College news
• Charles Glass of West Wardsboro recently graduated from the University at Albany (New York) with an Master of Social Work degree.
• Kathleen Dole of Bellows Falls recently graduated with a degree from Tufts University in Medford, Massachusetts. Dole was also named to the spring 2026 Dean’s List, along with Anna Bloom of Brattleboro, Ana Hernandez-Merkle of Saxtons River, Eben Wagner of Brattleboro, and Broden Walsh of Marlboro.
• The following local students graduated with the Class of 2026 at Vermont State University: CC Allembert of Whitingham, B.S, in resort & hospitality management; Stephanie Amyot of West Townshend, M.S. in clinical mental health counseling; Russell Babb of Brattleboro, A.A.S. in construction management; Valerie Bills of Jamaica, M.A. in liberal studies; Alex Bingham of Brattleboro, B.S. in business administration; Eden Boxenbaum of Bellows Falls, A.S. in nursing; Stephen Canon of Putney, A.E. in civil & environmental engineering technology; Kaitlyn Dingman of East Dummerston, A.S. in nursing; Angela Dornburgh of Whitingham, B.A. in interdisciplinary studies; Billy Dornburgh of Whitingham, B.A. in criminal justice; Kirstin Edelglass of Marlboro, M.S. in clinical mental health counseling; Lucy Farnum of Brattleboro, A.S. in nursing; Alex Favreau of Brattleboro, A.S. in nursing; Gregory Fitzgerald of Brattleboro, B.S. in business administration; Chelsea Hallock of Brattleboro, certificate in practical nursing; Madi Haskell of Bellows Falls, certificate in practical nursing; Abigail Joslyn of Bellows Falls, B.S. in nursing; Trevor Kipp of Brattleboro, B.S. in business technology & management; Jessie Lazelle of Wilmington, A.S. in nursing; Rachel Lazelleof Wilmington, A.S. in nursing; Jess Leclair of Brattleboro, certificate in practical nursing; Alex Margolies of Putney, A.S. in nursing; Fiona Perez Razzaque of Brattleboro, B.F.A. in animation & illustration; Ken Reid of Brattleboro, certificate in practical nursing; Leo Schnipper of Bellows Falls, B.S. in wildlife & forest conservation; Maxwell Selden-Johnson of Londonderry, certificate in practical nursing; Eryka Tedford of Putney, A.S. in nursing; Kes Voulgarakis of Wilmington, B.S. in nursing; Roxanne Woodard of Newfane, A.S. in nursing; Lindsey Wright of Brattleboro, A.S. in nursing; and Jacob Ziegner of East Dummerston, certificate in practical nursing.
• The following local students were recognized by Vermont State University for academic achievement in the spring 2026 semester. Named to the President’s List were Audrey Batchelder of Westminster West, Angela Dornburgh of Whitingham, Thad Engstrom Keep of Guilford, Mel Grover of Brattleboro, Christian Henning of Bellows Falls, Maggie Parker of Grafton, Fiona Perez Razzaque of Brattleboro, Vivian Prouty of Londonderry, Dawn Richardson of Brattleboro, Jake Stockman of Bellows Falls, and Amy Wetzel of Londonderry. Named to the Dean’s List were Vic Augusta-Summers of West Halifax, Russell Babb of Brattleboro, Alex Bingham of Brattleboro, Ev Bond of Londonderry, Matthew Carey of Brattleboro, Greg Crespo of Brattleboro, Billy Dornburgh of Whitingham, Lillian Farrar of South Londonderry, Sarah Goff of Grafton, Kayla Gralia of Bellows Falls, Chase Healey of Brattleboro, Abigail Joslyn of Bellows Falls, Ava Laross of Bellows Falls, Jessie Lazelle of Wilmington, Liam Mallan of Bellows Falls, Desiree Moore of Wilmington, Alysa Morse of Putney, John Noe of Brookline, Kes Voulgarakis of Wilmington, Andy West of Westminster Station, Roxanne Woodard of Newfane, and Noah Walker of Whitingham.
