College news
• Jaia Caron of Bellows Falls was recently inducted into Alpha Kappa Delta, the International Honor Society in Sociology, and Alpha Phi Sigma, the International Honor Society in Criminal Justice, at Russell Sage College in Troy, New York.
Transitions
• Linda Hescock was recently promoted to Vice President, Mortgage Loan Officer at Brattleboro Savings & Loan (BS&L). Hescock has been working at BS&L for more than 30 years and, in that time, she’s been the guide and navigator for hundreds of local people to become homeowners. She began her career at BS&L in 1991, quickly becoming the head of customer service. In 2007, after a brief hiatus, she became a co-branch manager, where she oversaw the teller line, helped with loans, and managed day-to-day operations. For the past 10 years, she has been in the mortgage department. Beyond her work at the bank, she is a trustee for Lisa’s Love Charitable Association, which her family started in 2000 in memory of her sister Lisa Young Noble. Lisa’s Love provides an annual gift to Grace Cottage Hospital, as well as an annual scholarship at Leland & Gray Union High School. Linda grew up in the West River Valley, attended local schools, and raised a family in Wardsboro with her husband.
Obituaries
• Diana Jewell Bingham, 91, of Brattleboro. Died May 28, 2026. A beloved daughter, sister, auntie, and friend to all she encountered, Diana left this earth a better place than she found it. She was the only daughter of Anne (Rea) & Pliny Jewell Jr. and was born in Boston May 11, 1935. She grew up with her two brothers, Pliny Jewell III and Samuel Rea Jewell, in Concord, Massachusetts. She attended Brooks School (where she met Ellen Arnold Raja, lifelong friend and partner-in-crime), Concord Academy, Westover School, New England Conservatory of Music, and graduated from York College with a B.S. in 1978. Her education also included living in Paris, studying music in her early 20s. After living in Southern California with her husband, Harry P. Bingham III, they moved to New York to take on Manhattan. Harry died in 1972. She eventually found her way to The Silver Palate, and cooking became her passion. Returning home to Concord, she opened her catering company, The Elegant Caper, which she successfully ran from 1983 to 1993. In 1996, she followed her dear friend Sharon Myers to southern Vermont, where she reconstructed a historic barn in Marlboro. New friend Greg Lesch invited her to attend St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, and both Greg and St. Michael’s remained dear to her heart. At St. Michael’s, Diana was proud to serve on the vestry, as Senior Warden, and on the Stewardship, Financial & Endowment committees and Floral committee. In 2000, she was thrilled to take part in the Search Committee for a new pastor, which brought Thomas Brown to Brattleboro. In addition to cooking, music and travel were also passions – both of which she inherited from her mother, Anne. Diana played piano, cello, sang often, and would whistle, hum, and generally keep up with any band. Some of her most memorable travels included across the U.S. for family, as well as Africa, Ireland, Cuba, dogsledding in Alaska, Israel, England, Italy, Iceland, and, of course, her beloved France. One of the roles Diana cherished above all was that of Auntie. She was deeply involved in the lives of her nieces and nephew and their families, including helping to birth many of her great-nieces and nephews. In 2005, she brought the Jewell families back to an annual summer gathering in Little Compton, Rhode Island; from 1963 to the present time, Little Compton has been one of Diana’s happiest places. One regret Diana had was not having more dogs. She cherished several Scotties, Mozart the Goldendoodle, and two Wheaton terriers throughout her life. She was also especially proud of the sheep and fruit trees she and her friend Clarence Boston stewarded during her 10 years in Marlboro. Diana was the epitome of generosity, inclusivity, philanthropy, and social activism. There was always more room at her table and in her heart. Organizations she supported (sometimes singlehandedly) included St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, Planned Parenthood, the various campaigns of Bernie Sanders, Merrimack Repertory Theater, Vermont Dairy Project, Windham County Humane Society, Habitat for Humanity, Brattleboro Music Center, Circus Flora, New England Center for Circus Arts, the Brattleboro Skate Park, Vermont Independent Media (The Commons); and the Actors Theatre Playhouse. Diana joins her parents; her two sisters-in-law, Sheila and Sue; her younger brother, Samuel