, studying Taekwando, and spending time at Brooks Memorial Library. For several years, he was an active member of the Salvation Army. Survivors include his mother of Brattleboro (Pine Heights); a sister, Doreen Gale Barnard of Stoddard, New Hampshire; one brother, Shawn Therieau of Brattleboro; stepsisters Debra Britton of Winchester, Kentucky, and Lorraine Guthrie of Coventry, Rhode Island; stepbrothers Kevin Guthrie of Winchester, KY and Kenneth Guthrie of Colorado; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held Oct. 27 at St. Stanislaus Church in Winchester, New Hampshire, with committal rites and burial will follow in Meetinghouse Hill Cemetery in Brattleboro. Donations to St. Stanislaus Church, 80 Richmond Rd., Winchester, NH 03470; or The Gathering Place, 30 Terrace St., Brattleboro, VT 05301. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.

• Thera Foster Hindmarsh, 96, a lifelong Quaker, devoted physical therapist, educator, community volunteer, and beloved matriarch, died peacefully on October 17, 2025, at Valley Terrace in Hartford, Vermont. Born in Warwick, Rhode Island, on Feb. 11, 1929, to Henry C. and Thyra Jane (Meyers) Foster, Thera was raised in a traditional Quaker household. She attended Westtown School in West Chester, Pennsylvania, graduating in 1947, and later earned her bachelor's degree from Bouve-Boston, Tufts College, preparing for a lifelong career as a physical therapist. Thera married Robert Gray Hindmarsh on July 7, 1951, whom she met on her family farm when he came to work as part of his college degree, beginning a partnership grounded in shared ideals and deep commitment to education and service. In 1957, together with several other families, they co-founded The Meeting School, a Quaker boarding school in Rindge, New Hampshire, where Thera played an essential role in shaping residential life for the students, nurturing a sense of home, responsibility, and care. In 1965, Thera and family moved to Concord, Massachusetts, where she resumed her career as a physical therapist at Emerson Hospital after taking time off to raise her children. She later moved into home care near Media, Pennsylvania, where she and Robert lived until he retired. Thera's life was filled with quiet contributions that enriched every community she joined. From selling Aunt Jane's beet relish from a garden stand, to volunteering across numerous committees in Putney, where she and Robert retired in 1989, Thera was a tireless and engaged citizen. Her work included the Putney Public Library, local gardening clubs, the Fortnightly Club, volunteering with AARP, and serving on the committee to build a sidewalk to Putney Central School - all reflecting her belief in collective responsibility and community. She had an enduring passion for gardening, a sharp eye on current events, and an unwavering sense of purpose and presence. Thera was predeceased by her husband in 2012. She leaves behind her children, Elizabeth Hindmarsh of White River Junction, Walter Hindmarsh and his wife Patty of Wickenburg, Arizona, Thomas Hindmarsh and his wife Julie of Wickenburg, Arizona, and Alison Briggs and her husband Stephen of Chittenden. Survivors also include her grandchildren, Anne Briggs and her husband Michael Cluff of Orlando, Florida, and Emily Johnson and her husband Andrew of Amherst, New Hampshire, as well as great-grandchildren Thomas, Susanna, Evelyn, and Alexander. Memorial information: A memorial service will be held at a later date. Donations to the World Wildlife Fund, 1250 24th Street N.W., Washington DC, 20037, or the American Friends Service Committee, 1501 Cherry St., Philadelphia, PA 19102-2313. To offer condolences, visit knightfuneralhomes.com.

• Virginia L. Owsiak, 84, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania. Died Oct, 15, 2025, at her residence. Born in Brattleboro on March 27, 1941, she was the daughter of the late Samuel Leigh and Anita (Blodgett) Cameron. She married the love of her life, John J. Owsiak Jr., on Feb. 28, 1959. John predeceased her on May 8, 1994. During her life, she liked to cook for family and friends, she enjoyed bowling and trivia nights and had a close group of friends she shared weekly dinners with. She loved to travel, and was very generous with her time and loved volunteering with Road to Recovery, Toys for Tots, Wreathes Across America, and as a Girl Scout Leader. She also enjoyed spending time volunteering at her granddaughter Lindsey's school. She and her husband owned and operated Owsiak Appraisal Service for decades. Following the death of her husband, she pursued a new career and bravely graduated from the Vermont Police Academy and became a deputy sheriff with the Windham County Sheriff's Department. It was a position that was truly her calling. While with the department, she spearheaded the "Are You OK?" program, attended events as "McGruff the Crime Dog," and was integral in providing bike safety programs to children. She met and started a new life with Larry Burke, who embraced Virginia's family as his own. He thrived in his role as grandfather and great-grandfather. He took a very strong group of women in stride and was very patient. Virginia's family appreciated and loved him greatly. Larry predeceased "Ginny, "as he called her, in 2012. She enjoyed her time visiting Longwood Gardens, seeing the snow geese at Middlecreek, and bird watching at home. She loved animals and had many beloved pets. In her later years, she developed a love for football, especially Penn State and the Philadelphia Eagles. A true New Englander, whole belly clams were a favorite treat that she looked forward to anytime she stumbled upon a menu with them. What she loved most was her family - born of blood and those who were chosen. Together with John, they raised three girls who grew the family with four granddaughters, three great-granddaughters and two great-grandsons. She often commented on how it took 72 years for the family to get their first boy and was so excited that "the curse" was finally broken. She leaves behind her daughters Deborah Fisher, Donna Derivan (Mike), and Jane Owsiak (Chad Patrick); granddaughters Lindsey Jaeger (Mike), Melissa Pecor (Doug), Katie Derivan, and Allison Mosher; and great-grandchildren Leah and Lauren Jaeger, Owen Wilson, and Matthew and Cassidy Pecor. She is survived by her beloved brother, Phillip Cameron of Windsor, Connecticut, with whom she spoke multiple times a week. She was preceded in death by her three sisters, Patricia DiMeo, Beverly Monaco, and Barbara Cameron. Memorial information: A celebration of Virginia's life was held Oct. 20. An additional service and interment will follow in Vermont at the convenience of the family. Donations to St. Jude Children's Hospital, the ASPCA, and the Shriner's Children's Hospitals.

