Obituaries
• Orion Metcalf Barber II, 90, of West Brattleboro. Died Sept. 22, 2026, one month shy of his 91st birthday. He died at home, under the care of his family and hospice, from vascular dementia. Orion was born in Troy, New York, Oct. 20, 1935, the son of Norton Barber and Marcia Lamberton Stevens of Bennington. Although born in New York state (much to his chagrin), Orion grew up in Bennington and attended the one-room Little School in Old Bennington for grades 1 to 3. He then continued his elementary education at Bennington Graded School, Bennington High School through ninth grade and finished his last three years of high school in New Hampshire at Phillips Exeter Academy, Class of 1953. During his teenage years he worked at Fairdale Farms dairy in Bennington. He graduated with a B.A. in English from Harvard University, Class of 1957. At Harvard, he was an Army ROTC cadet, held the rank of cadet captain, and was a member of the executive council of the Caisson Club. ROTC designated him a Distinguished Military Graduate, so he thought it rather ironic that the cadets always conducted their military drills on the grounds of the Divinity School. Orion was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Army and reported for two years active duty in July 1957. During his service, he signed up for Jump School and earned his Airborne wings. He was always glad that he never had to jump again and never developed a fondness for the top of a ladder. He retired from the Army Reserve in 1974 at the rank of captain. Orion first applied his degree in English by trying his hand at short stories, some of which he sent off to various magazines in the hopes of being published. When the rejection letters indicated that perhaps he wouldn’t be the next Hemingway, he turned his mind to learning the book trade and editing. After leaving active duty in 1960, he worked at The Colonial Press in Clinton, Massachusetts, as a management trainee, where he learned the process of book manufacturing. In 1966, he moved on from the manufacturing of books to editing and joined D.C. Heath, a textbook publisher, in Boston. D.C. Heath was bought by Raytheon in 1966, and while Orion always wondered what a defense contractor wanted with a book publisher, that didn’t stop him from taking time off to participate in sit-ins to protest the Vietnam war. In 1971, Orion joined The Stephen Greene Press in Brattleboro as managing editor, resulting in the family’s move to West Brattleboro in 1972. This was his “dream job,” which he held until 1984 when the company was sold and its operations moved out of Brattleboro. Desiring to remain in Brattleboro rather than move the family again, he founded Orion Book Services, an editorial and book production consulting company, which he ran until he retired. Orion married Carol Ann Heald in 1963, in her hometown of Harrisville, New Hampshire. Their first date was a Harvard football game and when he came to the door to pick her up, she met him with a homemade apple pie, which rather sealed the deal. Their eldest son Nathaniel was born in 1964 and their second, Caleb, was born in 1966. With Orion’s new position at Stephen Greene Press, he soon became involved in the life of the town. Orion was a Representative Town Meeting member for 46 years and also served on the Finance and Charter Review Committees. Although Orion was asked several times to run for the Selectboard, he always declined, for which his wife Carol was always grateful. Over the years, he served on various nonprofit boards. He always voted, in person when he could. A lifelong lover of classical and choral music, Orion joined the newly formed Community Chorus/Concert Choir in 1979 and sang with them until 2020. He often sang with The Friends of Music at Guilford, and occasionally with The Blanche Moyse Chorale. He was a member of the choir at All Souls Unitarian-Universalist Church in West Brattleboro for half a century, joining in the mid-1970s. Orion also performed in numerous Gilbert and Sullivan comic operas, often in solo roles, his favorite being that of Pooh-Bah in The Mikado. He narrated children’s concerts with the Windham Orchestra and gloried in his role as the voice of God in a production of Noye’s Fludde by Benjamin Britten. A gifted reader, he took part in the Books for Breakfast program at Green Street School by reading stories to Brattleboro’s schoolchildren. Orion