Obituaries
• Agnes Irene "Aggie" Gilson, 95, of Brattleboro. Died peacefully Oct. 29, 2025, at Thompson House ,where she had been a resident for the past three years. A lifelong resident of Brattleboro, Aggie was born at home May 30, 1930, the daughter of Robert and Florence (Smith) Parmenter. She attended St, Michael's Parochial School and graduated from St. Michael's High School with the Class of 1948. She went on to graduate from Holyoke (Mass.) Hospital School of Nursing, where she received her RN diploma. A dedicated registered nurse, Aggie worked as a floor nurse for 25 years at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital, and later was employed for 10 years at The Book Press in Brattleboro, which she retired from. A woman of faith and devout Catholic, she was a lifelong communicant of St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church and was an active volunteer for 25 years at Brigid's Kitchen. Aggie enjoyed gardening, trips to the beaches of Maine and New Hampshire, and time shared with her family. On Sept. 13, 1952, at St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church, she was married to Fay H. Gilson, who predeceased her in March 1993. Aggie is survived by a daughter, Lynn Bruce and husband Michael of Hinsdale; three grandchildren, Chad Clayton, Greta Perry and Julia Hennick; eight great-grandchildren, Jaxson, Bailey, Taliesin, Ruby, Avery, Brayden, Gregory and Emily; and many nieces and nephews. Besides her husband, she was predeceased by a son, David R. Gilson; grandson Bartholomew Clayton; and eight siblings, Mary Kent, George Parmenter, Harvey Parmenter, Jerry Parmenter, Richard Parmenter, Judy Nims, Robert Parmenter, and Charles Parmenter. Memorial information: A funeral Mass will be held Saturday, Nov. 15, at 11 a.m. at St. Michael's Catholic Church. Donations to St. Michael's School, 48 Walnut St., Brattleboro, VT 05301, Attn: Elaine Beam, principal. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Theodora Elouise "Teddi" Pease, 83, formerly of Townshend and Hinsdale, New Hampshire. Died peacefully Nov. 2, 2025, in Hampden, Massachusetts. Teddi was born Aug. 18, 1942, the daughter of Edwin and Margaret Daniels. She was married to the love of her life, Edward S Pease, from Aug. 18, 1970, until his death in September 2003. Teddi was employed with the state of Connecticut, the law firm of Christenson, Cumming,s and Murtha in Brattleboro, and as a librarian in Hinsdale. Teddi was a proud member of the Avon (Conn.) Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary. Teddi enjoyed arts and crafts, planting, volunteering with the Hinsdale Historical Society, horses, and spending time with her family and friends. In addition to her parents and her husband, Teddi was preceded in death by her stepsons Myron and Edward Jr. Teddi is survived by her son, Tim, and her grandchildren Emily, Dennis, Christopher, Matthew and Nathan. Memorial information: In lieu of flowers, consider donating to or volunteering for a local charity.
• Timothy Dunlap Smith, 80, of Philmont, New York, formerly of Westminster. Died in his sleep Sept. 30, 2025. In keeping with his nature, his death was gentle and peaceful. Born Feb. 3, 1945, Tim grew up in Massachusetts and California and attended the University of California at Berkeley. During his college years, he spent his summers fishing in Alaska, an experience that reflected his adventurous spirit and love of the outdoors. After graduating from college, he moved to Vermont, and taught in public schools, including Bellows Falls Middle School, before discovering his passion for stonemasonry, a skill that would shape the rest of his life. Tim and his wife, Laura, met in Vermont, where he was working in his stonemasonry business. They later moved to New York City, where Tim worked on building the tower of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine - a project that piqued his interest and appreciation as it was an apprenticeship program that hired local youth. In 1988, they settled in Philmont, where Tim worked for the New York State Department of Parks and Recreation before starting his own business, T.D. Smith Stonemasonry. Through his work, Tim not only built enduring structures but also lasting relationships, mentoring many and sharing his passion for stone and design. Tim's love for young people never wavered. Through his stonemasonry business, he hired and guided many individuals who came from difficult circumstances, offering them not just work, but hope. As one friend put it, "He gave them skills that enabled them to mold their own futures." His generosity, guidance and faith in others left an enduring mark on his community. Tim lived a life full of love, appreciation, and adventure. He was warm, light, and endlessly caring. One relative stated, "He never met a stranger." Tim spoke to everyone he met, always with a smile and a kind word. According to a friend, "He touched so many lives, did so much for so many." He had a gift for seeing the bright side of life, no matter the circumstances, and he shared that optimism freely with everyone around him. His wife and partner Laura often said that before they were married, she knew there would never be a dull moment with him - and she was right. Their life together was a great adventure, filled with joy and deep companionship. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who were fortunate enough to know him. Timothy is survived by his loving wife; his sons, Tassaday Smith and Eric Johnson (wife Gina Simpson); his brother, Nathaniel Smith (wife Ann Brauer), and many nieces, nephews, their children, and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his sister, Holly Smith. His family will forever carry his love and enormous generous spirit in their hearts. Memorial information: A celebration of Timothy's life will be held in the spring of 2026. Donations be made to a charity of your choice or Arbor Day Foundation Memorial Trees, Operation Unite New York (operationuniteny.org). To view a tribute to Tim and his work on the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, go to divinestone.org/blog/remembering-timothy-smith.