• Marjorie M. "Marge" Pike, 94, of Brattleboro. Died peacefully at home, surrounded by her family, on Oct.16, 2025. Marge was born in Greenfield, Massachusetts, on Feb. 4, 1931, the daughter of the late Charles and Ada (Dorey) Gaudry. She grew up in Greenfield and Gill, Massachusetts, and was educated in the Greenfield school system, graduating from Greenfield High School with the Class of 1949. In 1955, she married the love of her life, Robert L. Pike. Together, they shared 60 wonderful years of marriage before Robert's death in 2016. They were both born on Feb. 4, three years apart. Marge and Robert lived an adventurous life, going on many road trips across the country and to northern Canada with their two daughters. They created many happy memories boating and camping together as a family. Marge was a talented seamstress who sewed most of her daughters' clothing and lovingly knitted sweaters, hats, and mittens through the years. She enjoyed crafting and completed countless creative projects over her lifetime. She was also an avid bowler and spent 15 years in a local bowling league. Marge was a proud member of the Home Dem group. She was predeceased by her husband, her sisters Helen (Robert) Stoughton, Jeannie (Robert) Avant, and Marilyn (Kenneth) La Mountain; and by two children: Sheila M. (Pike) Ferris in 1995, and a stillborn daughter. Marge is survived by her daughter, Sharon L. Pike and partner Glenn; her son-in-law, Ronald L. Ferris Jr. and his fiancée, Marcie Hogan of Brattleboro; her beloved granddaughter, Bridgitte H. Ferris of Stoddard, New Hampshire; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Marjorie will be especially remembered by her family as a devoted mother and grandmother who brought warmth, creativity, and joy into their lives. Memorial information: At Marjorie's request, there will be no formal service. In remembrance of her love for animals, donations can be made in her honor to Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To offer condolences, visit phaneuf.net.

• Joanne Robb "Jo" Staats, 68, of Brookline. Died Sept. 26, 2025, following a six-year battle with cancer. She was at home with love and comfort from her husband and children. Joanne lived a full life of family, travel, creativity, and motherhood. Born to William and Eleanor Robb on Sept. 21, 1957, she grew up in a vibrant home in Fort Collins, Colorado as the fifth of six siblings. She graduated from Rocky Mountain High School in 1976, followed by Colorado Mountain College, where she earned a degree in photography and graphic design. With an independent spirit, Jo blazed her own path and moved to California to live out her dream of being by the ocean. Her career and lifelong friendships flourished and she spent much of her time traveling. Some of her most memorable trips being Australia, Hawaii, and New Zealand. A special new chapter began for Joanne when she met her husband Tom on a ski trip back in her home state of Colorado. The couple established their home together in Brookline with a small wedding in their backyard and started their new family with Tom and their daughter Adi. Together they had Haley who was born in 1991, and Dylan in 1993. Jo's children and husband were her proudest joys and were blessed to receive the warmth, positivity, and nurturing spirit that came so naturally to her. Her love of photography never waned, and she used her passion to meticulously document the milestones and simpler moments of their lives. Jo had an eye for beauty and an entrepreneurial spirit that guided her career in graphic design. She established her own company by combining her talents in graphic art and photography to curate special moments for families. In her spare time, Joanne loved photographing flowers and used her creative eye to capture all the small beauties that others often missed. She cherished spending quality time with her children, nieces, nephews and grandchildren. Her travel spirit never faded, and she and Tom continued to travel the world throughout her life. Joanne was predeceased by her parents, in-laws Bill and Florence Staats, and sister Susan Dobkins. She is survived by her husband and three children, Adi (Jamaal), Haley, and Dylan (Allison). She is also survived by her siblings: Bruce Robb of Houston, Texas; Cindy Robb of Fort Collins; Chris Goold of Durango, Colorado; Pam Downing of Fort Collins; and grandchildren Hazel, Quinn, and Otto. Memorial information: In honor of Joanna's love for flowers, her family will be holding a celebration of life in the spring.

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