carried on his father’s tradition of reading a Christmas story out loud on Christmas Eve, usually the “Dulce Donum” chapter of The Wind in the Willows. Orion was a joyful and energetic man. He was always the first to rise at home and even after his sons received Big Ben alarm clocks he would shout, “Stir your stumps!” or “Rise and shine, it’s daylight in the swamp!” every school day morning exactly at 6:20 a.m. He played tennis with friends and his sons at the Brattleboro Outing Club, where he deployed his left backhand to great effect. He joined family and neighbors on cross-country ski excursions through the fields and forests in West Brattleboro and took the family on countless excursions to swim in the West River. A loving and supporting father, he seemed to always find energy at the end of the workday to play catch with his sons and to read stories out loud to the family in the evening. For all his energy, he did not exercise regularly until his 50s, when he established a routine of walking down the 1½-mile length of South Street and jogging back up. He embraced the many outdoor tasks that came with the family’s 175-year-old farmhouse and six acres. For many years Orion could be seen in the yard with his chainsaw, splitting maul, and wedges, reducing a pile of logs to fuel for the wood furnace and wood cookstove. Indoors or out, a radio tuned to VPR Classical was never far away. He eventually bought an electric splitter and finally ordered the wood cut and split, but he stacked it himself into his late 80s. He was a devoted owner of a Gravely walk-behind tractor that kept him happily occupied mowing, snow blowing, and tinkering with its temperamental engine and mechanics. It was a sad day when the Gravely went away but a small electric mower still gave him good exercise. In his 80s, Orion took up walking to downtown Brattleboro twice a week, starting at the Vermont Country Deli. He went by various routes but always ended at the Co-op, where he got a cup of coffee and a cookie and sat at the same table in the deli to read the paper or The New Yorker and pass the time with his favorite cashiers and whomever else turned up. Although he needed a walking companion to accompany him in his last years, he put one foot in front of the other and engaged in his town and community as long as he possibly could. He is survived by his wife Carol of West Brattleboro; sons Nathaniel and partner Jennifer Dodge, and Caleb and wife Deirdre Heekin; grandson Liam and partner Emily; sister Elizabeth and husband Oliver Houck, and brother Jonathan and wife Margaret Howes; nephews Cyprian and Gabriel Houck, Jonathan O’Connor and his wife Kimberly Galandak, and niece Claire Maxwell; cousins in the Stevens, Howard and DuHamel families; and many devoted friends. Memorial information: A memorial service will be held in the spring. Donations in Orion’s memory may be made to the Center for Solace, Brattleboro Music Center, and All Souls Church. To send condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Arlene Hazel (Yeaw) Blum, 89, of Guilford. Died Nov. 4, 2026. Arlene was born March 30, 1937, on the family farm in Guilford. An infant twin sister, Irene, died shortly after birth. She was the seventh of ten children of the late Warren Arthur and Eva (Cooke) Yeaw of Guilford. After graduating from Brattleboro Union High School with the Class of 1955, she worked for more than 40 years at the Holstein Association, retiring in 2000. She enjoyed horseback riding with her childhood friend, Judy Cobb Glass. Arlene was an avid fan of the Atlanta Braves and went to games at their spring training camp in Florida as well as at Turner Field with, and thanks to, her son, Philip. She was also an active bowler for many years and of late with senior bowlers at Brattleboro Bowl. She was also a member of the Guilford Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary for many years. On June 30, 1956 she married Robert Joseph Blum at the Guilford Meeting House. Her husband of 58 years predeceased her June 6, 2015. She is survived by her three children: Craig Blum of Guilford, Cameron Blum of Brattleboro, and Sheila Pollica (Richard) of Guilford; three grandsons, Eric and Kyle Pollica and Trevor Blum; two great-grandsons; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a son and daughter-in-law, Philip and Carrie (Markgraf) Blum; a grandson, Justin Blum; and nine siblings, Warren