Anniversaries
• Russell and Doris Stephens of Brattleboro celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary with a family party at Papagallos in Keene, New Hampshire. The couple were married Aug. 18, 1956, in Brattleboro, where they have lived and worked for 69 years. The couple’s children include Kevin (Anne) Stephens, Scott (Donna) Stephens, Bonnie (Carter) Chamberlin, and the late Karen (Tony) Speranza, 11 grandchildren and their spouses, and six great-grandchildren, two of whom will arrive soon.
College news
• Ilona Shaoul of Brattleboro, Miles Ackerman-Hovis of Guilford, and Ezra Holloway of Saxtons River were named to the spring 2026 Dean’s List at State University of New York-Purchase.
• Kali Taylor of Brattleboro was named to the spring 2026 Dean’s List at Regis College in Weston, Massachusetts.
School news
•Sadie Cheslawski, a 2026 graduate of Brattleboro Union High School, was awarded the prestigious Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) scholarship for the 2026–27 academic year. Cheslawski is one of only 210 students nationwide selected for this competitive merit-based program, which is jointly funded and administered by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) and the German Bundestag. As a CBYX participant, she will spend the academic year living with a German host family, attending a local high school, and engaging in intensive language and cultural immersion. She will serve as a “citizen diplomat,” introducing German communities to American culture while gaining a deep understanding of German life, history, and politics.
Obituaries
• John “Jack” Aufmuth, 81, of Putney. Died Aug. 2, 2026. A longtime resident of Putney, Jack was born in Utica, New York to Jayne Monroe and Jack Smith Oct. 5, 1944. He was raised in Fly Creek, New York, and attended Cooperstown High School, where he was a star football player. After high school, Jack joined the Marines and was stationed in Okinawa, Japan. In the mid 1970s, he moved to Putney with his wife, the late Karen Hasskarl. Jack spent his career at the Brattleboro Retreat, first caring for teens and young adults in the drug and alcohol program and eventually working with children at the school. John had a huge heart and an impeccable gift in relating to the kids and young adults who couldn’t seem to find their place in the world. Many local residents will recall seeing Jack over the years running or riding his bike on the winding roads of southern Vermont, or out paddling his canoe in the Connecticut River. He is survived by his life partner Pammy Lysitt; his two daughters, Hannah Aufmuth and Rachel Coyle, and their children; as well as his brother James, and his sisters Pattie, Meg, Mary, and Suzanne. Memorial information: None provided.
• Marilyn Patricia “Pat” Burrows, 89, formerly of Brattleboro. Died July 22, 2026, in Bradenton, Florida. She was born in Brattleboro Feb. 7, 1937, and grew up in the town’s “tree streets” neighborhood. As the baby of the family, she watched three of her brothers march off to various locations around the globe during World War II. She attended Green Street School and graduated from Brattleboro High School in 1955. From there, she went on to study music at the University of New Hampshire and received her M.A. in music from Michigan State University. Pat taught music for many years at Islip High School on Long Island, where she was much beloved by her students and was instrumental in directing many memorable musical theater productions. Several of the students she mentored still kept in touch with her throughout their adult lives. Swimming was another passion of Pat’s. During her time in Sayville, she had a pool installed in her backyard where she would give swimming lessons during the summers when school was not in session. She also became a certified scuba diver and would help others achieve their scuba certification. Following her retirement from teaching, she relocated to Florida, first on the East coast and then to Bradenton, where she resided for the remainder of her years. Pat led a very active life in retirement, enjoying several wonderful trips to Australia, the Galápagos Islands, and an African safari among others. She was also an active volunteer for the Marine Laboratory and Aquarium (MOTE) and the Van Wezel Center for Performing Arts, in keeping with her love of all things relating to the ocean and music, and perhaps her favorite of all, the Marietta Museum of Art and Whimsy. Closer to home, she served on the board of her neighborhood home owners’ association for many years. Pat was predeceased by her parents, Pliny and Lucy (Weatherhead) Burrows; siblings William (Dorothy) Burrows, Pliny (Frances) Burrows, John (Barbara) Burrows, and Richard (Joan) Burrows; and a nephew, Edgar Martin. She is survived by nine nieces and nephews: Bonni (Don) Chester, Brenda Fitch, Barry (Kathleen) Burrows, Robert (Susan) Burrows, Anne (Kevin) Gragen, Beth Martin, Valerie Burrows, Lynn (James) Sullivan, and Gregory (Stephanie) Burrows, along with many great- and great-great-nieces and nephews. She enjoyed hearing about their respective growth and development. Pat’s nieces and nephews are very much appreciative of the impact that she had on their lives. Pat was 11 when she became an aunt, and was 24 when the last of this generation arrived. For some, she was more of a really hip older sister than an aunt. For others, she was the really cool fun aunt who had them singing along with her at family parties and playing kids games. For eveyone, she became the Burrows family communications center, receiving and distributing info on family events and activities. Memorial information: None provided.
