Obituaries
• James Harold Anderson II, 91, died Dec. 8, 2025. James was born in Dorchester, Massachusetts, the son of James Harold Anderson and Kathleen (Dunn) Anderson. He attended Bryant College and was in the Army National Guard. Jim spent most of his career in law enforcement and was a sergeant in the Wrentham, Massachusetts, police department. Upon retiring, he worked in private security and held a detective license. His hobbies and activities included reading, crossword puzzles (in ink), skiing, canoeing, and playing the ukulele. He was an excellent marksman, for which he received numerous trophies and metals. Though he was not a professional comedian, his humor and impressions made him the life of the party. After retiring and traveling the country in their RV, Jim and his partner of 41 years, Valerie Plotkin, settled in Florida where they have many friends. In 2024, Jim and Val came back to New England to be closer to family. In addition to Val, James leaves behind her children Jacqueline Fellows (Michael) and Robert Salamon (Liselle) and, from a previous marriage, children James Anderson III (Debbie) and Eileen (Anderson) Burgos (Albert). He also leaves grandchildren Derek, Megan (Justin), Ryan, Alexandra (Zachary), Bradley, Douglas, Stephen, and Nicole; and great-grandchildren Jackson and Taylor. Additionally, James is survived by a brother, Richard Anderson (Anna); and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by brother Robert Anderson and Marylou (Anderson) Johnston. James was surrounded by family in his final days, and was fortunate to have a granddaughter (Alexandra Fellows Derosia), who is a nurse, close by to monitor his care, shave his head, and make sure his earring never disappeared. He also received wonderful care from the nurses and doctors at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital and Thompson House Nursing Home. Memorial information: Donations in his memory may be made to the Brattleboro Police Department, 62 Black Mountain Rd., Brattleboro, VT 05301; Thompson House Nursing Home, 80 Maple St., Brattleboro, VT 05301; and Brattleboro Memorial Hospital (bmhvt.org). To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Hermine Helen Bober, 94, of Brattleboro. Died peacefully Dec. 18, 2025, at Springfield (Vt.) Rehabilitation Center, where she had been a resident for the past two years. Hermine was born in Brattleboro on May 15, 1931, the daughter of Lawrence and Helen (Kodana) Bober. She was raised in the Fort Dummer section of Brattleboro, attending public schools including Brattleboro High School. For many years, she worked at The Book Press, which she retired from in 1981. Previously, she worked at Arnoldware Co. and Berkshire Hathaway Fine Spinning Associates on Cotton Mill Hill. Hermine was a quiet, unassuming woman who was known for her pleasant personality. She enjoyed playing Bingo and, at one time, played every night in Brattleboro and Keene, New Hampshire, most recently at the Shriners and VFW in Brattleboro. Hermine also had a little gambling in her blood and, during her earlier years, attended the harness horse races and greyhound races at the former Hinsdale Raceway. Additionally, she adored cats. Her mother shooed any visiting cat off her lawn until Poo Poo showed up, which Hermine immediately adopted. She loved her four cats, Poo Poo, Blackie, Holly, and Eddie. She is survived by her niece, Margaret Bober, and nephew, Larry Bober, of Brattleboro; her niece, Jennifer (Kris), and great-niece, Madison Hamway, of Colchester; and a more distant nephew. Hermine was predeceased by two brothers, Lawrence “Buddy” Bober and Joseph Bober. Memorial information: Graveside committal rites will be conducted in the springtime in St. Michael’s Parish Cemetery, where she will be buried beside her two brothers. Donations to the Springfield Nursing Home Activities Department, 105 Chester Rd., Springfield, VT 05156. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Marvourine D. “Marv” Filgate, 99, of West Brattleboro. Died peacefully Dec. 19, 2025, in the comfort of her home, with her family by her side. A proud native Vermonter, Marv was born in St. Johnsbury Jan. 18, 1926, the daughter of Clarence and Hazel (Dowdell) Daniell. She was raised and educated in St. Johnsbury. She went on to attend Thompson School of Nursing in Brattleboro, earning her LPN in 1973. For many years, Marv was employed at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital in the obstetrics department and later worked for Dr. Cheri Brodhurst and Dr. Carrasquillo at Windham OB/GYN, from which she retired following many faithful and dedicated years of service. Marv loved her cats. She had many throughout her lifetime. You could say she was an animal whisperer; she loved all kinds of animals. She was a wonderful knitter and loved playing games, baking, gardening, and sitting out in the sun in the summer. Survivors include her two children, Brian Filgate and his partner, Darlene Perkins, of Brattleboro, and Allison Barrett and husband, Jim, of Hinsdale, New Hampshire; five grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, a great-great-grandson due in April; a special daughter-in-law, Mary (Rinfret) Filgate; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. She was predeceased by two sons, Darrell and Glenn Filgate; a daughter, Sandra Filgate; a brother, Clarence Daniell; and two sisters, Bette Jane Barnes and Beverly McCann. Memorial information: In keeping with Marv’s final wishes, there are no formal funeral services scheduled. She will be buried later in the springtime in the family lot in Meeting House Hill Cemetery. Donations to the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Barbara Vosburgh Frappiea, 94, died peacefully Dec. 15, 2025, at Maplewood Nursing Home in Westmoreland, New Hampshire. She was born on September 6, 1931, in Bellows Falls, and graduated from Bellows Falls High School in 1949. She was a Terriers fan until the end. She married George F. Frappiea in June 1963, and worked in the food industry at Rockingham Memorial Hospital, the Westminster Restaurant, Windham College, Saxtons River Inn, and Westminster Center School. She received her LNA certification in the late 1970s and interned at Maplewood Nursing Home. She was a member of Pierce Lawton Unit #37, American Legion Auxiliary for 74 years, and held all Auxiliary offices over the years. She was a dedicated member of the Bellows Falls community. She is survived by her six children, Alan (Margie) Riendeau of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, Kenneth (Christine) Riendeau of Saxtons River, Judith Smith of Bellows Falls, Timothy Riendeau of Bellows Falls, Carol Smith of Westminster, and Gail Foster of Bellows Falls. She is also survived by her 10 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. She was predeceased by her husband in 1990, her parents, T. Harold and Clara Vosburgh, her brother and sister-in-law, Charles and Marion Vosburgh, her son-in-laws, George A. Smith and William “TJ” Smith, and grandson Daniel Riendeau. Memorial information: A funeral service was held Dec. 21 at Fenton & Hennessey Funeral Home in Bellows Falls, with burial at Oak Hill Cemetery. Donations to Pierce Lawton Unit #37 American Legion Auxiliary Scholarship Fund, c/o Alicia Roberts, 42 Rockingham St., Bellows Falls, VT 05101.
• Steven James “Stevie” Fusco, 56, of Marlboro. Died peacefully Dec. 13, 2025, in the hospice room at Grace Cottage Hospital following a brief period of declining health. Steve was born Feb. 20, 1969, in Hartford, Connecticut, the son of Thomas and Patricia (Call) Fusco. He attended the former Francis Hicks School in Brattleboro and graduated from Brattleboro Union High School, Class of 1991. For almost 25 years, he had been employed as a supply clerk for McDonald’s Restaurant in Brattleboro. In his spare time he enjoyed model trains, remote control cars, traveling with his parents, and time-shared boating on Lake Champlain during the summer months. Steve’s favorite time of the year was the Christmas season. He enjoyed all the festivities, listening to Christmas carols and all the joy this special time of the year offered. Steve was especially close to his parents, who for many years were his caregivers. His mother and father dedicated their lives in caring for him, providing a safe and loving home. Survivors include his father, several cousins and second cousins, as well as many wonderful neighbors and friends. He was predeceased by his mother, Pat, who died Jan. 7, 2024. Memorial information: Committal services in Williamsville Cemetery will be conducted later in the springtime where he will be laid to rest next to his mother. Donations to Grace Cottage Hospital, P.O. Box 216, Townshend, VT 05353. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Kai George, 83, of Putney. Died peacefully in her home Dec. 16, 2025, with her family by her side. Kai’s achievements and rich experiences could fill a book. As anyone who met her recognized, the qualities that made Kai so special were her love of life, her generous spirit, and her desire to connect with everyone she met, from young children to elders. Over the last 24 months, as a glioblastoma brain tumor gradually took away her ability to do many of the things she had enjoyed throughout her life, she delighted in time shared with friends and family. Those who knew her from earlier times saw a person who combined these qualities with remarkable abilities ranging from cooking, gardening, singing, playing guitar, and piano, knitting, and much more — all of which she seemed to do effortlessly. Although she was prodigiously talented, she was exceedingly humble — always showing much more interest in the lives of her friends and family than her own notable achievements. Kai was born Karen Jean Lowen on July 30, 1942, in Brockport, New York, the first child of Rev. M. DeForest “Dee” Lowen and Thelma Orchidea (Johnson) Lowen. Her immigrant “Mormor,” four aunts, and two cousins created a warm community around her, celebrating Swedish holidays with joy and devotion. Kai lived in Utica, New York, during her elementary school years. In eighth grade, her family moved to Ridgewood, New Jersey, and she graduated from Ridgewood High School in 1960. She attended Earlham College for two years before marrying Malcolm “Mac” George on June 30, 1962, in her father’s American