• Oscar Korson of East Dummerston was named to the spring 2026 Dean’s List at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Obituaries
• Eve Judith Baker, 63, of Brattleboro. Died Feb. 8, 2026, after a valiant and courageous five-year battle with cancer. Eve was born Nov. 14, 1962, in Orange, New Jersey, to the late Phyllis and Howard Baker. Eve was an amazing person in every way, passionate about her own strongly held beliefs yet endlessly compassionate to those around her. She was famously brilliant, determined, and opinionated — woe unto anyone who disagreed with her and was unable to explain why. She was also incredibly talented and creative, writing beautifully and playing music (and many instruments) from the time she was a young child. While she found formal education to be unimaginative and boring, she nonetheless graduated from Bard College with a B.A. in creative writing, Fairleigh Dickinson University with a M.Ed, and Emerson College with a M.A. in creative writing. In her early career, she turned her negative experience as a student into a positive tool for educating others, starting as a high school teacher in New Jersey and later becoming a professor of writing at Keene State College. She taught her students that there is no one “right way” to succeed, that — like Eve herself — each of us will find our own path. Eve loved to dance, sing, dote on her many cats and, above all, hike. Although she struggled throughout her life with depression, in her 30s she realized that movement, specifically long-distance hiking, could be her secret weapon. In her late 30s, Evie spent six months solo-hiking the full length of the 2,000 mile Appalachian Trail. With just her unquenchable spirit and what she could carry on her back, she hiked the trail’s full length from Georgia to Maine, keeping an online journal of her experiences on the trail. It was life-changing for her. Not only did it confirm her joy in nature and movement, but while on the trail, she met a trail angel who was also a massage therapist and became intrigued with that line of work. Eve went to massage school. There, she discovered that her qualities of inner strength and empathy for others made her an exceptional therapist. She went on to establish a very successful and respected pain management massage practice in Brattleboro in the 1990s, where she was much beloved by a large community of friends, clients and fellow hikers. In 2021, Eve was diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma, a rare aggressive cancer of the bile duct. Although the prognosis was always dire, she refused to listen to the naysayers. With characteristic focus and intensity she researched her disease, constantly looking for and trying the newest and best protocols while pushing herself to enjoy her life to the fullest. Against all odds, she kept herself alive for five years, a victory with this horrible cancer. During that time (and despite the Covid lockdown) she reached out to fellow patients to share hope and information. And she even managed to keep hiking (including on trips with her sisters to France and Portugal), overcoming the darkness of her physical pain with the light of her love for life. Eve leaves a profound legacy of love, hope, and connection. She cared deeply for the welfare of others, and was endlessly generous with her time, wisdom, and money, always giving from the heart to support those in need. And there was nothing more important to Eve than the futures of the many young people in her life, the children of her sister, cousins, and friends: she listened without judgment to their woes, championed their dreams and celebrated their joys throughout her lifetime. She is survived by sisters Alisa Baker and Susanna Baker, nephew Elijah Baker and niece Madeleine Baker, and a large extended family of cousins, relatives, and friends, all of whom will miss her deeply. Memorial information: Those who wish may honor Eve’s life with a donation to the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation (cholangiocarcinoma.org) or the Vermont Jazz Center (vtjazz.org).
• Elizabeth “Bonnie” Coleman, 85, of Hinsdale, New Hampshire. Died peacefully at home, surrounded by family after a period of declining health, on July 26, 2026. She leaves behind a legacy defined by love, grace, and an unwavering faith in Jesus. Bonnie grew up in Vernon, the eldest of four siblings, where she developed her lifelong heart for helping others. Before marrying, she spent her young life serving her community and caring for children and elders as a nanny, caregiver, and waitress. After marriage, she transitioned into her truest and most cherished callings — being a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and homemaker. She spent a lifetime anchoring her family in comfort, faith, and joy. To anyone who knew her, she was the most loving, sweet soul to walk this earth. She truly lived for Jesus, and His light shone brightly through her gentle spirit and welcoming smile. Her love was tangible and sweet, most famously felt through the homemade apple pies she baked with so much care. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren affectionately called her “Honey,” a name that perfectly captured the essence of who she was. The sweet aroma of her kitchen was matched only by the warmth of her fellowship, and her family will forever cherish the memories of gathering around her table. More than a baker, Bonnie was a fierce prayer warrior who planted deep seeds of faith in the hearts of multiple generations. She was reunited in heaven with her beloved husband, Lee Coleman; her parents, Margaret (Bell) and Wallace Bly; her sisters, Janice and Kenny Coleman; and Beverly and Richard Coleman; and her granddaughter, Ashley Moore. Bonnie’s beautiful legacy of love and faith will live on through those she leaves behind: her daughter, Tracie Warner and husband Duane of Winchester, New Hampshire; her brother, Skip Bly of Vernon; her granddaughters, Morgan Moore and husband Ed of Winchester, and Alison Moore of North Carolina; her great-grandchildren, Devon Monegro of Troy, New York, and Hunter and Clayton Dingman of Hinsdale; as well as many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, and amazing lifelong friendships. Memorial information:By her request, no formal services will be held. Instead, the family asks that you remember her by sharing a sweet memory, baking a pie for someone you love, or saying a prayer of thanks for a life beautifully lived for Christ.