Yeaw Jr., Arthur “Bud” Yeaw, Truman “Butch” Yeaw, William “Bill” Yeaw, Merrill Yeaw, Rena Hall, Evelyn Yeaw, Eleanor Yeaw, and her twin sister, Irene. Memorial information: Graveside committal services in Baker Cemetery in Guilford will be conducted Saturday, Nov. 14, at 11 a.m. where she will be laid to rest beside her husband. Donations to the Guilford Historical Society, 236 School Rd., Guilford, VT 05301; or the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To send condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Wendell “Skip” Brown died suddenly Oct. 19, 2026. Skip was born in New London, New Hampshire, the son of Wendell Stone Brown and Natalie Robinson Brown. The family lived in Grafton, New Hampshire during earlier years of his childhood, and moved to Saxtons River at the time he entered high school. He graduated from Bellows Falls High School in 1961. He attended the University of Vermont, following which he served in the Army, including a year of active service in Vietnam, from 1964–1965. Upon his return home, he began working at Holmes Transportation. It was there that he met the woman who would become his wife, Leona Lamotte. Skip and Leona were married Oct. 2, 1971, and recently celebrated their 55th anniversary. After briefly residing in Sanford, Maine, they returned to the Bellows Falls area, where they settled and began to raise their family. Skip worked as general manager for Burtco and Northeastern Culvert in Westminster for 20 years. Upon his departure from Northeastern Culvert, he branched out into positions in the petroleum and LED lighting industries, where he spent the remainder of his career, the last 20 years as a manufacturer’s sales representative for TR2 Corp of Mahwah, New Jersey. At the time of his death, he was still involved on a part-time basis. Skip thrived in this culture which enabled him to maximize his talent and abilities. Skip was a kind and caring man, generous in his willingness to help others in need. He was devoted to his family, ever involved in the kids’ academics, sports, and music activities. This support carried through in his support of his grandson, Evan, the apple of his eye, as he and Leona made countless trips to Georgia to take in Evan’s baseball and basketball games. A sports enthusiast himself, Skip’s passion was golf. Starting as a young boy caddying at Hooper Golf Club, he carried this passion lifelong, playing up to the time of his death. He held the honor of being Bellows Falls Country Club champion three times. Skip leaves behind his wife, Leona, daughter, Elizabeth and husband, Jon, son, David, former daughter-in-law, Teresa Brown, and his grandson, Evan. Memorial information: A memorial service and celebration of his life will take place at the Bellows Falls Country Club in May 2027. Donations to the Dartmouth Cancer Center, Multiple Myeloma Research Fund/ White River Junction Veterans Administration Medical Center.
• Paula Diane (Clemens) Collins, 81, of Bellows Falls. Died Oct. 27, 2026. Paula was born Nov. 5, 1944, to John and Virginia (Griffin) Clemens. She grew up in Bellows Falls, graduated from Bellows Falls High School, and attended Cardinal Cushing College in Boston. She married Paul Collins in 2000. For more than 30 years, Paula worked as a senior outreach specialist at Health Care and Rehabilitation Services (HCRS). She often took the people she served to evening events and outings on her own time, without pay, because she believed everyone deserved a full life and experiences that mattered. She was a life member of the Women of the Moose, Chapter 1123, where she volunteered countless hours and sponsored 37 women into membership. She earned her Academy of Friendship Degree (1999) and her College of Regents Degree (2008), and went on to receive her red stole and red tassel, marking the final level of the College of Regents. Bingo was another big part of her life, and many of her friendships began at the Bingo hall. Paula believed that God made every person equal and loves each of us, no matter who we are, and she said so often. She lived that belief, standing up fiercely and without hesitation for anyone she felt was being treated unfairly or not being heard. Above all, Paula was devoted to her family. Her daughters and granddaughters were the center of her life, and her love and support for them never wavered. Paula is survived by her husband, Paul