College news
• Grace Conety of Brattleboro, Sophia Hamm of Brattleboro, and Zadie Olmstead of Dummerston were named to the spring 2026 Dean’s List at Simmons University in Boston.
Obituaries
• Stephanie Greene, 73, of West Dover. Died peacefully at her home Aug. 10, 2026, in the care of family and friends. Born in Brattleboro in 1953, the daughter of Janet and Stephen Greene, Stephanie attended public schools in Brattleboro before graduating high school from Concord (Mass.) Academy with the Class of 1971. She attended Middlebury College for two years before transferring to the University of California at Berkeley, where she earned her B.A. in 1977. As a writer, editor, and community-spirited activist, Stephanie’s devotion to Vermont was as diverse as it was lifelong. From serving on the board of trustees of her beloved Governor’s Institutes of Vermont, to her tireless, years-long work as an organizer for the Brattleboro Literary Festival, to becoming a recognizable voice on Vermont Public Radio contributing commentaries on a diverse range of topics, to her many contributions to the Brattleboro Words Project, Stephanie’s mission was always to stimulate other people’s curiosity and creativity. She also reported for the Worcester (Mass.) Business Journal for many years and, through VISTA, trained volunteers to teach adults to read. Self-described as “bookish,” having been “born into a publishing family” and “as a librarian … pressed books on strangers,” Stephanie published short stories in a variety of publications and co-edited Fateful Choices: Tales Along the Road Taken (2001). Well-traveled, and having lived on both Coasts as well as briefly in Mexico, her passion for life was as irrepressible as her inexhaustible enthusiasm for new challenges, which included earning a black belt in Kensho-Ryu Karate in 2001 at the age of 48 — one of her proudest achievements. Stephanie is survived by her husband of 44 years, Marshall Brooks; her much adored sons, Isaac Brooks of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Graham Brooks and cherished daughter-in-law Hannah Hoffman, of West Dover; and a sister, Jennifer, of New York state; her childhood friend of nearly seven decades, Jean Bristol; and countless close friends and valued colleagues. Memorial information: Interment will be private. Donations to Center for Solace (formerly Brattleboro Area Hospice), 191 Canal St., Brattleboro, VT 05301.
• Anne Alderson Janeway, 90, formerly of Marlboro. Died July 23, 2026, of natural causes, in Belmont, Massachusetts. A devoted daughter and beloved sister, aunt, and friend who was a pioneering figure in international and cross-cultural education, all remember her as a compassionate, deeply principled person who gave her full attention to anyone she talked to. She exhibited a rare combination of kindness, spiritual wisdom, and tolerance — qualities that helped her build enduring relationships around the world. She called friends, family, former students, and colleagues frequently and warmly welcomed them to her cozy cabin home in Marlboro. A dual devotion to educating people in the United States and to serving communities abroad defined her life’s work. Beginning in 1961, Anne worked for 35 years at the related institutions, the Experiment in International Living and the School for International Training (SIT) in Vermont. She was program director and faculty member of the International Career Training program — known later as Programs in Intercultural Management. Her influence on the field of experiential, cross-cultural education proved most lasting. She wove technical management training together with cross-cultural awareness, grounding both in hands-on, experiential learning. Her students went on to remarkable careers of their own: Two later served as U.S. ambassadors, and many more became country directors for nonprofits, government agencies, and UN organizations, or built careers as humanitarian workers, peacebuilders, and educators. In March 2024, SIT and its parent organization, World Learning, honored Anne as part of a Women’s History Month series celebrating influential women across the organizations’ more than 90-year history — a fitting tribute to a life spent, in her own quiet and generous way, helping build a more just and connected world. Anne was born in Boston Feb. 15, 1936, and graduated from The Winsor School in Boston in 1954, and from Smith College in 1957. As a young woman, Anne loved to sail and race an Annisquam fish boat in Ipswich Bay off Cape Ann. At Smith, her curiosity and social conscience first carried her abroad, when she traveled to Finland in 1957 with The Experiment in International Living. A dream first sparked at a young age was finally realized at 23, when Anne set out for India. For more than a year, she taught at a small primary school in Vellore established to give an English-language education to the children of staff at the Christian Medical College — an experience that planted the seed of her lifelong dedication to education. Her path changed course in 1961. The Experiment’s headquarters in Putney had recently become one of the country’s earliest Peace Corps training sites, and Anne set her graduate work aside to join the effort, developing orientation programs for volunteers headed mainly to Asia. Named director of training the following year, she oversaw preparation for more than 20 volunteer groups bound for Afghanistan, Iran, India, and Pakistan. Anne’s decision to leave her graduate studies behind for this work reflected values she had absorbed at home. Her father, Dr. Charles A. Janeway (1909–1981), was physician-in-chief at Boston Children’s Hospital for three decades and traveled widely teaching pediatrics to physicians across the developing world; her mother, Elizabeth B. Janeway (1909–1999), was a social worker at the Boston Lying-In Hospital devoted to women and families in need. Anne had grown up believing one’s gifts were meant to be carried into the wider world. India held a singular place in Anne’s heart throughout her life. She often called it her second home, and she remained closely connected there to a spiritual community as well as to several schools