Obituaries
• Elaine “Lindy” Amidon Charbonneau, 64, of Putney. Died Sept. 20, 2026, at Pine Heights Nursing Home in Brattleboro, where she had been a patient since Aug. 14. Elaine was born in Brattleboro July 24, 1962, the daughter of Walter J. and Marian (Wood) Amidon. She attended local public schools and graduated from Brattleboro Union High School with the Class of 1981. Elaine worked at several Brattleboro area businesses that included Linden Lodge Nursing Home, Bolster Movers, and FedEx Freight, where she worked as an office secretary. She retired early due to her failing health. She had a kidney transplant in 1990 that lasted 18 ½ years and had been a kidney dialysis patient for the last 18 years. Elaine dealt with serious health issues since childhood and faced these obstacles with courage, dignity, and a great sense of optimism. Elaine enjoyed playing cards, watching movies, and was an avid reader. She married Stephen Charbonneau in 1991; the marriage ended in divorce. Survivors include her two brothers, Denny Amidon (Kathy) of Putney and Walter Amidon (Sherry) of Dummerston; nephews Mark, Leon and Jesse (Allison) Amidon; a niece, Julie Cogliano (Richard) of Dummerston; and several great-nieces and great-nephews. Memorial information: In keeping with Elaine’s final wishes, there are no formal funeral services scheduled. Donations to Rescue Inc., P.O. Box 593, Brattleboro, VT 05302; or to the Putney Volunteer Fire Department, 21 Carl Snyder Drive, Putney, VT 05346. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Marie Ann Bachman Coates, 93, died Sept. 28, 2026, at Thompson House in Brattleboro, with hospice chaplain Diane Morris by her side. Marie was born in Roanoke, Illinois, December 30, 1932, the only daughter of Peter Samuel and Lena Wehrli Bachman. She had four brothers: Don, Roy, Harold, and Carl. Marie completed her nursing training at Brokaw Hospital in Normal, Illinois, where she met Milton Smith Stone. They moved to Denver, where they attended the University of Denver, and married on December 12, 1957, in Loda, Illinois. Together they had two children, Martin “Butch” and Squeak. In February 1965, Stoney died while on active duty, and Marie was left to raise her children and support her family, stepping into the role of breadwinner and facing a future she had not planned. Marie later met Donald Preston Coates through church. Don had two daughters, Debbie and Judy, and the possibility of another family began to take shape. They married on June 29, 1969, and Don and Marie started their very own “Brady Bunch.” For their first wedding anniversary, Marie gave Don a baby girl, Beth. After 37 years of marriage, Don died suddenly on March 27, 2007. Marie was a force of nature: fiery, passionate, outspoken, and fiercely independent. She loved deeply, disliked passionately, and spoke her mind — sometimes before it had quite caught up with her. She believed a woman had every right to make her own decisions and live by her own rules. She had little interest in being the perfect wife or keeping a perfect house, and no intention of making herself smaller to make someone else more comfortable. Her surviving children are Deborah Silva and husband Jim McCalsky; Squeak Stone and husband Steven Stone; Judy Coates Perez and husband Phil Stone; and Beth Welch and husband Richard Welch. Her son, Martin “Butch” Stone, predeceased her. Her grandchildren are Alex Silva, Colin McCrillis, Indigo Perez, Ty Perez, Haeleigh Stone, Aiden Stone, and Mycroft Stone. She is also survived by many beloved nieces, nephews, and great-grandchildren. Memorial information: Funeral services will be held at Pelkey’s Funeral Home in Kittery, Maine, Oct. 24 with greetings beginning at noon. Marie loved flowers but made one thing perfectly clear: Anyone who waited until her funeral to send her flowers, having neglected to give her any while she was alive, could expect her to come back and haunt them for the rest of their lives. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Alzheimer’s Association or the American Heart Association. You certainly wouldn’t want to spend the rest of your life wondering whether Marie was keeping her promise.