Rea; and her dear friend Greg Lesch in heaven. She is survived by her eldest brother, Pliny Jewell III; nephew Pliny Jewell IV; nieces Lucinda Jewell, Sabrina Jewell (Kirk), Jennifer Jewell (John), Abigail Jewell (David), and Flora Jewell-Stern (Eric); great nieces and nephews Lily Belinda Jewell (Matt), Madison Jewell Bogard, Anna Paley Jewell, Rachel Jewell Donati, Belinda Jewell Donohoe, Wesley Jewell Bogard (Sarah), Delaney Jewell Simchuk, Flannery Jewell Simchuk, Dante Donati, Sheila Jewell Stern, Sophia Juniper Donati and Will Jewell Stern. Memorial information: A celebration of life will be held on Oct. 31, 2026, at 11 a.m., at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Brattleboro, with a reception following. Please consider honoring Diana’s memory by voting, being kind, supporting your favorite community organizations, enjoying a delicious meal, and raising a glass to her. To offer condolences to Diana’s family, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Paul Wesley Canon, 64, formerly of Brattleboro. Died May 20, 2026. He was born Oct. 5, 1961, at Farren Memorial Hospital in Montague City, Massachusetts, to Valerie Canon (née Blanchard) and Richard A. Canon Sr. Paul was a graduate of Franklin County Technical School, Class of 1981. He spent much of his life in Brattleboro, where he worked for nearly 10 years at C&S Wholesale Grocers. He was an avid automotive enthusiast who loved spending time with friends and could often be found creating his unique birdhouses with license plate roofs, crafted from recycled materials. Paul rarely met a meal he didn’t like, being a regular patron of local establishments. His favorite meal was his mother’s chop suey which was a recipe he learned and loved to share with family and friends. Paul began courting Cathleen Canon (née Strange) in February of 2000, and by October of that same year, they were married. Cathy was truly the love of his life. He also deeply adored his beloved dogs, Diamond and Fred. Besides his loving wife and precious dogs, Paul leaves behind his siblings: Robin Coates, Sheri Trask (Tim), Roberta Canon, Richard Canon Jr. (Lisa), and Daniel Canon (Kendra), along with many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his older brothers Brian and Mark. Brian and Paul checked on each other often with long phone calls filled with love and kindness in recent years with their loving wives at their sides. They are again together helping to steady the shaken hearts of the loved ones left behind. Memorial information: A private ceremony will be held at Plain View Cemetery in Leverett, Massachusetts. Donations to the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302.
• Diana Lane, 82, of Townshend. Died May 18, 2026. She was born July 8, 1943 in Amarillo, Texas, the daughter of William Dove Davis and Mable Evelyn Davis (née Tinker). she was married to Joseph Gilliland from July 4, 1963, to Oct. 1, 1996. She graduated from UCLA in 1972 with a B.A. in art history, followed by an M.A. in marketing communications in 1981 from Fairfield University. She was certified by AFAA and IDEA in 1982 to instruct aerobics classes, and later by the Chopra Center in 2008 to guide students in the Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga. A longtime resident of “downtown” Townshend, she was dedicated to the town and the West River Valley. This began as proprietor of Townshend Hardware from 1981 to 1993 and continued as she taught kindergarten at Windham Elementary and served as a substitute teacher at Leland & Gray Union High School and other area schools. She enjoyed building a community of fitness enthusiasts as an aerobics and yoga instructor at The Exercise Studio on the common in Townshend. Those who knew Diana often remarked on the particular warmth of being in her presence — an aura that was no accident. A lifelong meditator and keeper of a gratitude journal, she approached each day as a small work of art. She brought the same attentive eye to a kindergarten classroom as she did to her own wardrobe, and students and friends alike were the beneficiaries of a woman who believed that beauty, in all its forms, is a way to honor the divine. Remaining to cherish her memory are her daughter, Jodie Gilliland Lane; her loving and generous fiancé, Robert Clint Barnum; her devoted friend and property manager, Lonnie W. Pike; and many, many students and friends. Memorial information: An open house Celebration of Life will be held this summer with the date to be determined. Community and friends will be invited to drop by and reminisce. Donations to Neighborhood Connections, P.O. Box 207, Londonderry, VT 05148.