• Cheryl Ann Coburn, 75, of West Wardsboro. Died peacefully Aug. 5, 2026, at the Jack Byrne Hospice Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire, following a period of declining health. Cheryl was born in Springfield, Vermont, Sept. 17, 1950, the daughter of Donald and Sylvia (DeCell) Ballantine. She was raised in the West River Valley, attending school in Londonderry and Wardsboro, as well as Leland & Gray Seminary in Townshend. For several years, she worked part time on the weekends at Mount Snow. Most importantly, she was a devoted homemaker whose life centered around her family. She was active civically, serving on both the Wardsboro School Board and the Vermont State Board of Education. Cheryl was known for her common-sense approach and dedication to educational issues and values. In town, she was one of the founding members of the Wardsboro Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary. She enjoyed camping, travel, playing cards and Scrabble, and time shared with her family and close friends. Cheryl will be remembered for her baking and cooking, especially her delicious baked beans — a recipe handed down through the family. On Nov. 4, 1967, in Jamaica, she was married to the love of her life, Francis Clement “Clem” Coburn, exchanging wedding vows during a simple ceremony for family and close friends. Clem predeceased her May 7, 2019. Survivors include a son, Clement Coburn of Stratton; two daughters, Carrie Coburn of West Wardsboro and Colleen Boutin and husband, Gary, of Middlebury; and two brothers, Roy Ballantine of Wardsboro and Rick Ballantine of Dummerston. Additionally, she leaves two grandsons, Trenton and Wilder, and many nieces and nephews. Memorial information: A memorial service will be held at Stratton Town Hall Saturday, Aug. 29, at 1 p.m. Donations to the Robert Hescock Memorial Fishing Derby, in care of Melissa Hall, 51 Howard Rd., Wardsboro, VT 05355. Donations may also be made through Venmo at @RJHScholarship-77. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Eugene Hill Ferrara, 85, of East Dummerston. Died at his home, surrounded by loved ones, Aug. 3, 2026. He was born July 3, 1941, in New York City to the late Louis Ferrara and Marie Hill. Eugene was a graduate of The School of Visual Arts and worked in sales and photography at the Daily News. He also proudly served in the National Guard. He is survived by his sister, Gere; his two nephews, Daniel and Michael; his niece, Sarah; and several other loving family members and friends. From a young age, Eugene was a talented artist, a traveler, a lover of nature, and a gentle soul. Although he grew up in Flushing, he and his sister, Gere, began visiting Vermont as young children, igniting his love for nature. At just 12 years old, he won his first art show, an early indicator of his lifelong passion and talent. When he married his late wife, Linda Wright, they also visited Vermont together often, and even named their beloved dog Bunker after Bunker Road in Dummerston. Eventually, Eugene made Vermont his permanent home and lived a peaceful life. He decorated his home with his own idyllic nature paintings and photographs that documented his love of travel. He cultivated a beautiful garden and delighted in giving tours of his flowers to family and friends. He generously supported efforts to preserve natural spaces and was a kind and thoughtful neighbor. He adored Juno the cat, affectionately calling her “the most beautiful cat in the world.” Eugene was a sweet, kind, and generous man, and everyone who knew him will miss his infectious laugh. Memorial information: Committal services and burial were conducted Aug. 8 in Dummerston Center Cemetery. Donations to the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Johann “Jim” Nortz, 85, died July 31, 2026, after a long illness. He was born April 8, 1941, in Brazil, the son of Paul and Elisabeth Nortz, and half-brother of George de Lyra. He was the husband of the late Marie Agnes Burns Nortz, and former husband of Joyce Wilder. He was the father of James Nortz, Quendrith Macedo, and Heidi Traficanti; grandfather of Natalia Nortz, JT Macedo, Joey Macedo, Kia