College news
• Maria Carfora of Brattleboro and Evan Fitzpatrick of Jacksonville were named to the fall 2025 Dean’s List at Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Connecticut.
• Kali Taylor of Brattleboro was named to the fall 2025 Dean’s List at Regis College in Weston, Massachusetts.
• Georgia Bristol of Dummerston, Liliana Carignan of Brattleboro, and Cameron Gage of Putney were named to the fall 2025 Dean’s List at Springfield (Mass.) College.
• Sean Alexander of East Dummerston was named to the fall 2025 President’s List at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.
• Jaden Conkling of Brattleboro was named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2025 semester at Nazareth University in Rochester, New York.
• Hunter Demarco of Saxtons River was named to the fall 2025 Dean’s List at Assumption University in Worcester, Massachusetts.
• Carson Clark of Bellows Falls was named to the fall 2025 Dean’s List at Nichols College in Dudley, Massachusetts.
Obituaries
• Patricia Theodoropoulos Brown, 75, of Newfane. Died Jan. 13, 2026, after a brief battle with medical complications from cancer. She was surrounded by her two sons and husband. Patty was born March 2, 1950, in Springfield, Massachusetts, to Sam and Ana Theodoropoulos. She was active from a young age in the Greek Orthodox Church. She grew up in Springfield with her extended family, where she attended local schools. After high school, she moved to Vermont and started working at the Brattleboro Retreat while studying nursing at Greenfield Community College. She went on to devote her life to helping people with addiction and dependency. This path allowed her to follow her dream and pursue a nursing career of 45 years as an RN. At the Retreat, she was highly regarded by both staff and patients. Affectionately nicknamed “Bratty Patty” and “Princess Patty,” it was hard to know which was more fitting. She served on the board of the Women’s Freedom Center and volunteered at the Windham County Humane Society. Over the years, Patty developed a large “family” of friends, including her “coven” of retired nurses and coworkers from her Retreat days and, most recently, the Newfane poker widows and friends from Rock Voices. Her warm laugh and engaging smile could make even a stranger feel like a friend. Patty cherished her home, where she was happy curled up on the couch reading a book or watching a movie and always surrounded by a cat or dog. She loved spending summers in coastal Maine. After retirement, she enjoyed a few once-in-a-lifetime trips, even traveling to Greece to her father’s hometown. Her favorite trips were to Washington to see her beloved grandson, Finley. Left to cherish the memories of Patty’s remarkable presence are her husband, David, sons Nathan and Andrew, daughter-in-law Shelby, and grandson Finley. She is also survived by her cousins Peter and Eleni Hassiotis, Karen O’Leary and husband Chris, niece and nephew Stephanie and Ryan O’Leary, sister-in-law Susan AuBuchon and husband James, as well as her niece Khara Benoit and daughter Summit. Memorial information: Friends and family are invited to a Celebration of Life on Sunday, Feb. 8, at 2 p.m, at The Newfane Inn, 4 Court St. Donations to the Grace Cottage Foundation, P.O. Box 1, Townshend, VT 05353, and the Women’s Freedom Center, P.O. Box 933, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Grant Spaulding Crandall, 37, of Brattleboro. Died unexpectedly Jan. 3, 2026. Grant was born in Brattleboro on September 13, 1988, the son of John and Joni (Spaulding) Crandall. He was raised and educated in Brattleboro, graduating from Brattleboro Union High School with the Class of 2007. More recently, he attended the Vermont Police Academy in Pittsford, graduating with Class No. 117. Grant was the recipient of the Best Driver Award issued at the time of his graduation. He joined the Brattleboro Police Department and was employed as a patrol officer. Previously, he drove a truck for Zaluzny Excavating in Vernon and was a route driver for the SecurShred Company, servicing accounts in the greater Brattleboro/Keene area. An avid outdoorsman, Grant enjoyed hunting, fishing, four wheeling, and riding his motorcycle. Most importantly, he cherished time with his family, especially his children. He especially loved building things with his daughter, Emma. Survivors include his wife, Krystal (Merithew) Crandall of Newfane; his children, Rocky Crandall, Emma Crandall, and step-daughter, Kendra Williams; his parents of Brattleboro; his brother, Ryan Crandall (Megan) of Belchertown, Massachusetts. and their children, Ava and Leo; his sister, Ashley Crandall of Brattleboro and her son, Austin; his father-in-law, James Merithew of Brattleboro; and several aunts, uncles and cousins. He was predeceased by his mother-in-law, Laura Merithew, and his maternal and paternal grandparents. Memorial information: A memorial service will be held