• Robert Peter “Bob” Marshall, 88, formerly of Hinsdale, New Hampshire. Died May 25, 2026, at Seasons of Danvers (Mass.) Assisted Living Center following an extended period of declining health. Bob was born in Brattleboro on Jan. 13, 1938, the son of Robert F. and Rena H. (Amlaw) Marshall. A lifelong resident of the area, he was raised and educated in Hinsdale, where he attended Hinsdale High School. He later served in the Vermont Army National Guard, taking his basic training at Fort Dix, New Jersey. Bob worked for many years at Paper Services in Winchester, New Hampshire, as a foreman. He later worked as a mechanic at the former Lawrence Leather Co. in Winchester, and at Winchester Roll for several years. Active civically, Bob was a member of the Hinsdale Volunteer Fire Department.He enjoyed collecting and selling antique tools and Singer sewing machines. Of his other pastimes and interests, Bob was a Corvette classic car enthusiast and enjoyed traveling in his motor home and winters in Eustis, Florida. During his younger years, he enjoyed both drag and boat racing. On Oct. 11, 1960, at St. Joseph’s Church in Hinsdale, he married Donna Pope, who predeceased him in September 2014. Survivors include his children, Brian Marshall and husband Christopher Fennell of Danvers; John Marshall and his girlfriend Yelana Marchese of Hinsdale; Stephen Marshall and wife Eryn Marshall of West Chesterfield, New Hampshire; and Valerie Marshall Rella and husband Paul Rella of Columbia, New Hampshire. Additionally, he leaves six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held June 2 at Mary, Queen of Peace Parish (St. Joseph’s Church) in Hinsdale. Committal rites and burial followed in Pine Grove Cemetery where he was laid to rest next to his beloved wife. Donations to The Alzheimer’s Association (donorservices.alz.org). To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Dr. Jahangir “Jon” Mozaffari, 65, died May 23, 2026. Jahangir was born in Ahvaz, Iran, son of Gorji Rahimi and Gholamhossein Mozaffari. He immigrated to New York City in 1978 and was a curious student, having earned his B.A. in Biology, M.S. in chemistry, and D.D.S. from Columbia University. It was during his time at Columbia that he met his wife, Catherine Santiago, a fellow graduate of the School of Dentistry. Jahangir moved to Bellows Falls with his wife and partner, along with their four children, in 2008. Bellows Falls was his home for nearly two decades, where they raised their children, started their dental practice, and operated a small farm in nearby Grafton dedicated to his mother. He was known to the community as a trusted dentist and caring employer. Jahangir was a devoted husband and father, dutiful son, and loving brother and uncle. He is survived by his wife, Catherine; his children Camron, Ryan, Leila, and Kayvan; his mother, Gorji; his siblings Ali (Farah), Mahmoud (Samira), Hossein, Azam (Bijan), Yavar, Mehdi, Shahla; and his large extended family full of nieces and nephews. Jahangir leaves behind a legacy of hard work, passion for the outdoors, love for antiquing, and unfading memories of laughter. He will be missed dearly. Memorial information: A memorial service was held May 30 at Fenton & Hennessey Funeral Home in Bellows Falls.