• Veronica Mary “Ronnie” Dubyoski Deitz, 89, of Westminster. Died Oct. 2, 2026, with all her loving children by her side. She was born Jan. 14, 1937, in Terryville, Connecticut to the late Anna (Guzek) and Anthony Dubyoski Sr. Veronica was the youngest of nine children and the last surviving sibling. She graduated from Warren Harding High School and then went on to attend Barbizon School of Modeling in New York City and later worked as a secretary at Sikorsky Aircraft. After moving to Vermont with her family, she was the proud owner and operator of TLC Farm, where she grew and then sold vegetable plants at the Farmers Market. Family was very important to her and she enjoyed every minute of time spent at all the family gatherings, especially enjoying Easter dinner, the bunny visit, and a new tradition of Easter Bingo, birthday celebrations, and all of her grandchildren’s graduations and sporting events. She loved gardening, growing nut trees and harvesting black walnuts, Chinese walnuts, and hickory nuts and growing unusual vegetables. Veronica is survived by her children, Howard Deitz Jr., Vicki Goulas (Steve), Daniel Deitz (Debra), Thomas Deitz (Teresa), Joanne Deitz (Willy), Teresa Sylvester (Michael), Jennifer Lonardo (Michael), David Deitz (Audrey), and Kathleen Allen (Alex). She is also survived by 15 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, and would have been very thrilled to welcome another soon to be great-grandchild into the family. She was predeceased in 2023 by her loving husband of 65 years, Howard Deitz Sr.; an infant son, Matthew; her brothers, John Dubyoski, Henry (Hank) Dubyoski, Anthony Dubyoski; and sisters Helen Osowiecki, Stephie Webster, Catherine Coward, Annie Drop, and Caroline Condon. Memorial information: Graveside committal services were conducted Oct. 10 at the Westminster New Cemetery. Donations can be made to Westminster Volunteer Fire Department or Westminster Cares.
• Patricia “Trish” Hain, 72,died Oct. 8, 2026, surrounded by family after courageously facing a period of declining health. Trish was born in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, March 28, 1954, to George Robert Hain and Averill (Ellenberger) Hain. Throughout her life, she called many places home and pursued many careers, each marking a distinct chapter in her beautiful and eclectic journey. In school, her teachers often remarked that she talked too much. As it turned out, her gift for conversation would become one of her greatest strengths. Trish attended West Noble High School in Ligonier, Indiana, where she was a lifeguard and cheerleader and developed a lifelong love of enthusiastically supporting her favorite teams. While she was enrolled in nursing training, her parents relocated to Brattleboro. What began as a visit soon became the next chapter of her own life, as she settled in Vermont and built the foundation for many of the years that followed. It was there that she met William “Bill” Culver Skilling Jr., and the two were married for 17 years. Together, they owned and operated the Jolly Butcher in West Brattleboro for many years. Whether greeting guests at the hostess station or tending bar, Trish’s warmth and welcoming spirit made everyone feel at home. Of all the roles she held throughout her life, none brought her greater pride than being a mother to her three children, Paige, Blair, and Max. She was a constant presence in their schools and community, chaperoning field trips, substitute teaching, serving on the school board, cheering on the basketball court, lacing skates at the rink, and opening her home and heart to so many. As her children grew, Trish embarked on another chapter, one perfectly suited to her love of talking, storytelling, and getting to know people. She began broadcasting commercials during Red Sox games for a local radio station, which eventually led to a career in radio news reporting. Whether interviewing local leaders, attending community events, or stopping to chat with someone she met along the way, Trish had a gift for making people feel seen and heard. The relationships she formed further deepened her roots in the Vermont community, while her curiosity, warmth, and unmistakable voice made her a familiar and trusted presence to many. Those relationships, combined with her commitment to public service, inspired Trish’s next chapter. An avid follower of politics, she ran for and was elected to two terms as a Windham County Side Judge. For eight years, Trish faithfully served in the family courts, bringing fairness, advocacy, and dedication to her work. The role also gave her the privilege and immense pride of officiating many marriages and, at the time, civil unions in Vermont. Never one to stop learning or shy away from reinvention, Trish later turned her lifelong passion for reading into a job at a library. Then, after a particularly snowy Vermont winter, she decided her next chapter would take her to the city. She moved to Boston with her dog, Romo, and embraced retirement. Trish took a part-time position in the fitting room at TJ Maxx, where she helped customers find the perfect outfit while happily adding a few treasures to her own carefully curated wardrobe along the way. The position also afforded her plenty of time with her four grandchildren, whom she adored and who lovingly knew her as Grammy and Gaga. She treasured the time they spent together — playing games, going bowling, cheering on the Celtics and Patriots, exploring Boston’s many sights, or simply curling up together on the couch. Trish could light up a room with her charisma and unmistakable voice and was always ready to discuss just about anything. Her breadth of knowledge was legendary, especially to anyone who spent an evening watching Jeopardy! with her. More impressive than what Trish knew, however, was the way she made people feel. Her kindness was immediate, her openness came easily, and she had a remarkable ability to make others feel comfortable, heard, and valued. Her wisdom and advice helped many people navigate life’s challenges. Trish is survived by her three children: Paige (Skilling) Shelley and her husband, Brad; Blair Skilling and her partner, Matt Newton; and Max Skilling. She also leaves behind her four beloved grandchildren,Hunter Manzo, Ryker Skilling, Willow Skilling, and Waylynn Skilling; her cherished “fur-granddog,” Lincoln; her siblings, Suzanne Hain and Bob Hain; and two nieces and four nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, George and Averill Hain; her former husband, Bill Skilling; and her siblings, Kathleen Hain and Emily Kurtz. Memorial information: Trish chose to donate her remains to Harvard Medical School so that she could continue helping others long after her own story had ended. Those wishing to honor Trish are invited to calling hours Thursday, Oct. 29, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Atamaniuk Funeral Home, 40 Terrace St. A celebration of her life will follow at 4:30 p.m. at American Legion Post 5, 32 Linden St. All are welcome to gather and share memories. Donations to the American Cancer Society at cancer.org.