Saturday, Jan. 31, at 11 a.m. at First Congregational Church in West Brattleboro. A reception will follow at American Legion Post 5 on Linden Street. Donations to Chasing Zero (chasingzero22.com), or the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Judith Choate Flower, 88, died peacefully Jan. 20, 2026. A psychologist, community leader, and devoted mother and grandmother, she was born May 30, 1937, in Irvington, New Jersey. Judith dedicated her life to service — professionally, civically, and within her family. In 1983, she moved to Vermont, where she became deeply engaged in mental health care and public service. Judith was a co-founder of the Brattleboro Pastoral Counseling Center, helping expand access to compassionate, faith-informed mental health services. Her work reflected a lifelong commitment to supporting individuals and families through life’s challenges with dignity, insight, and hope. She also served her community through public office, spending 12 years on the Jamaica Selectboard, where she was respected for her thoughtful leadership, fairness, and dedication to the town’s well-being. A lifelong learner, Judith earned her undergraduate degree from Douglass College, majoring in Health and Physical Education. She went on to receive an M.S. in Clinical Psychology from Southern Connecticut State College, and completed a Doctor of Psychology degree at Antioch University. Judith is survived by her husband, Edward Emil Flower Jr., her sons, Mark Flower and Jonathan Flower, as well as four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Memorial information: A service was held Jan. 24 at Newfane Congregational Church. Donations to Newfane Congregational Church, P.O. Box 27, Newfane, VT 05345. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Sarah Rose Kotkov, 77, of Guilford. Died at Thompson House Jan. 4, 2026, following a period of declining health. Sarah was born in New York City in 1948, the daughter of Jesse Hemley and Frances (Radtke) Hemley. She was raised in Manhattan, attending Marymount School. Later she attended New York University, where she received her B.A. in English literature. Sarah went on to earn a master’s in dance education at Columbia University. She was an active board member of Friends of Music at Guilford and belonged to the local mineralogical society. She enjoyed singing with the Brattleboro Concert Choir. She was married to Frank Kotkov, who survives. Sarah loved ballet classes and teachers, helping friends and anyone she met. She would often walk up to strangers and engage them in lengthy conversation. Being of an analytical and witty mind, she loved NPR, classical music, poetry, science, and all The New York Times crossword puzzles. Besides her devoted husband of 53 years, she leaves her brother, Frederick Hemley of Easthampton, Massachusetts, and a brother-in-law, Ralph Kotkov and his wife, Fran Kotkov, of East Hampton, New York. Memorial information: In keeping with her wishes, a private graveside service will take place in the spring when Christ Church Cemetery reopens. Donations to the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302; or Interaction, P.O. Box 6008, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Edmund R. “Bunnum” LaFlamme Sr., 94, of Brattleboro. Died Jan. 7, 2026, at Pine Heights nursing home. A lifelong resident of Brattleboro, he was raised in the Fort Dummer section of town, attending public schools. He graduated from Brattleboro High School with the Class of 1949, where he lettered in baseball during his junior and senior years. In September 1949, he enlisted in the Marine Corps. He served during the Korean War, participating in the amphibious landing on Inchon and the liberation of Seoul in September 1950, and the battle at Chosin Reservoir in North Korea in December 1950, when the Chinese Communist Army entered the war. He was honorably discharged from active service in 1952, attaining the rank of staff sergeant. Upon returning home, he worked in construction and assisted with the building of Interstate 91. For 22 years, he was employed at American Stratford in Brattleboro as a journeyman printer. He later worked at the Brattleboro Post Office, which he retired from following 22 years of faithful service. Active civically, he coached baseball at the Small Fry, Little League, Babe Ruth, and American Legion levels for several years, producing many winning teams. He was known for his excellent coaching skills. Bunnum enjoyed all sports, especially baseball, and was an avid hunter. Survivors include three sons, Peter and his wife Mary Beth and their children, Cody and Kara, of Eagle Bridge, New York; Stanley and his wife Arlene of Dade City, Florida, their children, Stephany (and son Scottie) and Kyle (and son Sullivan) of Clayton, North Carolina; and great-grandchildren Scottie, Sullivan, and Jeffrey. He also leaves three nephews, Clayton “Bob” Grover of Brattleboro, and Teddy and Tony Noga of Northfield, Massachusetts; and a niece, Carol Ann Seccord of Gill, Massachusetts. He was predeceased by a son, Edmund Jr.; two brothers, Norman and Charles (both proud Marines); and two sisters, Mildred Grover and Marion Noga. Memorial information: In keeping with his final wishes, there are no formal funeral services or calling hours. Burial in St. Michael’s Parish Cemetery will be at the convenience of the family. Donations to the American Cancer Society, Vermont Chapter, P.O. Box 1070, Williston, VT 05495. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Raymond Long, 97, of Putney. Died Dec. 15, 2025. Born on July 19, 1928 in Cleveland, Ohio, he was the eldest son of immigrant parents, William Leslie Long, a decorated World War I veteran from Gloucester, England, and Margaret Agnes Keider of Monok, Hungary. He was predeceased by his wife, Cynthia, his best friend/brother, Herbert (Joan) Long, and two nephews, Leslie Long and Chris Lyons. He is survived by his daughter, Kathy (Ken) Rugg of Billerica, Massachusetts, and their children, Andrew, Alison (Eric), Colin and Emma; and daughter, Cheryl (Rusty) Struthers of Putney, and their children, Taylor (Stef), Haley (Adam) Makely, Ryan (Makayla) and Abigail. He is also survived by his three great-granddaughters, Emerson June, Willow Cynthia, and Lena Grace; one sister-in-law, Maureen Lyons Butler of Greenfield, Massachusetts, and brother-in-law, John Lyons of New Hampshire; four nephews, Scott, Barry, Kevin, and Doug; and six nieces, Karen, Judy, Beth, Melissa, Erin, and Kelly. Ray was the loving husband of Cynthia (Lyons) Long whom he met on a blind date when his buddy begged him to fill in at the last minute. Within six months, Ray proposed and they were married at Our Lady of Mercy in Putney on Sept. 15, 1962. They lived in Cleveland, Ohio, for 11 years before moving to their permanent home in Putney. They were married for 48 years until Cindy’s death in 2010. Baseball was always important to Ray. In his youth, when he wasn’t catching doubleheaders of the Cleveland Indians, he was playing baseball with his brother and kids from the neighborhood. He was at Games 4 and 5 the last time the Indians won a World Series in 1948. One of his treasured memories was watching legendary pitcher Bob Feller, who made his debut on Ray’s eighth birthday. In his later years, Ray enjoyed his Major League Baseball subscription. He watched every Cleveland game and could tell you statistics and standings like a pro. Ray had a lifelong dream to become a disc jockey. The closest he came was on Saturday mornings from 8 to noon at WDOR, when legendary DJ Howie Lund invited him to bring his new records down to the station and played them on air. His passion for Big Band music showed through in his collection of CDs, autographed records, and concert programs, and his ability to navigate Spotify to play his favorite music. Two of his favorite memories were his concert program signed by Louis Armstrong and seeing Count Basie perform live in Putney. Ray loved growing vegetables in his garden at his home in Putney. He got his green thumb and passion for gardening as a youngster in Cleveland. He proudly showed off the ribbons he earned as a teenager from when he grew vegetables at his community Victory Garden during World War II. There was even a photograph in the newspaper of him in the garden with a big smile on his face. He was a family man and a hard worker all his life, working for Nabisco and Square D in Cleveland, and then The Book Press in Brattleboro. He enjoyed his retirement years, reading the newspaper daily, watching the birds out of his window, and even going on a road trip to New Orleans with Cindy and dear friends. In his later years, he was able to continue living at home into his 90s with the help of his favorite caregiver Debbie Phelps, his daughter, Cheryl, and son-in-law Rusty and their children. In 2021, he moved into Thompson House where he was cared for lovingly and compassionately by everyone there until his death. At Thompson House, he loved attending Bingo twice a week, attending Mass and praying the rosary with the rosary group, listening to all of the live musical entertainment performances, and having a Budweiser every night before bedtime. He served as vice-president and then president of the resident council for many terms and requested things such as more outings and stuffed peppers on the menu. Ray loved receiving postcards from around the world and displayed them on his wall along with cards and letters and drawings from many people. He spoke fondly of all the visits from friends and family, the children of staff and his own children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. During the last few years of his life, it was hard for him to leave the nursing home, but he had occasional picnics with family. One of his last family gatherings was attending his grandson Ryan’s wedding in Putney. Ray was