• Margaret M. (Bussiere) Olmstead, 77, of Winchester, New Hampshire. Died at home Jan. 22, 2026, surrounded by her family, after a period of failing health. Margaret was born on May 22, 1948 in Keene, New Hampshire, the daughter of Neil and Margaret Bussiere. She attended school locally and graduated from Monadnock Regional High School in Swanzey, New Hampshire, in 1966. She married her childhood friend and love of her life, Phillip “Dave” Olmstead, on May 1, 1968 in Swanzey, with both of their parents by their sides. They enjoyed 57 years of marriage together. After their wedding, Dave returned to combat in Vietnam while she worked as a telephone operator for “Ma Bell” until 1971. Margaret was a devout Catholic. She enjoyed attending mass each Sunday at St. Anthony’s in Swanzey as a child and then at St. Bernard’s in Keene as an adult. She worked in the rectory at St. Bernard’s for many years until her retirement. She was very active within the church, and her faith was an incredibly important part of her life. Margaret, or Peggy, as she was known to many, loved the outdoors. During the spring and summer months, she could be found spending time outside. She and Dave could be found picnicking by a river or stream, riding the ATV together, fishing, or spending time in their cabin. She also enjoyed her yearly trip to Franconia Notch and fishing in Echo Lake. She is survived by her husband and her three children, Mandy Moore and her husband Jason of Keene, David Olmstead and his wife Felicia of Winchester, and Lori Turcotte and her husband Phillippe of Keene; and her sister, Barbara Metcalf and her husband James of Marlborough, New Hampshire. She loved being Grammy to 16 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and close friends who she considered family. She was predeceased by her brothers, Neil and Gerald. Memorial information: Interment and a graveside service will be held at Mountainview Cemetery in Swanzey Friday, June 5, at 2 p.m. To offer condolences, visit csnh.com.
• Pauline M. Thurber, 99, of Guilford. Died peacefully at home April 22, 2026. She was born at home in Ashuelot, New Hampshire, on March 6, 1927, the daughter of Bernice Eleanor Smart and Charles Albert Graham. For many years, she worked for AT&T as an operator, later becoming a supervisor, before retiring in 1987. Pauline loved the outdoors and still mowed her own lawn well into her 80s. She loved company and especially her family. Pauline had a love of traveling to Maine, and to Florida with her friend, George Stone. On March 6, 1948, she married Roland A. Thurber, who predeceased her January 29, 1983, after nearly 35 years of marriage. She was also predeceased by her brother, Charles Graham, and sisters Leah Whipple and Mavis Young. Survivors include her daughter, Donna Tyler of Keene, New Hampshire; and sons Alan Thurber of Guilford and Kenneth Thurber of Lunenburg, Vermont. She also leaves behind many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews. Memorial information: At Pauline’s request, there will be no public services. A private burial service will be held at a later date.
• Marilyn Elaine White, 82, of Brattleboro. Died peacefully May 25, 2026 at Pine Heights. A lifelong resident of Brattleboro, Marilyn was born at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital on Dec. 16, 1943, the daughter of Graydon and Julia (Graves) White. She attended both Canal Street and Green Street elementary schools and graduated from Brattleboro Union High School with the Class of 1963. She had been employed as a sales associate at the former J.E. Mann, Inc. Department Store on Main Street, from which she retired following 23 years of faithful service. Previously, she worked at the former Giant Store on Flat Street, APW Products Co. and at the former American Optical Co. Marilyn was a communicant of St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Church. She was known for her pleasant personality and spirit of friendship. She enjoyed walking, knitting, reading, bus trips to Foxwoods, and helping others in need. She loved small animals, especially her pet dogs. Marilyn leaves no immediate family, but a host of close friends, her neighbors at the Samuel Elliott Apartments, and her adopted family. Memorial information: Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, June 6, at 10 a.m. at Atamaniuk Funeral Home, with committal rites and burial to follow in the White family lot in Morningside Cemetery. Donations to St. Michael’s School, 47 Walnut St., Brattleboro, VT 05301; or to Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
Services
• Graveside committal services for Marion Mary Whitaker Farnsworth will be conducted in the West Brattleboro Cemetery on Mather Road on Wednesday, June 10, at 11 a.m. A light luncheon for family and friends will follow the service. Marion, 95, a former longtime resident of Brattleboro, died peacefully March 4, 2026. To view her full obituary and offer condolences to Marion’s family, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Danny Lee Hutchins, 80, who died Dec. 12, 2025, will be honored with a graveside committal service Saturday, June 13, at 11 a.m. at Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Putney. Family and friends are warmly invited to attend a reception immediately following at the VFW, 40 Black Mountain Rd., Brattleboro, to share memories and celebrate Danny’s life.
• A Celebration of Life will be held for Armand Nadeau Jr. Saturday, June 13, from noon to 3 p.m., at the Brattleboro Eagles club, 54 Chickering Dr., Brattleboro. Food and beverages will be served.
This Milestones item was submitted to The Commons.