Collins; her daughters, Nancy Capron and Susan Dearborn and her husband Bryn; her granddaughters, Grace, Sadie, and Beatrice; her brothers-in-law, Graham Collins and Richard Collins; her sister-in-law, Anne Collins; and her cousins, Robert Griffin and Sandra (Griffin) Valiquette. She also leaves her lifelong friends, Catherine Welch and Claire (Kahkola) Buckley; her longtime friends and partners in adventure, Felicia Aron King and Karen Thomas; and her devoted canine companion, Molly. She was predeceased by her sisters-in-law, Angela (Capron) Kneeland and Sandra Carnon, and her niece, Anne (Kneeland) Swanson. Memorial information: A celebration of Paula’s life was held Nov. 2 at the Bellows Falls Moose Lodge. Donations in Paula’s memory may be made to: The Vermont Kidney Association, 1 South Prospect St., Burlington, VT 05401 (vermontkidneyassociation.org).
• Elizabeth Ellery “Biz” Dana, 69, of Hinsdale, New Hampshire. Died Nov. 1, 2026, of complications from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Her spirit, humor and determination since her diagnosis with ALS brought inspiration to Biz’s vast family of friends and relatives. They packed the Brattleboro Eagles club recently to help Biz celebrate her 69th birthday. As ever, she rallied big time, typing messages on her phone though unable to speak — smiling from ear to ear, from start to finish. Biz was born Oct. 31, 1957, in Norwalk, Connecticut, the daughter of Thomas A. Dana (a great-grandson of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and Richard Henry Dana Jr.) and Suzanne Wilson Hutton Dana. She spent her first years in Wilton, Connecticut. In 1961, she moved with her family to Guilford and Brattleboro, where she attended local schools. After a year at Northfield-Mount Hermon, Biz graduated from Brattleboro Union High School with the Class of 1975, and shortly thereafter moved to Austin, Texas, where she worked at a number of restaurants and earned an associate’s degree at Austin State College. In the early 1980s, Biz moved back to Brattleboro and began working numerous jobs, from the composing room at the Brattleboro Reformer to the Brattleboro Retreat, and often at local restaurants or in the offices of local businesses. She attended Smith College as an Ada Comstock Scholar and graduated in 1992. In 2002, she earned a master’s degree in internet technology from Marlboro College. One night while Biz was waitressing at the Steakout in Brattleboro, a coworker suggested that she go out with that friend’s father, whom Biz had known since grade school. At that moment, a friend of that friend’s father, dining with him in the restaurant, also recommended that he get together with Biz. Soon Biz and Randy Jacobs were an item, moving to Hinsdale. They eloped and were married in Brattleboro by dear friend Missy Snow June 10, 2004. Biz worked at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital as a COVID monitor in 2020 and was hired as a greeter when the crisis eased. She retired in 2025, when she was diagnosed with ALS. Biz and Randy have fought this dreadful disease together. Her legion of fans in greater Brattleboro and beyond valued Biz’s outgoing friendly nature, loyalty, no-holds-barred straight talk on any topic, and love for witty word play and big laughs — in 1983, while living in Texas, Biz won first place in the O. Henry Austin Pun-off. She was a hard worker with versatile professional gifts: waitress and hostess, newspaper advertising and composing room professional with a keen editorial eye for typos, executive assistant at the Retreat and other businesses, and most recently, her work at BMH. Classmates from Smith College also enjoyed her “notable” musical talent while singing for two years with the school’s well-known top-flight a cappella group, the Notables. Biz also loved tap dancing, took classes beyond the basic level and was accomplished enough to perform in some local venues. One friend recalled her tap-dancing while bouncing a basketball to Sweet Georgia Brown in a 1980s show. BUHS classmate Anne Latchis met Biz in nursery school, and they became good friends growing up, reconnecting and remaining close once Biz moved back from Texas. “Biz held my memories – I could count on her to fact-check or answer my ‘who-what-when-where’ questions,” said Anne, who admired her friend’s “acute sense of humor. She was wicked smart and her memory was true as