an extremely loving person who was fiercely proud of his family and all their accomplishments. His great sense of humor and generous spirit will be greatly missed by his family and all who loved him. Memorial information: A funeral Mass and burial will take place in late spring. Donations to Putney Community Cares, 54 Kimball Hill, Putney, VT 05346, (putney-community-cares.org), or to the activities department at Thompson House, 80 Maple St., Brattleboro, VT 05301 (thompsonhouse.info). To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Charles Bruce “Chuck” MacFarland, 70, died at home Jan. 12, 2026, after a heartbreaking and dizzying battle with Parkinson’s Disease and Lewy Body Dementia. Chuck was born June 30, 1956, in Townshend, the youngest child of Douglas Andrew and Beatrice (Shine) MacFarland. He grew up in Newfane and attended Brattleboro Union High School, graduating in 1973. He worked for a year before attending Brown University. He loved his time at Brown, earning a B.A. in political science in 1978 and making lifelong friends. Chuck met his wife and love of his life, Jane (Howe), when her family moved to Newfane in 1967. They began dating during high school and married in August 1978 in Wardsboro. For the first year of their marriage, they lived in Freeport, New York, while Jane finished graduate school, before settling in Rhode Island where they eventually began their family. Meghan was born in 1983 and Brit in 1986. In November 1985, they found their permanent home in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. Chuck was a truly devoted family man and loved being so. He was a coach for Brit’s team in the Woodlawn Little League, he supported Meghan’s theatrical endeavors, and was endlessly and consistently supportive of both children, confident they could do or be whatever they wanted. He also loved being part of his larger family, keeping in touch with his Vermont roots with regular trips north. In 2003, Chuck and Jane took on stewardship of Chuck’s maternal family homestead, “Shine’s Knoll” in Wardsboro, and they spent many, many happy days there. Chuck particularly loved being on the land at the Knoll, spending hours out on the riding lawn mower, sitting quietly and watching the fish in the pond, hooting at the bears, or watching the birds. Professionally, Chuck landed in a career in computer programming. He spent 25 years working for L.R. McCoy, a lumber distribution company in Worcester, Massachusetts. He held several positions with McCoy and ultimately stayed with them until the company’s final days. He ended his career with Cathedral Corporation in Lincoln, Rhode Island, retiring on Feb. 22, 2022. To know Chuck was to love and laugh with Chuck. He was fun-loving and funny, quick-witted and clever, with a mischievous sense of humor. He found reasons to laugh easily and often, with his bright eyes sparkling. He also had a strong moral compass and was a man of great integrity and principle with an unflagging sense of right and wrong. He was deeply loyal, both professionally and personally, and had an incredibly strong work ethic. He was an ardent and fanatical fan of New England sports, and would delight in talking stats and games and history with anyone willing to engage. It was a particular heartbreak for him to lose his ability to banter about all things sports as his disease progressed. He was an avid reader and lover of books, often picking up a new release and devouring it in one or two sittings, and then sharing it with Meghan or a friend. He delighted in puzzles, usually completing them in ink. He enjoyed playing golf with buddies, trying his luck at the casino, and he looked forward to trips with Jane and their dear friends. He adored spending time with his grandsons, taking any and all opportunities to do so. He was predeceased by his parents, his brother Andrew MacFarland, and his sisters, Mary Jane Williams and Dawn MacFarland. He is survived by Jane, his wife of 47 years; his devoted children, Meghan (Derek) MacFarland Smith and Brit MacFarland; his beloved grandsons, Maximus and Rockford; his sisters Kay (Bill) Stringer and Gail Turner; sister-in-law Nancy Polseno; brother-in-law Joel (Linda) Howe; as well as dozens of nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and nephews, and wonderful friends. The legacy Chuck leaves is the genuine love he had for his family, his tremendous wit and intelligence, his voracious appetite for reading (especially mystery thrillers), his gift for both wordplay and numbers, endless movie quotes and favorite sayings, and the laughter he shared with so many. Memorial information: There will be a memorial service on Sunday, Feb. 8, at 2 p.m., at First Unitarian Church in Providence, Rhode Island. There will be a second celebration of life in Newfane sometime in the spring. All are welcome. Donations in his memory can be made to the Rhode Island American Parkinson’s Disease Association.