Baptist church in Ridgewood. The newlyweds moved to San Francisco, where Mac began his architectural career and Kai attended San Francisco State University, receiving a B.A. in elementary education. Kai began her career teaching elementary school in the turbulent 1960s in Berkeley. In her first teaching job out of school, Kai supported her Black students as they faced protesters opposed to busing laws that brought them to her school. Kai took time away from teaching when her first child, Randy, was born in 1969. The young family traveled in Europe for several months in 1971. After their second child, Kirstin, was born, Kai and Mac left the Bay Area and city life to begin a new chapter in rural Midcoast Maine in 1973. It was there in the town of Montville that Kai and Mac put down roots and lived for the next 36 years. Kai formed some of her deepest, most enduring friendships there. She gracefully integrated being a devoted mom with building a house in the woods, growing a significant portion of her family’s food, and becoming an integral part of the Waldo County community. Soon Kai found herself going back to teaching, first as a childbirth educator (which she did for nearly 20 years), then as the director of the local Adult Basic Education program. In 1981 she returned to teaching elementary school full-time. In 1989 Kai created the Multi-Aged Integrated Learning Environment (MILE) program at Walker Elementary School in Liberty, Maine. Beginning with MILE One for 5- to 8-year-olds and soon extending to MILE Two for 8- to 11-year-olds, this pioneering initiative was centered around Kai’s deep belief in meeting every student where they were, regardless of their age, and building holistic learning communities that explored exciting themes (e.g., Maine animals) while learning the traditional subjects. She was widely recognized for her excellence as an educator and had the pleasure of teaching many children whose parents knew Kai as their childbirth teacher and in some cases as their first grade teacher! In 1996, Bill Clinton awarded her the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Education. She was flown to the White House to receive this honor from Hillary Clinton. When the first of Kai’s four grandchildren was born in 2004, she retired from teaching and became a devoted and delighted grandparent. When her twin grandchildren were born in India in 2014, she traveled there for two months to help care for the babies. She shared her love of the natural world with all her grandchildren. Kai took her “barnbarns” on many adventures, including hiking, canoeing, camping, attending circus yoga camps, and much more. All four of this next generation considered their Farmor/Mormor to be like a third parent and friend. Kai moved from Maine to Putney, Vermont in September 2009, following Mac’s death that spring. In her new community, Kai developed many close friendships. She was a tutor and nature educator at the Putney Central School, worked shifts at the Community Center food shelf, was on the board of the Putney Mountain Association, sang in the River Singers Chorus, and won the award for most classes attended in one month at the local yoga studio. She enjoyed sharing her love of vegetable gardening with her neighbors at Putney Commons and created beautiful flower gardens there. Throughout Kai’s life, she made time to travel overseas, often with friends and sometimes as a volunteer. She also prioritized immersing herself in wild places with Mac and other friends: up mountain trails, on pristine lakes, and along the coast of Maine. Knitting and sewing for loved ones was a source of great pleasure, as was making nourishing, delicious food. She was well known for her ability to host guests in her beauty-filled homes while simultaneously, and seemingly without effort, cooking a fabulous meal. Kai accepted her terminal diagnosis with equanimity and without fear or regret. Instead, she continued to express wonder and appreciation for the natural world and her loved ones. Toward the end of her life, as Kai began to need more assistance, this supreme giver was finally able to receive care from dozens of friends and family near and far, new and old. Local friends visited and assisted her daily. Maine friends whom she’d known for 50 years came to stay with her every few weeks over these last two years. Kai left this world with the same grace with which she lived her life. Even in her final days, Kai never lost her infectious smile and love for everyone. She lives on as an inspiration to all who knew and loved her. Kai is survived by son Randy George and daughter-in-law Eliza Cain of Moretown; daughter Kirstin Edelglass and son-in-law William Edelglass of Marlboro; granddaughters Maia George of Burlington and Solveig George of Beverly, Massachusetts; grandchildren Jasmine and Sarah Edelglass of Marlboro; brother Neal Lowen of Oakland, California; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her brother Eric Lowen. Memorial information: A memorial celebration is being planned for April 4 in southern Vermont. Donations to the Putney Mountain Association (putneymountain.org) or the Community Asylum Seekers Project (caspvt.org).