and grassroots organizations. She was especially devoted to the work of Shanthimalai Trust, founded by Dr. Hugo and Anne Maier near the holy mountain Arunachala in Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu. For over 30 years, the trust has funded sustainable programs for impoverished families in the areas of education and nutrition for children, job training, shelter and environmental stewardship. All of the Trust’s programs are now run by leadership from the Indian community. In 1997, she became the founding coordinator of the Aruna Partnership’s North American School Sponsorship Program, a role she held for 14 years, recruiting sponsors among family, friends, and her wider community to fund English-medium education for village children — work she considered central to lifting up the next generation. Anne is survived by two sisters: Elizabeth Janeway Gold (Lee) and her husband, Ronald, of Toronto; and Barbara Bradley Janeway Wilder (Barbie) of New Hampshire. She was predeceased by her brother, Charles A. Janeway, Jr. (Charlie), and brother-in-law, Donald Wilder. She also leaves beloved nephews and nieces, and their families: Markand Sara Gold of Toronto; Elizabeth Gold and Johan Lindell, of Uppsala, Sweden; Peter Wilder and David Wilder of Newfields, New Hampshire; Hannah Janeway and Karina Anaya, of Los Angeles; Megan Janeway and Ryan Mylrea, of Winchester, Massachusetts; and Katherine Janeway and David Gordon, of Belmont, Massachusetts. Memorial information: A memorial service is planned for Sunday, Oct. 4, at 1:30 p.m., at All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church in Brattleboro. Donations to the Aruna Partnership (arunapartnership.org).
• Curtis Mayer died peacefully July 29, 2026, at the Alpine Center in Keene, New Hampshire. Born in Bennington, Curtis was predeceased by his mother, Beatrice Mayer; his father and stepmother, Bernard and Christine Mayer; his sister, Suzanne Peters; and an infant sister, JoAnn Mayer. He is survived by his siblings, Michael and his wife Debra Mayer of Shaftsbury, Daniel and his wife Sandra Mayer of Ocala, Florida, Roxanne and husband Tony Hover of Arlington, Christopher Mayer of Sailsbury, North Carolina, Nicholas and Larry Mayer of Bennington, Michele and husband Steven Hurley of Bennington, Jennifer and husband Bobby Trexler of Sailsbury, and Timothy and wife Catherine Mayer of Bennington; his sons Thomas Mayer and Eric and wife Amber Mayer of Bennington. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and his beloved wife and partner of 24 years, Cathy Raymond of Hinsdale, New Hampshire. Curtis was a fan of the Buffalo Bills, the Boston Red Sox, and NASCAR. He enjoyed trips to Atlantic City and Las Vegas with his wife, Cathy, and good friends Joey & Becky. Curtis was always funny, kind, and generous. He enjoyed a good prank, and will be missed for bringing humor and love to everyone’s days. Memorial information: In lieu of flowers, consider a donation in Curtis’ name to the Lewy Body Dementia Association.
• Cheryl Lyn Pichette, 78, of Guilford. Died unexpectedly Aug. 5, 2026, in the emergency department at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital after being stricken ill at her home. Cheryl was born in Barre Jan. 9, 1948, the daughter of William F. and Margaret E. (Bottomley) Carbo. She was raised and educated in Montpelier, graduating from Montpelier High School with the Class of 1966. A resident of the Brattleboro area since 1972, Cheryl went on to attend the Thompson School for Practical Nurses, where she earned her Licensed Practical Nurse diploma. Cheryl worked most of her career in healthcare, employed as an LPN working in the emergency department at Franklin Medical Center in Greenfield and, later, in the ER at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital. She also worked as a dental assistant for several dental offices in Brattleboro, retiring from Estey Dental on Birge Street. She enjoyed the outdoors, which included swimming, kayaking, golf, and trips to the beach (Cape Cod being one of her favorite vacation destinations). Additionally, Cheryl liked returning to her hometown to attend book club meetings with her friends. A devout Catholic, Cheryl was a communicant of St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Church. She enjoyed music and liked to sing and was a member of a chorale group in the greater Greenfield area. On Jan. 20, 1984, at Guilford Community Church, she married Brian R. Pichette, who survives. The couple were married by the former Rev. Betsy Crockett, then pastor of Guilford Community Church. She leaves one son, Scott Pouliot of Hinsdale, New Hampshire; a grandson, Joshua Pouliot of Peterborough, New Hampshire; a brother, David Carbo and his wife, Susan, of Fairfield Glade, Tennessee; her partner and best friend of many years, Susan Nadeau of Brattleboro; several nieces and nephews; and a personal friend from childhood, Sharon Hersey, whose friendship grew over the years. Memorial information: In keeping with her final wishes, there are no formal funeral services scheduled. A celebration of her life will take place at American Legion Post 5 on Linden Street Saturday, Sept. 26, from noon to 4 p.m. She will be buried at the convenience of the family beside her parents in Berlin. Donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, stjude.org. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Jeannette Marie Prukalski (Rouleau, Kellom), 72, died unexpectedly July 30, 2026, at Springfield (Vt.) Hospital. Born May 22, 1953, in Brattleboro, Jeannette enjoyed spending time with her family. She loved to do arts and crafts and crocheting and was amazing at making beautiful afghan blankets, and also enjoyed her TV programs and animals. She is survived by a daughter, Jaime Woronecki (Kellom); granddaughters Morgan Vaudrien and Taylor Woronecki; grandson Aaron (AJ) Woronecki Jr.; and siblings Patricia McMurtry, Mary Rouleau, and Michael Rouleau. Memorial information: Services for Jeannette will be announced at another time. The family has started a GoFundMe to help with funeral expenses; you can find the donation link on Jaime’s Facebook page under JaimeLynnKellom.
