Obituaries
• Veronica Gabrielle Alewyn Brelsford, 90, of Putney. Died peacefully, surrounded by her loving children, on Oct. 31, 2025. Veronica was born In Bad Ischl, Austria, on Oct. 21, 1935, to Richard Wolfram Alewyn and Nelly Margaret Ferch. Richard was a scholar and lecturer of German literature at the University of Berlin and the Sorbonne in Paris. With the rise to power of the Nazi party, he moved the family to Ascona, Switzerland, and, in 1939, emigrated to the U.S., where he secured a professorship at Queens College, New York City. Veronica, her older sister Christianne, and Nelly soon followed, sailing from Genoa in 1940. The family settled in Douglaston on Long Island, where they were joined by the girls' devoted nanny, Maia Kramer. Veronica and Chris quickly absorbed English in school. Summers were spent at their off-grid farmhouse in Westminster West, where a lifelong love of nature was nurtured. The sisters reveled in long days outside roaming the woods and fields with a book or drawing supplies, caring for neighbors' farm animals, and riding their retired war horse "Sarge." Veronica attended Pembroke College at Brown University and graduated with a B.A. in French in 1956. She spent the following year in Europe, where she attended the Sorbonne in Paris, worked at Skira, an art book publishing house in Geneva, and learned to ski in the Alps. Veronica completed an M.A. in French language and literature at Middlebury College, where she met a certain handsome young classmate who asked to borrow a pen. Later that evening, he serenaded her in French below her dorm window. Edmund M. Brelsford quickly became the love of her life, and the two were married at City Hall in New York City, in November 1960. The Brelsfords settled in southern Vermont in 1961, where they had homes in Marlboro, Newfane, Westminster West, and eventually Putney. Veronica, an adventurous spirit herself, was a steady wingman for her equally adventurous husband, and the two raised their five children with an abundance of travel (in a converted school bus), competitive sports (skiing, cycling, running, and more); the arts (music, dance, theater); and many more wonderful activities and adventures. Several summers were spent on their 300-acre farm in South Newfane, growing organic produce, keeping horses, chickens and rabbits, and taking in Marlboro College students who often became lifelong friends. Veronica was a natural athlete and began competitive running, cycling, and cross-country skiing in her 30s. Cycling and ski racing were a family-shared pursuit, and Veronica both supported her kids in their athletic endeavors and made a name for herself throughout New England as a serious competitor. She also greatly enjoyed hiking - a highlight of her life were the six weeks she spent on the Appalachian Trail at the age of 62 under the trail name "Granny Fox." Accompanied by her beloved German shepherd, Sam, she reveled in the simplicity of being able to carry everything she needed on her back, particularly after having run a household of seven for decades. Veronica and Edmund composed part of a small, vibrant community of professors at Marlboro College, where they taught languages for 40 years, including leading several memorable study abroad trips in Italy. Veronica taught French and German language and literature, and touched the lives of generations of students as an unassuming role model, resource, and mentor. Always warm and encouraging, she approached every situation assuming everyone's best intentions. Veronica was an avid reader, and could often be found curled up with a book by the woodstove, or in later years, in her recliner with her "just a cat," Daisy. She cared deeply about social justice and attended demonstrations and marches well into her 80s, including the anti-Vietnam March of 1965 with three toddlers in tow. Veronica was a founding member of the Brattleboro Food Co-op, drove for Meals on Wheels, and was recently feted as the longest-standing volunteer at Brattleboro Area Hospice's Experienced Goods. As a mother, Veronica was a quiet yet indomitable source of love and protection. She nurtured and comforted, fed, read to, played with, and guided her five children with wisdom and practical common sense. Veronica cherished her grandchildren, and was blessed with 10, some of whom she played an important role in helping to raise. Veronica is survived by her five children: Allegra Alewyn Brelsford (David Arnstein), Oliver Brelsford (Virginia Brelsford), Carlotta Brelsford Cuerdon (Don Cuerdon), Cecelia Zaz Brelsford (Hawk Metheny) and Alicia Brelsford Dana (William Dana); 10 grandchildren: Jillian Brelsford Rasza (James Rasza), Jeremy Croft (Sara Croft), Emily, Rory and Luke Cuerdon, Chandley, Jocelyn and Jess Brelsford, Willa Dana, and Lyla Metheny; three great-grandchildren: Aiden and Leah Croft, Warren Rasza; nephew Peter Wallace and niece Jocelyn Wallace. She was predeceased by her husband, Edmund M. Brelsford, her sister Christianne Wallace, and her parents. Memorial information: A celebration of her life will be held at the Congregational Church of Westminster West on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at 11 a.m. Donations to the Center for Solace (Brattleboro Area Hospice), the Windmill Hill Pinnacle Association, or the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.
