Obituaries
• Barbara Ann (Fuller) Spencer, 94, of Guilford. Died peacefully Oct. 15, 2026. She was born July 5, 1932, in Newton, Massachusetts, to Elliot and Caroline Fuller. Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, Philip, whom she married on April 25, 1954. She is survived by her five children: Richard Spencer, Sylvia Burns, Donald Spencer, James Spencer, and Lisa Provatas. She loved her 12 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren who affectionately called her “Gram” or “GG.” Most recently, Barbara worked for the state of Vermont in the Child Services Department, where she was involved with the WIC Program. Previously, she worked as a medical secretary for several local doctors, including Dr. Bresnahan and Dr. Tortolani. Barbara loved entertaining her family and friends, particularly at her home in the Vermont woods. Another of Barbara’s greatest passions was enjoying animals, “her furry friends.” Memorial information: A memorial service for family and friends will be held at a future date to be announced. Donations to the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302; or to support hospice care at the Center for Solace, 191 Canal St., Brattleboro, VT 05301. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Brenda Anne (Haskell) Stack, 75, of Bellows Falls. Died unexpectedly at her home Oct. 15, 2026. Brenda was born May 1, 1951, in Bellows Falls, the daughter of Leroy Haskell and Catherine (Cavanaugh) Haskell. Brenda was a graduate of Bellows Falls High School, Class of 1970. She was known by many in the community for her gracious nature and commitment to the community. Many also knew Brenda had a green thumb, which fit her long-standing role as head of the produce department at Lisai’s Market, where she worked for four decades. Before she worked at Lisai’s, she worked at the First National Store along with other family members. Outside of work, Brenda enjoyed being creative, whether that was artistically or in her garden. An avid sports fan, she could always be found watching her grandchildren play, with her Bellows Falls horn, cheering them and their teammates on. Brenda had an adventurous spirit that led her to travel with her close friends, husband, and family. She had a gift to make so many smile, and a wave and an infectious laugh that will be remembered by all. Brenda loved her family and friends like no other. She is survived by her son, Keith (Diane) Stack, along with her three grandchildren, Corina, Austin (Molly), and Isabel. She was blessed with two great-grandchildren, Adley Josephine and, most recently, Hudson Michael. She is survived by her brother, Kent “Grump” Haskell (Rose), and sister, Judith Haskell-Patch (Dave), and many nieces, nephews, and friends. Brenda was predeceased by her husband, Michael Stack, whom she married on Feb. 10, 1969, as well as her parents and her two brothers, Gary “Moe” Haskell and Brian Haskell. Memorial information: At her request, there will be no formal funeral services. Donations to the Bellows Falls Booster Club, in care of Virginia Coursen, 17 Old River Rd., Bellows Falls, VT 05101.
• Shirley Jean Waterman, 74, of East Dummerston. Died peacefully Oct. 19, 2026, surrounded by her children, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born in Brattleboro June 21, 1952, to Llewellyn and Viola (Martin) Lewis. She grew up in the Brattleboro area and attended local schools. On March 24, 1978 she was married to the love of her life, Dennis Lynn Waterman, who predeceased her in 2014. Shirley was devoted to her children and grandchildren. She always had an open door for family, friends, or anyone who needed it. She was a safe place for many troubled souls over the years. Her house was always the gathering place for everyone and was always full of love and laughter. She enjoyed cooking and loved to feed everyone. She also loved gardening and painting. Shirley leaves behind her children: daughters Yvonne Goddard (Alan) of East Dummerston, Denise Ellis (Colin) of Brattleboro, Denise Waterman (Ian) of East Dummerston, Carrie Martin (Shane) of Westminster West, Erika Waterman (Jason) of East Dummerston, and Lisa Waterman (Wayne) of Brattleboro, and one son, Brent Waterman (April) of East Dummerston; sisters Carol Lawley (Norm) of Newfane, Mary States (Harold) of Braidwood, Illinois, and Lucy Smart of Rochester, New Hampshire; a brother, Rodney Lewis (Mary) of Charlestown, New Hampshire; nine grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her three brothers, Charles Taylor, Edward Taylor, and Anthony Duby. Memorial information: Graveside committal services for both her and Dennis will be conducted Saturday, Nov. 7, at noon, in Locust Ridge Cemetery on Black Mountain Road in Brattleboro. A celebration of Shirley’s life will follow at the Elks Home on Putney Road in Brattleboro. Donations to the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Peggy Stearns Whiter, 82, formerly of Brattleboro. Died at home in Bend, Oregon June 19, 2026. She was born Peggy Jeanne Stearns on October 17, 1943 at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital to James and Eleanor (Duke) Stearns. Her adopted brother, William D. Stearns, joined the family in 1948. She attended Green Street School and graduated from Brattleboro Union High School with the Class of 1961. During high school, she participated in band, drama, and was a volunteer at the hospital, where they were called “candy-stripers.” Peggy graduated from Wagner College with a BSN in Nursing in 1965. After relocating to Redlands, California, with her childhood friend Jane Boyden Kropp, Peggy worked for the San Bernadino County Health Department as a public health nurse. Once in California, Peggy began dating Stephen Whiter (from Ohio, but also with Vermont roots), whom she married in Brattleboro Aug. 26, 1967, at Centre Congregational Church, where her father was the organist. After their wedding, they settled in California where Peggy began working at the UCLA Medical Center as an RN in the Neuro-Psychiatric Department. She later earned a Master of Science Nursing (MSN) degree, and began working as an outpatient therapist at UCLA’s adolescent psychiatric services unit and specialized in eating disorders. In their spare time, Steve and Peggy enjoyed sailing around the Southern California coast and skiing at Mammoth Mountain. Eventually moving to Encino, California, Peggy became a full-time mother when Bryan was adopted in 1984 and Stephanie joined in 1986. The family resided in Encino until Steve retired from General Telephone Electronics (GTE) in 1991. After Steve’s retirement, the family moved to Bend, Oregon. Bend opened new opportunities for Steve, Peggy and the kids. Peggy was active on the Mt. Bachelor Ski Patrol in her early years in Bend and swam with Central Oregon Masters Association (COMA) for more than two decades, where she earned numerous awards. Peggy was active with Bryan and Stephanie in supporting their school, sports, and musical activities. She passed on her love for skiing and swimming to Bryan and Stephanie, who have traveled to different states and countries to enjoy the powder and pools. When the kids were out of the house, Steve and Peggy enjoyed traveling internationally and visiting their Vermont roots. Peggy was a proud Vermonter. She also enjoyed activities at Larkspur Senior Center such as Tai Chi to stay active when she was no longer in the pool. Peggy spent hours in the kitchen making delicious meals and sauces, gardening and working on her plants. She loved wearing a good hat. Peggy enjoyed her time living in Awbrey Meadows and working on the house inside and out, as Steve remodeled the family home in every way. Steve and Peggy downsized to the outskirts of Sunriver in 2021. Peggy is survived by her husband of nearly 60 years, her children Bryan and Stephanie, and her brother William. Memorial information: A celebration of life will be held later this year to honor Peggy’s memory. Contact Steve, Bryan, or Stephanie for further information.
This Milestones item was submitted to The Commons.