• Arthur Ben Guerrero, 69, of Stamford, Connecticut. Died from complications of cancer on Oct. 25, 2025. Known as Ben, Benny, or Arthur, he was a son of the late Barbara Haley Smith and Pedro E. Guerrero. He grew up in a world shaped by art and imagination, and lived for many years in New Canaan, Connecticut. Ben was a man of tremendous heart and many talents. His children say he was born with a superpower: the ability to make anything. He painted, illustrated, and cartooned with ease. He was a writer, local historian, builder, remodeler, five-string banjo player, self-described collector, public speaker, music lover, classic-car enthusiast, harmonizer, and a smart dresser. He was a baker — of birthday cakes and bread — and a maker — of clothes, dolls, furniture, and jewelry. He was also hilarious. Both children inherited his creativity and sense of humor. Ben’s connection to Vermont was lifelong. The Guerrero family skied at Stratton Mountain in the 1960s and stayed at the Londonderry Inn. In 1970, Ben skipped a full year of phys. ed. at New Canaan High School. Rather than have him make it up, his parents sent him to the more forgiving Putney School. There he found deeply held friendships that lasted a lifetime. For 14 years, he worked for Newsbank in Chester in the New Canaan office. During one visit to Chester, he needed a sitter for his children and invited sister Barbara along. He said “come, you can meet that guy your friend told you about.” It was then that Barbara met her future husband, Charlie Marchant of Townshend. Ben had several careers, but it was after helping his father recover from major surgery that he found his true calling and became a nurse. His last job was as Assistant Director of Nursing at Silver Hill Hospital in New Canaan. His colleagues described him as a man whose “kindness, professionalism, and genuine compassion made him a beloved figure among colleagues and patients alike.” Ben is survived by his partner, Bridget Howe; his children, Alexander West Guerrero (Bea Mueller Guerrero) and Hannah Maria Guerrero (Justin Joffe); sisters Barbara Smith Guerrero (Charlie Marchant) and Susan Smith Guerrero (Mark Demmerle); his sister-in-law, Carmen Guerrero, and his father’s widow, Dixie Guerrero. He is also survived by Marianne Perry, first wife and the mother of his children; and Melissa Slattery, his second wife. His older brother, Peter Marc, died in 1998. Memorial information: A celebratory art show will be held at the New Canaan Museum and Historical Society at the end of January. Donations to the Lauren Fund at the Bennet Cancer Center at Stamford (Conn.) Hospital, Silver Hill Hospital in New Canaan or a charity of your choice.
• Martha Jean “Marty” Hoffmann, 89, of Townshend. Died Dec. 18, 2025, at Vernon Green Nursing Home. Martha was born Oct. 26, 1936, in Queens, New York, the daughter of Harold and Elizabeth (Moylan) Granholm. She was raised and educated in Queens and was a graduate of Mary Lou Academy, Class of 1954. A former resident of North Babylon, New York, with her family, she moved to Townshend in 1969. With her husband, she owned and operated Towns End Cottages located on Route 30 from 1969 to 1987. Martha also worked part-time for the Mary Meyer Toy Co., which was located next to their vacation cottages. A faithful and devoted wife and loving mother, her life centered around her family, church, and community. Martha was a dedicated volunteer at the Townshend Public Library for 25 years, was an active volunteer at Grace Cottage Hospital, served on the Townshend Elementary School Board, and helped with various town events, including the Red Cross blood drive, where she was a generous donor. A devout Catholic, she was a parishioner of Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church. Martha enjoyed sewing, needlepoint, painting, gardening, and quilting, and she finished many beautiful quilts. Most importantly, she cherished time spent with her family and friends. When Martha and Ken first retired, they enjoyed reuniting with friends from their early adulthood. “The Crew” enjoyed traveling to various locations through the country for many years. On May 31, 1958, at St. Clement Pope Church in Queens, she was married to Kenneth L. Hoffmann, who survives. Besides her husband of 68 years, she leaves her four children, Carl (Martha) of Leland, North Carolina, Eric (Karen) of Costa Mesa, California, Kenneth (Mercy) of Wendell, North Carolina, and Diane Bousquet (Brian) of Westminster; one brother, Eric Granholm (Carol) of Barefoot Bay, Florida; grandchildren Amanda, John, Phillip, and Isabella; and great-granddaughter, Robin. Additionally, she is survived by many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by five brothers, Anthony, Larry, Harold, R. David, and Jim Granholm; and a sister, Mary Rudolf. Memorial information: A funeral Mass will be held Saturday, Jan. 3, at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of the Valley Church in Townshend. Weather permitting, committal rites and burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery, followed by a celebration of life at the Newfane Inn. Donations to Grace Cottage Hospital, P.O. Box 216, Townshend, VT 05053; or to the Townshend Public Library, 1971 VT Route 30, Townshend, VT 05353. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Bette Jane Holt, 91, of Bellows Falls. Died peacefully at home, with family around her, Nov. 19, 2025. She was born July 5, 1934, in Bethlehem, New Hampshire, to Inez Quimby Norman and William Norman. Born and raised on a large farm, Bette developed an appreciation for self-sufficiency. During childhood she enjoyed picking berries and spending time outdoors. As a student at Bethlehem High School, Bette excelled in academics and enjoyed playing basketball and softball. Shortly after graduation in 1952, Bette married the love of her life, Lloyd Holt. The couple eventually settled in Rockingham, where they built a home, developed the land, and raised their children. Bette always had an abundant vegetable garden, sharing the bounty with family and friends. Bette and Lloyd shared a passion for ballroom dancing. Together, they learned the art and often spent weekends dancing at nearby venues. Following her husband’s sudden and tragic death in a work accident, Bette sought employment initially as an Avon representative and later for a local dentist, where she worked for many years. Bette was a devoted sports fan, cheering for the Red Sox and the Patriots through thick and thin. Though she loved New England, she had a notable dislike for winter, the only exception being the joy she found in feeding the birds and cooking. She enjoyed many trips throughout the Caribbean with friends. Bette also spent several weeks every summer camping at York Beach, Maine. Locally, Bette was a longtime member of the TOPS chapter. Bette had a keen eye for a bargain and enjoyed searching for treasures at local yard sales. Bette’s warmth, generosity, and strong spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew her. She leaves behind a legacy of love, hard work, and a life well-lived. Bette is survived by her children, Victor Holt, Bradley Holt, Steven Holt (Tanya), and Valerie Barry (Stephen); eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, her sister Laura Jean Cornell (Bob), and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Bette was predeceased by her husband, Lloyd; her grandson, Daniel; and an infant daughter, Debra Lee. Memorial information: A celebration of Bette Holt’s life will be announced and held in the spring. Donations to the Springfield Humane Society or to the Bellows Falls Area Senior Center.