• Ruth Agnes Tripp, 98, a former resident of West Brattleboro and Vernon. Died Nov. 3, 2025 at Vernon Green Nursing Home. Ruth was born in Brattleboro Jan. 3, 1927, to Minnie Hamilton Burch and Leslie Burch. She attended Academy School for the first six grades and then moved to Turners Falls, Massachusetts, where she graduated from Turners Falls High School. On Jan. 23, 1948, she married Richmond A. Tripp. They made their home and raised their four children in West Brattleboro and, in 1987, moved to Vernon. In 2014, they moved to Vernon Advent Christian Home. Richmond predeceased her in 2015. She attended Peter Bent Brigham School of Nursing in Boston, and then went on to secretarial training at Bryant and Stratton College in Buffalo, New York. Over the years, she worked for New England Telephone, the Academy School lunch program, Barrows Coal Company, and as a secretary for Dr. John Houpis and Dr. Keith Clark. Ruth was a long-time member of the First Congregational Church of West Brattleboro where she taught Sunday School, volunteered to help at their church suppers, barbecues, and the annual Christmas bazaar. She was church treasurer for many years. As an active community member, Ruth served as a Girl Scout leader and Cub Scout den mother and was active in the Academy School PTA. In Vernon, Ruth and Dick were very involved in the Vernon Historians, helping to plan events, make displays and serve as hosts for open houses. Ruth had joined the Vermont 251 Club, and in visiting the state's towns, developed a special love for covered bridges. She was an excellent cook and baker as well as a talented seamstress, quilter and knitter. Ruth loved gardening, bird watching and annual visits to the Maine coasts, as well as watching the Red Sox and Celtics in her later years. Ruth leaves behind four children: Elizabeth (Fred) Dusablon, Catherine (Rick) Pohle, Christine (Mike) Miles and Michael (Ann) Tripp; as well as eight grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and nieces Dana (Ed) Nelson and Brooke (Steve) Finnell. She was predeceased by her sister, Doris Elizabeth Lane. Memorial information: Services will be private. Donations in her honor can be made to Vernon Advent Christian Home, 13 Greenway Drive, Vernon, VT 05354. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Rechilda "Ching" Welch, 82, of Brattleboro. Died peacefully at home on Nov. 5, 2025. Born Feb. 14, 1943 in Angeles City, Philippines, she was a loving wife, mother and grandmother who touched the lives of everyone she met. She was born and spent her early years of life in the Philippines. She married and moved to Brattleboro where she resided for 50 years. She began her career with the Town Crier, then worked many years at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital. She finished her career and retired from the Brattleboro Retreat. Ching was known for dedication and hard work. She will be remembered for her endless kindness, quick-witted humor, and hosting parties that always had generous amounts of food. She found joy in being with family, friends, and her pets. She spent time in the summers tending to her vegetable garden and enjoying a simple life. She is survived by her loving sons Roberto Edaugal and his wife, Denise, of Brattleboro, and Michael Edaugal and his wife, Christina, of West Chesterfield, New Hampshire; grandchildren September, Michael, and Mariah; and a wide circle of friends who will miss her dearly. She was preceded in death by her husband, William "Billy" Welch. She will live on in our hearts forever, and her legacy of love will not be forgotten. Memorial information: A memorial gathering will be held Sunday, Nov. 16, from 2 to 3 p.m. with a memorial service to follow at Phaneuf Funeral Homes and Crematorium at 57 High St., Brattleboro. A celebration of her life will take place after services at American Legion Post 5 on Linden Street. Donations to the Windham County Humane Society or St. Brigid's kitchen in her memory. To offer condolences, visit csnh.com.
• Mark Russell Young, 70, of Hinsdale, New Hampshire. Died peacefully in his sleep Nov. 2, 2025. Mark was born July 15, 1955, in Fowler, Kansas, and grew up with his loving sisters, Sonya, Sandy, Sherry and Shannon. He was an amazing husband, father, and grandfather. He loved to hunt, fish and go on family adventures; he was a jack of all trades. Before there was YouTube, there was Mark/Dad. There was nothing he couldn't do. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Trena, and their four children, Steven, Theresa, Sheila, and Amanda. He also leaves behind his love and knowledge to his seven grandchildren, Cotie, Eben, Charlotte, Marissa, Silas, Elliott, and Addison. He will forever be in our hearts. Memorial information: A celebration of his life was held Nov. 10 at the Hinsdale VFW. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
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