• Isabel Eva Madore, 96, a native of Vernon and 80-year resident of Dummerston, died Oct. 11, 2026, at Vernon Green Nursing Home, where she had been a resident since January 2024. Isabel was born at home in Vernon March 29, 1930, the daughter of Guy and Esther (Johnson) Perkins. She was raised and educated in Vernon and Dummerston, where she attended public schools. She worked seasonally for many years at the Scott Farm in Dummerston. Isabel was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose life centered around her home and family. Isabel enjoyed the outdoors and with her family liked to go camping, working in her garden, cooking, cookouts, and family get-togethers. She was blessed with good health and was very active up until the time she became a resident at Vernon Green. On Oct. 4, 1947, she married William W. Madore, who predeceased her Jan. 9, 2005. Survivors include a daughter, Colleen Smith and husband Marc of Kittery, Maine; two sons, Timothy Madore and wife Renée of Williamsville and Richard Madore and wife Anita of Copperopolis, California; four grandchildren, Kelly (David), Matthew, Jessica (Nick) and Leah; three great-grandchildren, Ambrose, Ruby, and Avery; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a son, William K. Madore ,who died in 1975; her eight siblings, Richard, Helen, Ralph, Phyllis, Betty, Phillip, Roger, and Nancy; her parents and her step-father, Elmer Thomas. Memorial information: Graveside committal services will be conducted Saturday, Oct. 24, at 11 a.m., in Dummerston Center Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest next to her husband in the Madore family lot. A reception will follow the services at Evening Star Grange in Dummerston Center. Donations to Rescue, Inc., P.O. Box 593, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To offer condolences, visitatamaniuk.com.
• Patricia Ann “Pat” Perkins, 83, of West Brattleboro. Died peacefully Oct. 8, 2026, at the Jack Byrne Center for Palliative Care in Lebanon, New Hampshire, following an extended period of declining health. She was born at home in Guilford on April 18, 1943, the daughter of William and Harriet (Gates) Petrie, Sr. Pat was raised in Guilford where she attended local schools, later attending Brattleboro Union High School. For many years, she worked as a dental assistant, initially for Dr. Henry Gillespie and later in the offices of Dr. David Perry, from which she retired. Previously, Pat had been employed at the former Appropriate Technology Co. off of Putney Road. On Oct. 14, 1961, she was married to Philip Perkins, Sr. who predeceased her July 13, 2018. The couple spent most of their married life in Dummerston where they raised their family, later moving to Brattleboro. Pat was an animal lover who would like to take in strays or any dog or cat that needed a home. One time, she informed her husband that she wished to become a volunteer at the local animal shelter. He responded that may not be a good idea seeing she would be bringing many of the animals home. Pat begrudgingly agreed. When out and about, Pat would never be seen without a Kleenex in her hand or in her pocketbook, which became a running joke with all of her children. Of her leisure time activities, she enjoyed gardening, camping, being outdoors and time spent with her family. She will be remembered for her spirit of friendship, generosity, and kind heart. Survivors include her children: two daughters, Kim Buzby (Jeff) of Brattleboro and Linda Shippee (Shane) of Vernon, and a son, Philip “Rick” Perkins, Jr. (Denise) of Brattleboro; one brother, Bill Petrie, Jr.; three sisters, Peg Ellingwood (Steve), Sharon Frechette (Gary), and Deb Propster (Mark); eight grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, all of whom were her pride and joy, and many nieces and nephews. Additionally, she leaves her two beloved Shih Tzus, Dutch and Bella. Memorial information: A memorial service was held Oct. 16 at West Brattleboro Baptist Church. She will be laid to rest next to her late husband in the Perkins family lot in West Brattleboro Cemetery on Mather Road. Donations to Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302; or to the Jack Byrne Center, in care of Dartmouth Health/Geisel School of Medicine, One Medical Center Drive, HB 7070, Lebanon, NH 03756. To offer condolences, visitatamaniuk.com.
This Milestones item was submitted to The Commons.