• Anne Elizabeth “Libby” Howes, 70, of Brattleboro. Died Dec. 17, 2025, at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital. Family and friends were with her during the day. Members of the wonderfully compassionate staff of the hospital were with her when she died. Libby was born in Hartford, Connecticut on July 6, 1955, and raised in Birmingham, Michigan. Theater was her passion beginning in high school. She graduated from Abbot Academy in 1973, and attended the University of Michigan. In 1976, after conducting a week-long workshop at the university, the Wooster Group invited Libby to join them in New York City. Founded in 1975, the Wooster Group, which included actors Willem Dafoe and Spalding Gray, became known as one of the most radically experimental theater groups in the world. Libby collaborated in the development of, and performed as a principal in, the three early plays that first established the Group’s reputation — Rumstick Road, Sakonnet Point, and Nayatt School. It was during the 1981 production of Nayatt School that Libby experienced a psychotic break and was committed to a psychiatric hospital in New York City. She returned to Michigan where she received psychiatric treatment and was able to complete a bachelor’s degree at the University of Michigan in 1983. Reluctant to submit to treatment and medication, she chose to spend most of the rest of her life as her natural self. In her colorful, theatrical dress, she has been a familiar figure in Brattleboro for over 30 years. For most of those years, she was fortunate enough to own a house on South Main Street. She filled her days walking all over Brattleboro, reading The New York Times at the library, and playing the piano at the church. And for 30 years, she hiked all over Vermont, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts with her friends, Curtis Carroll and Joe Adamowicz. In her way, she was an avid environmentalist. Opposed to burning of fossil fuels, she turned off her boiler and lived without heat or running water. Over many years, Groundworks provided her with a place to bathe, wash clothes, and, in more recent years, to eat. As her house and her yard filled up with “collectibles” over the years, some saw a hoarder, but others understood it as a manifestation of her deep commitment to recycling. She loved nature and wildlife, and as her house deteriorated, she welcomed in raccoons, cats, and squirrels. Fiercely independent, when her house burned down in April, she chose, happily, to live in a tent provided by Centre Congregational Church. It was only during the bitterly cold days of late November, just weeks before she died, that she finally accepted shelter at Groundworks. Many, many people had tried to help Libby find a more comfortable life, but she chose to live as she did. She was happy, joyful, funny, playful, kind, and she never, ever complained. She lived on her own terms. Libby is survived by her sisters, Candace Howes (Hank Gilpin), Margaret Howes (Jonathan Barber), Priscilla Harris (Clint Harris), and her good friends Curtis Carroll and Joe Adamowicz. Memorial information: There will be a memorial service at Centre Congregational Church, 193 Main St., Brattleboro on Saturday, Jan. 3, at 2 p.m. followed by a reception at the church. Contributions can be made to Groundworks Collaborative, Centre Congregational Church, and Brooks Memorial Library. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Danny Lee Hutchins, 80, of Brattleboro. Died peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones, Dec. 12, 2025. Danny was born May 14, 1945, in Colchester, the son of Owen and Helen Hutchins Sr. A true jack-of-all-trades, he spent his life working with both his hands and his mind, never afraid of hard work or new challenges. Danny’s many occupations included well-driller, machine engineer for paper mills, builder, self-employed contractor, and the superintendent overseeing bridge construction projects throughout New England. His final and most meaningful chapter of work was traveling throughout the country, building log homes alongside the love of his life, Joyce. Though officially retired, Danny never truly stopped working. Danny was a life member of the Elks and the VFW Auxiliary. He was also a member of the American Legion and the Fraternal Order of Eagles (F.O.E.). He was deeply proud of his large extended family and shared special relationships with many relatives and close friends. Danny was admired by countless people for his skill, work ethic, and generous spirit. Hunting, fishing, and time spent with family were among Danny’s greatest joys. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. He is survived by the love of his life of 32 years, Joyce Sheltra Hillis, whom he married on May 7, 2015; his brothers, Owen Hutchins Jr. of Vernon and Jack Hutchins of Newfane, his sister, Elaine Greenwood of Brattleboro; his children, Kelly Maloney of New Hampshire, LeShea Hillis (David) of North Carolina, and Christopher Baxter (Michelle) of Vermont; his cherished grandchildren, Bryan Jr., Danielle, Kylea, Jacob, Braxtyn, Tinsleigh, Maddox, Kason, Anthony, and Jayce. Along with many, close extended family members, friends; and his former wife, Joy (Ezequelle) Hutchins. Danny was predeceased by his parents; his brothers, Raymond and Glen Hutchins; and his sisters, Virginia Howard, Brenda Hatt, Monica Morris, and Nancy Farrell and grandson, Cole Lee Baxter. Memorial information: A celebration of life will be held in the spring. Donations to VFW Auxiliary National Headquarters, Attn: Cancer Grants, 406 West 34th St., 10th Floor, Kansas City, MO 64111.