• Robert Carl "Bob" Ebbighausen Jr., 77, of Rutland City, formerly of Brattleboro. Died at his home, surrounded by his loving family on Oct. 14, 2025. Born in Brattleboro on Nov. 27, 1947, Bob was a devoted husband and father. He served in the Marine Corps, with multiple tours of duty in Vietnam. He earned two Purple Hearts. He went on to become a utility lineman with Central Vermont Public Service, a career that spanned more than 35 years. He served as a Rutland City Police Commissioner. He was an avid hunter, trapper, fisherman, and all-around outdoorsman. He is survived by his wife of more than 50 years, Roxanne; their sons William, Chad, and Troy; daughters-in-law Cheryl and Danielle; and his cherished grandchildren Shelby, Drew, Miranda, David, and Andrew. He was predeceased by a grandchild, Jessica. Memorial information: None provided.
• Darek Ross Harvey, 20, of Hinsdale, New Hampshire. Died November 6, 2025 in Charlemont, Massachusetts due to a fatal car accident. Darek will be remembered for his big heart, silliness, dedication to ice hockey, and his infectious personality. A student-athlete at Brattleboro Union High School, he was the goaltender for the BUHS boys' ice hockey team when they won the school's first-ever state championship in 2021. Darek enjoyed target practicing, ice skating, fishing, spending time with family and friends, animals, and being adventurous. His spirit and kindness have left an indelible mark on those who knew him. Darek's supportive nature and ability to brighten any room brought joy to his family, friends, and teammates. The poignant tribute set up at the crash site reminds everyone of the love and admiration for him. He leaves behind his mother, Heidi Hier, grandmother Shirley Morrill; uncle Gary Hier Jr. and his wife, Becky; aunts Laura Stephens and her husband Joshua, and Jessica Wilkin; his girlfriend Lily Gibson, along with 12 cousins. Darek was predeceased by his grandfather, Ross Wilkin, and his uncle Ron Wilkin. Memorial information: A gathering will be held at the Cremation Society of New Hampshire, 57 High St., Brattleboro, on Monday, Nov. 24, from 2 to 3 p.m., with a memorial service to follow. To offer condolences, visit csnh.com. His family has set up a GoFundMe to cover funeral expenses at gofundme.com/f/help-ease-dareks-familys-burden.
• Agnes Eleanor Koshinsky, 88, of Vernon. Died Oct. 16, 2025. She was born on Jan. 29, 1937, the second of four daughters to John and Jean Tkaczyk of Vernon. She was predeceased by sisters Jean Fortin and Virginia Beyor. She is survived by her youngest sister, Carol Shippee of Vernon. She was predeceased by her son, Gregory Koshinsky and daughter Deborah Renaldi (John). She is survived by sons Jeffrey Koshinsky (Lynda) of Greenfield, Massachusetts, and Kevin Koshinsky (Jaycee) of Milford, Massachusetts. Agnes was a devoted and wonderful "Gram" to her grandchildren, also known as "Gigi" to her several, beloved great-grandchildren. She will be remembered as a hardworking, selfless mother of four children she raised on her own in Gill, Massachusetts. Out of necessity, she was not afraid to do her own car and home repairs as best she could. Agnes enjoyed her work with the Foxboro Company and General Dynamics in Taunton. Agnes enjoyed her weekly bowling outing with friends. One of her favorite places to be was Hampton Beach in New Hampshire. Later in life, when she moved to Vernon Homes, she very much enjoyed catching up on the latest gossip, sharing many laughs with her dear friends. "The girls" would meet for coffee and dessert every Saturday. Memorial information: In accordance with Agnes's wishes, there are no formal funeral services.