• Frances “Fran” Nicholas, 88, of Brattleboro. Died peacefully Jan. 1, 2026. Fran was a kind and gentle soul to everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. A true people person, she loved socializing and connecting with others. Whether chatting with neighbors, volunteering at the hospital, or spending time with family and friends, Fran was always quick to laugh and offer a helping hand. She worked for 30 years as a book binder at The Book Press in Brattleboro. After her retirement, she joined the volunteers of Brattleboro Memorial Hospital, helping to transport patients throughout the buildings. Fran was born Jan. 12, 1937, in Lenox, Massachusetts, to Michael and Anna (Dufleid) Pensivy. She was raised in Lenox and graduated from Lenox High School in 1955. On Dec. 17, 1959, she married Ralph Nicholas in Saratoga, New York. The couple later moved to Brattleboro, where they became longtime residents of Cherry Street and raised their two sons, David and Clifton. Fran was predeceased by her husband, Ralph Nicholas, on Feb. 26, 2003; her son David Nicholas on Oct. 24, 2021; brothers Frank, John, Mitch, Vince, and Bill Pensivy; and sisters Louise Rannou and Mary Upright. She is survived by her son, Clifton Nicholas of Brattleboro; her beloved former daughter-in-law Patty O’Connor of Tennessee; her grandson Joseph Nicholas and his wife Diana of Rancho Santa Margarita, California; great-granddaughters Callie, Phoenix, and Reia Nicholas; granddaughter Taylor Perry and her husband Brandon of Enosburg Falls; and great-grandsons, Brantley and Kayden Perry. She also leaves behind Julie Hamilton of Guilford, who was loved like a daughter and held a special place in her heart, as well as many nieces and nephews from the Berkshires. Fran will be deeply missed, but her legacy of love, empathy, and kindness will remain in our hearts forever. Memorial information: Graveside committal services will be held at Meeting House Hill Cemetery in the spring, at a date and time to be announced. Memorial contributions may be made in Fran’s honor to a charity of one’s choice. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Sharon Short, 80, of Putney. Died peacefully Jan. 13, 2026, at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, Massachusetts. She was born in Putney on Sept. 30, 1945, to Olive and Harold Frost. Sharon was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose love for her family was the center of her life. Fondly known as the “Karaoke Queen,” she brought joy, laughter, and music wherever she went. Sharon cherished time spent with her family and her many dear friends, creating memories that will be treasured forever. She was also a proud and dedicated member of the Putney Fire Department Auxiliary, where she enjoyed supporting her community and the firefighters she cared so deeply about. Survivors include her loving children: daughter Marcy Short (Sara Moore), son Greg Short, and youngest daughter Jennifer Short; her grandchildren, Sara Gauthier (Jose Rodriguez), Laol Short (Jacob Kelton), Kali Gauthier (Noah Wilkins), Jacob Short, and Marcus Short; and her beloved great-grandsons, Elias and Asher. She was predeceased by her loving husband, David “Stub” Short, in 2020; her parents, Olive and Harold Frost; and her son-in-law, Christopher Russell. Sharon’s warmth, spirit, and love will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but her legacy will live on through the family and friends whose lives she touched. Memorial information: A celebration of life for Sharon and David “Stub” Short will be held Saturday, Feb. 7, from noon to 3 p.m., at American Legion Post 5, 32 Linden St., Brattleboro. Donations to the Putney Volunteer Firefighter Association, P.O. Box 315, Putney, VT 05346, or to Post 5 Baseball in care of Eric Libardoni, 120 Hinesburg Rd., Brattleboro, VT 05301. Both organizations were meaningful to Sharon.
• Edwin Lewis “Ed” West, 72, of Guilford. Died unexpectedly Jan. 17, 2026, in his yard at home while removing snow. Ed was born at Grace Cottage Hospital in Townshend on January 1, 1954, the son of Harlan and Helen (Walker) West. He was raised and educated in Londonderry and was a graduate of Leland & Gray Union High School in Townshend. In 1979, Ed went to work for the Vermont Agency of Transportation as a truck driver, initially working out of the AOT’s Jamaica location. He retired from his position in Jamaica in 2012. At the time of his death, Ed was a courier for NAPA Auto Parts on Putney Road. During his younger years, he worked at Merril’s Service Station in Londonderry. Active civically, with his wife, he was a volunteer groundskeeper for the Guilford Center Cemetery, a position he enjoyed. Ed was an avid NASCAR fan, and enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, riding ATVs with his family and friends, and puttering around his home. Ed was a quiet, unassuming man, somewhat reserved until one got to know him. He was known for his easy-going personality and spirit of friendship. On July 31, 1999, in Wardsboro, during a small wedding ceremony for family and close friends, he exchanged vows with Rebecca Squires, who survives. Besides his faithful and devoted wife of 26 years, he leaves a daughter, Sherri Jacobs (Michael) of Townshend; a brother, Harlan West (Bevie) of Bennington; grandsons, Garrett Jacobs (Kristina) of Burlington and Dylan Jacobs (Jessica) of Brattleboro; great-granddaughters Bella, Raeh, Violet, and Alesya; and many nieces and nephews and several cousins. He was predeceased by his parents and a sister, Beverly Rawson. Memorial information: A celebration of life service will be held at a future date at a location and time to be announced. He will be laid to rest in Guilford Center Cemetery in the springtime. Donations to Guilford Volunteer Fire Dept.,108 Guilford Center Rd., Guilford, VT 05301; or to Rescue Inc., P.O. Box 593, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
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