• Sarah Jane Jones, 70, died on Dec. 20, 2025. She was born May 13, 1955, in Springfield, Vermont, to Louise M. Billings Jones and Clinton J. Jones Sr. Sarah is survived by one sister, Linda Sprague (Curtis) of West Brattleboro, and one brother, Gilbert Jones (Donna) of Vernon. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Sarah is also survived by her cherished caregivers Sally and Kirk Crosby, whom she has resided with for the last 26 years of her life. Sarah was predeceased by her parents, sisters Mavis Swartley and Lois Purrington, and brothers Clinton Jones Jr., Philip Jones, and John Paul Jones. Sarah was a person with Down syndrome. She was speech impaired, hearing impaired, and childlike in nature, and was so full of energy and love. There was not a person she met that she didn’t befriend. Some of Sarah’s favorite pastimes were singing, even though her speech was impaired. It never deterred her. And she could she dance! She loved Michael Jackson and she could moonwalk with the best of them. Her biggest asset was her love for people. Sarah Jane will be greatly missed by all who crossed her path. Memorial information: Calling hours are Wednesday, Jan. 7, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Phaneuf Funeral Home in Brattleboro. Burial and a short service will be held Thursday, Jan. 8, at 11 a.m. at North Cemetery in Vernon, followed by a celebration of Sarah’s life at Mountain View SDA Church, 1002 Fort Bridgman Rd., Vernon. Donations to Special Olympics Vermont, 16 Gregory Dr. #2, South Burlington, VT 05403, specialolympicsvermont.org/give.
• Jennifer Marie “Gigi” Peduzzi, 55, of Brattleboro. Died unexpectedly Dec. 1, 2025. A lifelong resident of the area, Gigi was born in Brattleboro June 10, 1970, the daughter of Leonard and Janet (Eurich) Peduzzi. She is survived by her mother and siblings, Stephanie and Rico (Isabel) Peduzzi; plus the loves of her life, her children, Nick (Cheavon), Philip (Bryn) and Sophia Peduzzi-Nelson; and her grandchildren, Olivia, Liliana, Evelyn, and Leo Peduzzi. Additionally she leaves many cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. Gigi was predeceased by her father, her eldest son, Jordan, and Jere Nelson, the father to her children. She was a deeply caring and compassionate person who touched the lives of many. Gigi was loved and will be deeply missed. Of her leisure time activities, Gigi enjoyed nature, flowers, gardening and held a special fondness for dogs. She loved her children and time shared with her family. Memorial information: A celebration of life church service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 3, at 1 p.m. at Vernon Advent Christian Church, 455 Fort Bridgman Rd. Interment will take place in the springtime. Donations to Turning Point of Windham County, 31 Elm St., Brattleboro, VT 05301; or to the Len Peduzzi Vernon Recreation Scholarship Fund (to be used for the children in need), 567 Governor Hunt Rd., Vernon, VT 05354. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Kevin D. Putnam, 59, of Springfield, Vermont. Died Dec. 15, 2025, at the Jack Byrne Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire. He was born Dec. 29, 1965, to David and Janet (Cavanagh) Putnam in Brattleboro. Kevin worked for Six Red Marbles for 38 years. He was able to work his way up through the company and enjoyed a very meaningful career. He was a trade team manager, servicing book publishers like Hachette, Penguin, Random House, Scholastic, and others, taking their manuscripts to their production team in India where they composed the pages into print books or e-books, He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He also was a mushroom connoisseur and loved hunting for them. Kevin truly loved the outdoors, that’s where he felt God and talked with Him the most. He had the same hunting buddies and trips every year faithfully. He was also very involved with the Remix Church in Charlestown, New Hampshire. He loved his church family and affected many people he came in contact with. He started to get involved with anti-human trafficking missions and really desired to help children affected in this way. On Oct. 20, 2017, Kevin married Lisa Wing Macie. It was a love that was so strong because of their love for Jesus. They soon realized they had been blessed with an incredible family they loved dearly through their union. Kevin loved being a papa, and together, they had 13 grandbabies. It was a foundation in life for Kevin. His children and grandchildren meant so much to him. Kevin is survived by his wife, Lisa Putnam; his mother, Janet Putnam; his children: Hannah Putnam, Tyler Putnam, Dane Sengaloun-Homsab, Jessica Farnsworth, Nicholas Macie, Samantha Chaudhry, Madeline Macie, Marley Macie, and Natalie Macie; his brother, Craig Putnam; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. He is predeceased by his father, David Putnam. Memorial information: A memorial service was held Dec. 27 at Remix Church in Charlestown.