• Mary Anne Girroir, 86, of Hinsdale, New Hampshire. Died July 21, 2026, with her family at her side, following a courageous battle with cancer. A lifelong resident of Hinsdale, Mary Anne was born at home July 3, 1940, the daughter of Michael and Mary Evelyn (DeTour) Kerylow. She attended Hinsdale public schools and graduated from Hinsdale High School with the Class of 1958. She went on to attend Keene Teachers’ College where she received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education. For several years, Mary Anne taught third grade at Hinsdale Elementary School. A devout Catholic, she was a lifelong communicant of St. Joseph Church, where she was active for many years with the church’s bereavement committee. Mary Anne was also a member of the Catholic Daughters for more than 50 years and was twice the recipient of their Angel of the Court Award. She was a devoted homemaker whose life centered around her family and community. Spending time with her family was always time well-spent for Mary Anne, especially when everyone was together at Spofford Lake to enjoy swimming, boating, and the nice summer weather. She also liked to play cards and was an avid reader. She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Edward D. Girroir. They were married at St. Joseph’s Church July 6, 1963. In addition to her faithful and devoted husband, she leaves three daughters: Kathy Girroir of Lawrenceville, Georgia, Theresa Girroir of Hinsdale, and Carolyn Girroir of Keene, New Hampshire; her son: Timothy Girroir and his wife Heather of Hinsdale; seven grandchildren: Joseph and Ryan Kelly; Nicholas, Juliana, and Alexandra Yialiades; and Rachael and Erica Girroir; and one great-grandson, David Kelly. She was predeceased by her brother, Michael Kerylow. Memorial information: A funeral Mass will be held Saturday, Aug. 22, at 10 a.m.. at St. Joseph Church on Brattleboro Road in Hinsdale. A reception hosted by the Catholic Daughters will follow the Mass in the church’s fellowship hall. A private family burial will take place in the Girroir family lot in Saint Michael’s Cemetery in Brattleboro. Donations to the Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Court Saint Joseph No. 1773, P.O. Box 322, Hinsdale, NH 03451. To send condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• David Wayne Ingalls, 65, of Brattleboro. Died July 26, 2026 at the Jack Byrne Center for Palliative & Hospice Care in Lebanon, New Hampshire, following a brief illness. A lifelong resident of the area,David was born in Brattleboro Nov. 2, 1960, the son of Myron R. and Doris M. (Dills) Ingalls. He was raised and educated in West Chesterfield, New Hampshire, graduating from Keene High School with the Class of 1979. He had been employed for more than 30 years as an appliance technician for Dompier Electric in Brattleboro before spending several years working in the maintenance department at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital. Steadfast in his walk of faith, David was a true Christian, a devout member of the Brattleboro Church of Christ on Western Avenue, and will be remembered for his easy-going personality and his generosity towards others, always willing to assist anyone in need. David was a gifted artist who enjoyed all forms of the arts, such as painting, sculpting, and woodworking. He was also a devoted family man who treasured his time with his parents and children, always going above and beyond in terms of the love and care he gave them. David leaves behind his former partner and lifelong friend whom he married on April 27, 1991, Jane (Simeszku) Ingalls of Brattleboro, the mother of his son and daughter, Jacob David Ingalls and Michaela Rose Ingalls. He also leaves behind Andy Hall, whom he saw not just as a close friend but as a brother, and an extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins who live both locally and in North Carolina. Memorial information: Graveside committal services were conducted July 31 in Chesterfield West Cemetery, where he was laid to rest next to his parents. Donations to TheHumbleServants.org, an organization which David was an avid volunteer and supporter of. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Allan Francis Lenois, 93, died peacefully July 16, 2026, at Cheshire Medical Center in Keene, New Hampshire. With him were his loving wife, Marion Lenois (née Welsh); his daughter Cori Ryan (née Lenois) and her husband, Bill Ryan; and his son Christopher and his wife, Samirah Evans-Lenois. In addition, Allan is survived by his brother Robert Lenois; his sisters-in-law Joan Astell (née Welsh) and Sheila Sweeny (née Welsh); 19 nieces and nephews, grand nieces and nephews, great grand nieces and nephews, and lifelong friends from Vernon Village. Allan was born June 30, 1933, in Montague City, Massachusetts, to Josephine Brozo (Brzozowa) and Ralph Lenois. He spent his youth playing with his many cousins in Turners Falls and visiting his grandmother, Marcyanna Brzozowa (née Nadoek,) who always had a fresh loaf of bread she baked just for him. In his teen years, Allan played any instrument needed for a Polka band and delighted his nieces by playing the accordion for them when they visited. At age 16, he applied his Boy Scout training to save the lives of his father and brother who were severely injured in a basement explosion. Allan graduated from Turners Falls High School in 1952. He was working at Koch’s Store in Montague when a young woman came into the store and caught his eye and won his heart. He took her boating, serenaded her on his saxophone, and proposed to her by the Falls. Allan married Marion Welsh Nov. 22, 1958, at St. Mary’s in Turners Falls. They rarely spent a day apart for the next 67 years. Allan completed accounting courses through the mail and was hired as an accountant by Cersosimo Lumber Company. In 1970, he moved his family into the first lot of the Vernon Village housing development, where the family lived until his retirement in 1997. Allan advanced to the roles of CFO and vice president during his career. Under his leadership, Cersosimo began providing health insurance to all full-time employees and planted countless trees for future generations. Allan also provided accounting services for individuals and local businesses, including for his friend Lenny Peduzzi when he opened Mama Peduzzi’s Pizzaria in Brattleboro. Allan was always excited to take his family to Red Sox games, “mystery rides” to the movies or the creemee stand, snowmobiling, Sunday brunches, and boating on the Connecticut River. He coached his son’s Little League team and sponsored his “Lenoismakers” softball team. He taught his daughter how to cultivate food, plant trees, and take the perfect photo. Allan and his daughter also repaired and refinished a secondhand baby grand piano that was enjoyed by his family for decades and is now used by Vernon Advent Christian Church. After retirement, Allan and his wife moved to Summerfield, Florida, then moved back north to Swanzey, New Hampshire, in 2020 to be close to their children and lifelong friends. He will be remembered for his warm smile that charmed everyone he met and his infinite love for family. Memorial information: A private service will be held for friends and family. Allan used to have a sign in his office that read, “He who plants a tree loves others besides himself.” In memory of Allan, love your family and plant a tree.
• Mary Ann (Phelps) Moon, 82,of Readsboro. Died July 22, 2026. She was born to Howard and Lillian Phelps, and was a loving mother, grandmother, Mimi, and sister. Mary Ann was a proud lifetime resident of Readsboro, as she attended and graduated from Readsboro and Whitingham School. Mary Ann married the love of her life, Carl D. Moon Sr., and they spent 40 blissful years together until his death. They enjoyed spending their time with family, going for car rides, and checking on the farm. Going and getting ice cream together was a favorite pastime. Throughout her life, she worked in the U.S. Postal Service and aided families through respite care through Families First. She worked dutifully for 27 years together with Carl, maintaining Readsboro Apartments. A proud member of Readsboro Baptist Church, Mary Ann served her community for 35 years by baking the town’s favorite treats for the harvest festival. She loved serving the Lord and feeding those she loved with her favorite goodies. Mary Ann was the prayer warrior for her family and community. Whether it was saying grace or wishing safe travels, good health, or for a big buck, Mary Ann was praying for her family and friends. Her open-door policy allowed those around her to feel welcomed and loved. She gave support through worshiping God, offering a laugh and a cookie. She could always be found on the phone checking in on those she cared for, or watching her hummingbirds. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her husband, seven brothers and sisters, and her grandchildren Sawyer Charron and Jonica Deblois. She is survived by four children she loved dearly: Vicky (Deblois) Hall and her husband Jim Hall, Kristy (Deblois) Dimezza and her husband Robert Dimezza, Marcy Deblois and her partner Jeff DeForest, and Thomas Deblois and his wife Tami (Brewer) Deblois. She is also survived by her sister Mildred Brewer, 12 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Memorial information: A graveside service will be held at Readsboro Village Cemetery Saturday, Aug. 15, at 2 p.m. Donations to Readsboro Baptist Church, 7030 Main St., Readsboro, VT 05350.