• Zachery David Stolpp, 28, of Brattleboro. Died unexpectedly July 29, 2026. Growing up, Zach enjoyed a wide range of hobbies and interests, from playing the trumpet and soccer to participating in 4-H, where he proudly cared for a cow named Chloe and later walked her in the Strolling of the Heifers in Brattleboro. Zach will be remembered for his deep love of the water. Whether at the ocean, a river, or a lake, he came alive while swimming, building sandcastles with his brothers, or casting a fishing line. Always eager to learn, he took up fly fishing and spent countless hours perfecting his technique. After graduating from Leland & Gray Union High School, Zach attended the New England Institute of Technology, where he studied to become an HVAC technician. In 2020, he returned home to southern Vermont and built a rewarding career in the trade, most recently working for Pomeroy Heating & Cooling in Deerfield, Massachusetts. A devoted New York Giants fan living in the heart of Patriots Country, Zach never hesitated to defend his team. He was a “true blue” Giants supporter through and through. Zachery is survived by his loving parents, Donald Stolpp and Jessica Kyle; his younger brothers, Gregory and Lucas Stolpp; his grandmothers, Diana Stolpp and Rev. Diane C. Kyle; and his uncle, Thomas Kyle. He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Robert Stolpp and Steven Kyle. His memory will live on in the hearts of his family and friends. Memorial information: Family and friends are invited to celebrate Zach’s life Saturday Sept. 19, 2026, at 2 p.m., at Millstream Community Center, 19 Main St., Hinsdale, New Hampshire. Zach will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
• Janet Reed Wolfe, 70, of Brattleboro. Died at home on her terms, after years of failing health, on Feb. 9, 2026. A loved child, sister, wife, cousin, auntie, sister-in-law, generous benefactor, and good friend, Janet felt she lived a full life. She was born Jan. 12, 1956, in Lakewood, Ohio, to Marjorie Easterling Wolfe and William Gerald Wolfe. She grew up in New York and Connecticut with her sister Kathryn Staley Wolfe. Janet attended grade schools in Riverside and graduated from Greenwich High School with the Class of 1974. That fall, she entered the College of Wooster. Majoring in psychology, she graduated with the Class of 1978. After graduation, Janet worked as a social worker for many years in Keene, New Hampshire. In December 1987, Janet married her love, Larry Doores, in Granby, Massachusetts. She continued her social work in Springfield, Massachusetts, for many years. After Janet and Larry retired, they moved to Warren, Rhode Island, and started the Good Books store in Bristol. In 2009, they moved to warmer Costa Rica and also had a home in Virginia. They lived a wonderful life together before Larry’s death in 2016. After Larry’s passing, Janet decided to settle in Brattleboro. Janet appreciated beauty and design, which was evident by the way she decorated her home. She also expressed her artistic talents through a variety of mediums such as painting, weaving, and beading, which she gifted to friends. Janet was an avid reader, enjoyed crossword puzzles, and loved playing card games with friends. She had a positive impact on every community she lived in. Janet’s friendship, wit, humor, advice, and snarky political commentary are very much missed. Memorial information: Janet’s mortal remains were laid to rest next to her husband’s and her furry family, Stella and Mini, in July by family and friends in Arlington, Vermont. As we all are beings of starlight, Janet and Larry are memorialized in the heavens at Binary Star Janet and Larry, RA 4h 33m 30.6s and DEC +72° 31’ 43” with a magnitude of 5.94, registered in the International Database of star-register.eu, registration 70D231C3F.
This Milestones item was submitted to The Commons.