• Lisa Marie Shepard, 59, of Brattleboro. Died peacefully Dec. 20, 2025, at the Jack Byrne Center for palliative care in Lebanon, New Hampshire. Lisa was born June 7, 1966, at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital to Lawrence and Wanda (Tracey) Shepard. She was the youngest of five children: Diane, Stewart, Bruce and Timothy. Lisa grew up on South Main Street in Brattleboro and graduated from Brattleboro Union High School in 1984. She also received her degree in business administration from Community College of Vermont. In 1988, Lisa welcomed her first son, Joel, into the family. Six years later, in 1994, she welcomed another son, Jason. Lisa had many jobs in her life, the longest was working for the Brattleboro Reformer as a delivery clerk. She, Joel, and Jason worked together and delivered newspapers up until the end of 2007. Lisa loved flowers and would often make arrangements for family and friends and special events. She loved hunting and fishing and was always her boys’ biggest cheerleader for all they did. She had a big heart for animals and loved all her pets immensely. She enjoyed taking vacations, especially to the beach. She loved Wells, Maine. She took many trips with her family. She enjoyed making treasured memories with her family and actively participating in many activities with her sons, including becoming a Cub Scout leader for her son, Joel. She also enjoyed equine events. She and the boys would show their horse, Sissy, in events around the area. If there was anything she loved more than her boys and her pets, it was her grandbabies. She welcomed her first granddaughter, Kaylee, in 2010, her first grandson, Troy, in 2012, and another granddaughter, Emmaleigh, in 2017. In 2019, Lisa met the love of her life, Mark Nicholson, of Bethel. She moved to Bethel in 2020 and loved having a large and gorgeous place to host family parties, holidays, and sleepovers with her grandchildren. She and Mark adopted two beautiful border collies named Dot and Audry that she cherished very much. Lisa was a big supporter for her family and would do anything to care for her sons with whatever they might need. She is survived by her mother; her sister, Diane (Terry) Lake; brothers, Stewart, Bruce, and Timothy (Rose Robare) Shepard; her sons, Joel (Erica) Shepard and Jason Shepard; grandchildren Kaylee, Troy, and Emmaleigh; along with many nieces and nephews, uncles, and aunts. Lisa is predeceased by her father, Lawrence Shepard. Memorial information: Calling hours will be held Friday, Jan. 9, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Atamaniuk Funeral Home, 40 Terrace St., Brattleboro, with a celebration of life to follow in the spring at her home in Bethel. Donations to Kosipaws Rescue at Kosipawsrescue.com. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• David Thomas Sohoski, 80, of Hinsdale, New Hampshire. Died unexpectedly at his home Dec. 16, 2025. David was born Dec. 22, 1944, in Norristown, Pennsylvania, the son of Stanley and Theresa (Sniegowski) Sohoski. He was raised and educated in Norristown, where he graduated from Upper Merion High School, Class of 1962. He went on to proudly serve his nation in the Army, entering active service in 1965, and was stationed and saw action in Vietnam. David was wounded while attempting to save the life of a fellow member in his platoon while under attack. He was honorably discharged from active service on June 17, 1967, at the rank of specialist fourth class and was awarded a special commendation medal for his valor and unwavering bravery while serving. Upon his return home, David attended the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and later earned his bachelor’s from Bryn Mawr College. David worked for 17 years for Hewlett-Packard and later established his own landscape business in Norristown. He also owned and operated his own café, The Baker’s Loaf, located in Bedford, Pennsylvania. After moving to Hinsdale, he went to work as a salesman for the former Lorenz Honda dealership in Greenfield, Massachusetts, which he retired from in 2009. Of his leisure time activities, he enjoyed keeping physically fit and especially liked to ride his bicycle, completing a long-distance trip from Texas to Florida. He also enjoyed camping and loved watching people. A proud American, David will be remembered for his optimism, excellent work ethic, spirit of friendship, and wonderful sense of humor. While employed at Lorenz Honda, he met and sold a car to his future soulmate, Janell Cole. Six weeks later, they were married in Las Vegas at the Graceland Wedding Chapel on