• Hannes Tarnay,90, of Falmouth, Massachusetts, formerly of Wardsboro. Died peacefully July 21, 2026. He was born in Salzburg, Austria, in 1935. At the age of 14, he began a five-year apprenticeship to become a printer. He worked in Switzerland for a year before moving to New York when he was 21. He moved to Boston and worked at The Boston Globe in the composing room for 35 years. Hannes was an unbelievable human being and outdoors was where he was most at home. He was extremely active his whole life and was happiest in the mountains or on the high seas with his beloved wife of 55 years, Christine Roche “Cris” Tarnay. For more than 80 years, Hannes was a beautiful, graceful skier. Beginning at age 3 until he was 86, he spent countless hours carving the mountains of Austria and the hills of Vermont. Hannes shared his love of skiing with thousands of people as an instructor at Stratton and Mount Snow. He and Cris also ran a very busy ski house in Wardsboro for 50 years.In Falmouth, Hannes was most at ease on the sea with his cherished sailboats “Seven Seas” and “Andiamo,” which were moored at the Woods Hole Little Harbor for more than 25 years. Hannes is survived by Cris, who will forever miss his ingenuity, his interest in the world, and his energy for life. Memorial information: A celebration of life will be held Friday, Aug. 21, from 3 to 5 p.m., at 42 Queen Street in Falmouth. Donations in his memory may be made to the Falmouth YMCA.
• Richard “Dick” Thall, 92, of Newfane and Locust Valley, New York. Died at home July 12, 2026, following a brief illness. Dick was raised in Jamaica Estates, New York, graduated from Lehigh University in 1955, attended dental and orthodontics school at New York University, and spent two formative years serving as a dentist for the Air Force in Athens, Greece. He took great pride in running his orthodontic practice in Long Island until his retirement in 1998, because he was so good at working with people, and he loved making his patients feel beautiful. Everyone loved “Dr. Thall.” He was kind, generous, curious, creative, and a prolific perfectionist. In 1962 Dick married his beloved wife, Alice.They raised two daughters, and delighted in their “second home” in Newfane for more than 50 years. In Newfane, Dick was at his happiest and creative best maintaining his 1790s house, gardening, baking, reading beside the apple tree and the brook, getting involved in local life, and making friends at every turn. He appreciated everything around him, and treated everyone he met with true respect. Dick loved music and the arts. He served on the Board of Trustees of the Brattleboro Museum & Art Center (BMAC) and enjoyed decades of summer concerts at the Marlboro Music Festival. He and Alice also supported Grace Cottage Hospital in Townshend, and appreciated the Moore Free Library and all things Newfane-related. Dick adored and was adored by his family: Alice, his wife of 63 years who survives him; daughters Diana Levin and Carolyn Thall; sons-in-law Craig Levin and Aidan Finnan; grandchildren Jennifer Gould (Ryan), Matthew (Sarah Horne), Mia, and Niall; and great-granddaughter Lily. Memorial information: A memorial celebration will be held at BMAC Saturday, Aug. 22, at 5 p.m. Condolences can be offered on Legacy.com, and donations in Dick’s memory may be made to Grace Cottage Hospital.
• David Nelson Wright, Sr., 76, of Guilford. Died July 24, 2026, at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire, following a lengthy illness and prolonged hospitalization. David was born Feb. 18, 1950, in Greenfield, Massachusetts, the son of Newman and Arlene (Nelson) Wright. He was raised and educated in Greenfield, attending public schools, and graduated from Greenfield High School with the Class of 1968. David went on to attend Northampton Junior College, receiving an associate’s degree and becoming a certified public accountant. He worked 30 years in food service as a restaurant manager employed by numerous restaurants throughout the tri-state area, including McDonalds in Brattleboro, Greenfield, and Keene, New Hampshire; Kentucky Fried Chicken in Brattleboro, and Burger King in Brattleboro. He later took a part-time position at the Brattleboro Retreat. A devout Catholic, David was a communicant of St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Church in Brattleboro and was a former parishioner of Sacred Heart Parish in Greenfield. David was a former member of the Moose and the Elks in Greenfield. He enjoyed bowling, deep-sea fishing, following the Boston Red Sox, his two black Labs, and quality time spent with his family. On August 16, 1975, at Blessed Sacrament Church in Greenfield, he married Bonnie A.Blouin, who survives. Besides his wife of nearly 51 years, he leaves two sons, David Wright II of Guilford and Eric Wright and companion, Kelli Fortin, of Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts; grandsons Konner Fortin and Evan and Bennett Wright; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by: a granddaughter who died in infancy, Aliyah Theresa Wright; a niece, Deanna Lovett; one brother, Daryl Wright; and a sister, Donna Wright. Memorial information: A funeral Mass will be held Saturday, Aug. 8, at 11 a.m. at St. Michael’s Romas Catholic Church. Burial will be in the family lot in Calvary Cemetery in Greenfield. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
This Milestones item was submitted to The Commons.