Stinson, Jack Traficanti, and Luke Traficanti; uncle of Martha deLyra, and cousin of Jacob deLyra. Jim’s family settled in New England, where he built his own house and raised his children. Flying was the passion of his life; he became an accomplished pilot, earning his instrument, multi-engine, and instructor certifications. He was a Master Mason and member of the Knights Templar, part of the Putney Friends (Quaker) Meeting, and an active Vermont Republican. For much of his career, he ran his own alarm and security business. He also enjoyed fly fishing and a good glass of German May wine. Memorial information: A celebration of Jim’s life will be held this fall in the Brattleboro area.
• Elizabeth Antonia Raposa, 70, died June 21, 2026. She was born June 16, 1956, in Providence, Rhode Island, to the late Frank and Angelina Raposa. Older sister to three brothers — Joseph, Thomas and James — Elizabeth grew into a fiercely independent and assertive young woman, often looking out for her brothers with the instinctive, protective care of an eldest daughter. A member of high school arts and music programs, Elizabeth’s creative heart developed and grew into lifelong passions for sewing, gardening, baking, and cooking authentic Italian and Azorean foods. Elizabeth credited her talents and love for cooking to her grandmother, Maddelena Anessi. In addition to these creative talents, Elizabeth was an avid reader. Over the years her book collection grew and she proudly proclaimed it an official library at the 1,000 book mark. After spending many years homesteading in New Hampshire with her former husband, Richard Kangas, and five children — Jonathon, Tonya, Larissa, Abram, and Silvana — Elizabeth moved to Vermont where she began a doula services business, Selene. A decade later, Elizabeth transitioned to a role at Windham Childcare Services where she worked steadily to earn the position of executive director. As a lifelong learner, Elizabeth also obtained a master’s degree in nonprofit nanagement with her thesis “Confronting Food Insecurity through Seed Saving in the Navajo Nation.” As part of her studies, Elizabeth spent time in the western United States supporting and assisting Native Americans in their homes. Seed saving and food insecurity themes drove Elizabeth’s passion for master gardening and sustainable living, becoming involved in community co-ops and working at United Way of Windham County as director of resources. Elizabeth’s home garden yielded plentiful resources that she enjoyed sharing with her kids and grandkids. Elizabeth’s grandkids — Caelyn, Jaxon, Owen, Charlotte, Olivia, Benjamin, and Miles — were constant sources of joy in her life. She devoted countless hours to her grandchildren, sharing joy, wisdom, and experience. Elizabeth cared for her family, near and far, with a generous heart. In addition to her children and grandchildren, Elizabeth cherished connections with her sisters‑in‑law, Diane and Claudia, and with her children’s spouses, Chris and Sarah. Family was important to Elizabeth and guided her travels to Italy, coastal New England, Wales, the Azores, and across the country to visit her brothers. Though raised Catholic, Elizabeth followed the Wiccan spiritual rhythms. While she returned to Catholic traditions in the final months of her life, Elizabeth passed into the heavenly world on the morning of the Summer Solstice, when the veil between the two worlds is thin, marrying her spiritual and religious beliefs during her final transition. Elizabeth will be remembered for her generous spirit, her unwavering love for her family, her gift for savoring life’s simple moments, and the strong, steady presence she offered to those around her. Memorial information: Her family will honor her in private, with a celebration of life planned for a later date. Donations to Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA) Vermont’s scholarship fund to help make CSA shares affordable and accessible to all. Go to nofavt.org/donate-now and select “Farmshare” in the Campaign field and write either “Wild Carrot Farm” or “Walker Farm” in the Donor field. To offer condolences, visit phaneuf.net.