Sept. 19, 2004. Besides his loving and faithful wife of 21 years, he leaves two special cousins, Maryann Kozikowski and Dorothy Swedkowski; and grandchildren Ashley Magunson, Raven and Christopher Tirrell, and Keya Tucker. He was predeceased by a brother, Joseph Sohoski, and a sister, Martha Biddy. Memorial information: A memorial gathering for family and friends will be held at a future date and time to be announced. Donations to Ruck-Up, 105 Maple Ave., Keene, NH 03431 (ruck-up.org). To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Dwayne Robert Walker, 59, of Brattleboro. Died peacefully in the place he adored most on earth, his home, on Dec. 15, 2025. Dwayne was born Nov. 13, 1966, in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, to George Harvey Walker and Wylma Bradley. He lived all over the country before finally landing in Vermont and making Brattleboro his home. Dwayne lived a life of adventures, some of which happened only in his soul. He was a man of art. His days were spent wordsmithing, writing, dancing, drawing, singing, and cooking with experimental blends of spices. He had happy, high spirits and attracted people to himself with his infectious smile and constant upbeat refrains. Dwayne battled demons, but he refused to let those demons win. Out of deep love for his family, he chose to remain apart from them, preferring that they be allowed to maintain a picture of him that was truly delightful. Throughout Dwayne’s life, he prioritized goodness, joy, and character. He saw the good in everyone around him. He led with love and trust, and intentionally refused to cast judgment on another — always searching for the diamond in the rough. Dwayne was preceded in death by his father, and his brother, Tyrone Walker. He is survived by his mother, of Austin, Texas; his sister, Tanya Walker-McIntyre; his daughter Coley Yazmyne Walker of Atlanta, Georgia; his grandchildren Marquis, Safiya, and Ph’Nyx; and the countless lives he touched with his kind smile and generous life. Dwayne was a firm believer in karma and intentionally put good into the world. He believed that that good returned to him in the form of dogs. His spirit will continue on in his friends and family, and he will make himself known in every friendly dog in town. Memorial information: A celebration of Dwayne’s life is being planned. In lieu of flowers, donate to the Windham County Humane Society, make art with a friend, smile at a stranger, and strive to be a little better each day.
• Ronald G. Wetherby, 78, of Brattleboro. Died Dec.12, 2025, at Linda Manor Extended Care Facility in Leeds, Massachusetts, with family by his side. Ron was born Aug. 6, 1947, in Bellows Falls to Doris “Dottie” and Carmi “Jake” Wetherby. He was a graduate of Brattleboro Union High School. After graduation, Ron joined the Army and became a member of the famed Green Berets. His military duty sent him to the Vietnam War. Ron was a longtime member of the VFW and American Legion in Brattleboro; his Green Beret is on display at American Legion Post 5. He was proud to be a member of the VFW Post 1034 Color Guard, where he attended parades and special events. He was an active and proud member of the Vermont Army National Guard in Enosburg Falls while living in northern Vermont. As a young man, he developed a love for motorcycles and owned various bikes throughout the years. He also enjoyed fishing with anyone who wanted to go with him. Ron had many friends and had a big heart. Anyone who knew him would say the same thing. One of his joys of northern Vermont was going to the June Dairy Day Festival in Enosburg Falls and meeting up with his many friends. In the 1990s, you would find Ron at the BUHS football games as a volunteer chain gang member. He did this duty for many years and enjoyed it tremendously. Ron is survived by his siblings, Frank and Pat Wetherby, Cheryl Johnson, Homer and Nadene Wetherby, Arnold Wetherby, and Melinda and Steve Sholes; daughter Sonia Marie Wetherby; his stepdaughters Michelle and Jackie Beswick; granddaughter Kloe; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, his wife Laurel, his sister-in-law Mary, and nephew Shane. Memorial information: There will be no formal funeral service. A celebration of life will be held at VFW Post 1034 in Brattleboro at a date to be determined by the family. Donations in Ron’s memory can be made to the VFW Post 1034 or American Legion Post 5 in Brattleboro, or The Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Rd, Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
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