• Ellwyn Reed Miller, 76, of Putney. Died at home on October 27, 2025, surrounded by his family. Known by most as Reed, he was born at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital on June 24, 1949, to the late Ellwyn E. Miller and Beverly (Hubbard) Miller. He attended Putney Central School, graduated from Brattleboro Union High School in 1968, and was certified as a diesel mechanic by Bailey Technical Institute in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1970. Reed married the love of his life, Kathleen Eden, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Brattleboro on Dec. 21, 1974, and would often jokingly point out that it occurred on the "darkest day of the year." They built their home in East Putney and lived there for the entirety of their 51-year marriage. Reed took his role as father very seriously. He worked hard to afford his children every opportunity. He was always on hand to fix a car, tie a knot, dole out advice, and share his immeasurable practical knowledge. He will be remembered for the dry humor he shared with his father and brothers. His children learned quickly not to eat what he offered if he had that twinkle in his eye. He liked nothing better than reminiscing around the table about the trouble he used to get into in his younger days. He was an avid outdoorsman in his youth. He was the well-respected leader of Boy Scout Troop 421 in Putney during the years that his sons were active in scouting. During his tenure as scout leader, five boys made the rank of Eagle Scout, which no scouts from the troop had achieved since 1962. As a steadfast Vermonter who never wanted to leave his home state, he still thoroughly enjoyed the two cross-country camping trips that he and Kathy took in 2005 and 2008 to see many of this nation's beautiful national parks. He had a strong work ethic and ran heavy equipment for Ellis Derrig and Bob Gouin, then drove trucks for Putney Paper and Brattleboro Haulage. He was most fulfilled by starting a vegetable farm with his daughter, Marisa, in 2011 after he retired from driving. He is survived by his wife Kathy and their five children: Zac and his wife Mandy, Ben, Marisa, Chris, and Emily and her husband Alex; grandchildren; Jakob and Ellie; his brothers Richard, David, John and his wife, Deb; as well as many nieces and nephews and their families. He was predeceased by his brother Mark, his sister Martha, and his sisters-in-law Irene and Lori. Memorial information: A memorial gathering will be held at a place and time to be determined. Donations to the Bayada Foundation, 1222 Putney Rd, Suite 107, Brattleboro, VT 05301.
• Andrew Robert Rawling, 27, of Bellows Falls. Died peacefully after a lengthy struggle with health issues. Andrew was born in Springfield, Vermont, on Aug. 6, 1998, the son of Amy L. Bumford-Rawling and Raymond D. Rawling Jr. Andrew was a 2016 graduate of Bellows Falls Union High School. While in school, he obtained skills that he carried into his career at Tree Hugger Farms in Westmoreland, New Hampshire. Andrew was strong-willed, known for having the biggest heart, making anyone laugh, being a great storyteller, and for being a hard worker with a strong work ethic. If you could get past his rough exterior, you didn't have a choice but to love him. A born daredevil, you would find Andrew near anything with a motor and at least two wheels. As a young boy, he enjoyed spending time at the ice rink, both playing and watching hockey, or hanging with friends in a corn field. When Andrew was growing up, he looked forward to camping with his family over the summer at Swanzey Lake. Andrew was also an avid hunter, fisherman, hiker, and a true outdoorsman. As an early riser, he loved watching the sunrise, frequently from the top of the Pinnacle. Andrew loved spending time with his siblings and going on family vacations to the ocean in Maine. The highlight of his vacations was enjoying lobster rolls and fresh seafood. Andrew was happiest when he was with his dogs, Maizy and Milo. Andrew is survived by his mother, Amy L. Bumford-Rawling (James F. DeBell); his grandfathers, Clark R. Bumford, and Raymond D. Rawling Sr.; his grandmothers, Yvonne F. Rawling, and Jane M. Selves; his brothers, Zachary D. Rawling (Brianna) and Noah J. Rawling (Phoebe M. Arkinson); his sister, Mary-Elizabeth J-M Rawling (Shane M. Pearson); and his chosen sister, Aaliyah M. Sargent. Andrew is also survived by many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Andrew was predeceased by his father, Raymond D. Rawling Jr., whom he cherished spending time with trucking and plowing, as well as his "More Nanny" Diane J. Bumford, his "Boppy" Geraldine M. Dzialo, and his chosen brother, Logan P. Spaulding. Andrew is loved and will be deeply missed by all who were lucky enough to know him. Though his life was too short, his impact was deep. Memorial information: A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, Nov. 22, at 1 p.m., at the Bellows Falls Moose Lodge. Donations to the Windmill Hill Pinnacle Association, P.O. Box 584, Saxtons River, VT 05154.
This Milestones item was submitted to The Commons.