• Norman E Sargent, 84, of Brattleboro. Died Aug. 2, 2026, surrounded by close family, after a brief battle with cancer. Son of Stephen and Vera (Chamberlin) Sargent, Norman was born April 15, 1942, in Brattleboro. He graduated from Brattleboro Union High School with the Class of 1961. He then joined the Army in 1963, served two years, and was honorably discharged. In 1966, Norman married Sharyn (Cook). They had four daughters together. Their marriage lasted 22 years. In 1997, he married Kathy (Petrin), and acquired five stepsons. He loved to tinker, working on cars, doing woodworking, and making his own fishing lures and weights. He had a love for fishing, going out every chance he could get, including ice fishing. He would bring his daughters, even though some would protest. He was always happy to spend time with them. He would get excited and have a “proud dad” moment when one of his daughters caught a “big one,” even if it was the smallest perch. After he remarried, he had more fishing buddies who shared the love of fishing more than his daughters. His favorite places to fish were Harriman Reservoir and Somerset Lake. But his “spot” to fish was at Sherman Reservoir. He would spend all day fishing until one of his daughters would throw rocks in the water to scare the fish away so they could go home. His wife Kathy would make jam for craft fairs and he would be the taste tester for every batch to make sure they were just right. He loved country & western music and he always wanted to go to jamborees to dance. He also loved going to Atlantic City. He would also volunteer with his wife at VFW Post 1034, where he was a lifetime member, making and serving food and playing a little Bingo on the side. He was the biggest jokester and always had a joke to tell no matter how quirky. He also loved to talk. He would talk about anything and everything, mostly about fishing and telling tall tales.He worked at The Book Press for more than 30 years, Amp Keyboard for 10 years, and C&S for three years before he retired in 2005. Norman is survived by his beloved wife Kathy, his brother Steve, his four daughters, Jeanna Langlois-Sargent and wife Sherrie of Ames, Iowa, Heather Sargent and partner Shahiem of Orange, Massachusetts, Crystal Grandmont and husband Ryan of Keene, New Hampshire, and Amanda Sargent of Brattleboro. He is also survived by his stepsons, Donald of Springfield, Vermont, Eddie of Burlington, Peter and his wife Mandi of Virginia, Joey and his wife, Barbie of Brattleboro, and James and Danielle from Virginia, along with many grandchildren. He was predeceased by both parents, stepparents, brothers Carl and Bobby, sister Harriet, and his first wife, Sharyn. Memorial information: There will be a graveside service Saturday, Aug. 15, at 11:30 a.m., at Meeting House Cemetery, followed by a reception at VFW Post 1034 on Black Mountain Road in Brattleboro.
Services
• A celebration of life for Gary R. Smart will be held Saturday, Aug. 15, from 1 to 4 p.m., at the Elk’s Home on Putney Road in Brattleboro. Mr. Smart, 65, died July 18, 2025, at his home. To view his complete obituary and offer condolences to the family, visit atamaniuk.com.
• A celebration of life gathering for Richard “Dick” Davenport will be held at the Elks Club on Putney Road Thursday, Aug, 20, beginning at noon. Dick, of Fox Run Road in Hinsdale, New Hampshire, died July 11, 2026, following a brief illness. To view his complete obituary and offer condolences to the family, visit atamaniuk.com.
This Milestones item was submitted to The Commons.