the sky is blue, and dependable as the tides.” She recalled Biz’s “keen eye for inconsistencies, errors and omissions in films and television shows,” and how she was a dedicated volunteer at the Memorial Park ski hill. “Biz was ever reliable to show up and do her best,” she said. “I admired her courage, honesty, and dedication to family, friends, pets, and projects. She was competent, confident and capable with no pretense.” Chris Rowland, now a New York Times reporter and a former Reformer newsroom colleague of Biz, called her “lovely, smart, witty, dryly hilarious, profane. She swore like a sailor and came by it honestly … [as a] descendant of Richard Henry Dana Jr., author of the autobiographical Two Years Before the Mast, a classic of seafaring literature. Very impressive, and she wore it lightly.” Another longtime friend from Reformer days, Marianne Shaughnessy, said Biz “was so in touch and had her finger on the pulse of everything going on in Brattleboro. She knew everybody and would do everything.” Once when Marianne and her husband needed somewhere to live for a spell while between homes, they asked Biz about house-sitting opportunities, “and of course she knew of some!” In fact, Biz earlier got credit for Marianne pairing with her eventual husband after urging both to date one another since (of course) she knew both and their situations. Said Marianne’s husband, Bruce Whitman, “I think Biz possessed a contagious optimism towards people and life. She was like Radar in M*A*S*H, knowing everyone and knowing how to get things done.” Said Tim McQuiston, another longtime colleague and` friend, “Biz had a Halloween birthday, which seems right on brand. Always a good sport, she had quick wit, much of it self-directed, but if it was aimed at you, like any good joke, it cut a bit close to the bone. But it was endearing and always came with that Biz smile. And she was a good dancer. This is a ‘born-with’ skill that few of the rest of us can boast.” Biz grew up with dogs in the house, but in Austin, she adopted Squirt, a small mutt universally known as the world’s best dog. On their first day, she sat down with a sleeve of saltines and taught Squirt dozens of commands that were never forgotten. Several dogs followed over the years; dear Nora survives. Biz is survived by her husband, Randy Jacobs; three brothers, Peter Hutton Dana of Georgetown, Texas, Thomas Appleton Dana Jr. of Corinth, and Oak Hill, Florida, and William Allston Dana of Putney; three sisters, Rosamond Wild Dana of New York City, Alice Longfellow Dana Cavette of Fremont, California, and Sarah Griggs Franklin of Burnet, Texas; four stepchildren, Jennifer Frankenhoff of North Ferrisburgh, Randy Jacobs Jr. of Guilford, Jodie Jacobs of Bennington, and Josette Jacobs of Brattleboro; six nieces and nephews, and a huge family of friends and relatives. Memorial information: In keeping with her final wishes, there are no formal funeral services. Donations to Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To send condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Janet Flack (Hewitt), 67, of Bellows Falls. Died Oct. 23, 2026. She was born in Bethesda, Maryland, on June 20, 1959, and was a longtime resident of Bellows Falls. Janet enjoyed the simple things in life that brought her happiness, including playing Bingo, drinking coffee, trying her luck with scratch tickets, and spending time doing arts and crafts. Most of all, she loved being surrounded by her family and friends and cherished the time she spent with her grandchildren. Those moments — the laughter, the conversations, and the memories made together — will forever hold a special place in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. Family meant so much to Janet, and the love she shared with her husband and her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, and extended family will remain a lasting part of her legacy. She leaves behind a family who will continue to love her, miss her, and carry her memory with them through the years. Janet was predeceased by her parents, Edgar Hewitt Jr. and Judith Hewitt (Powell); her sister, Edith Sullivan (Hewitt); and her beloved son, Keith Tyrrell Jr. She leaves behind her loving husband, Jason Flack; her daughters, Tera (James) Kraushaar, Krista Lescord (Shaun Amidon), and Cassonya Tyrrell (Joshua Dezaine), and her sons, Christopher Lassor, James (Haley) Flack, and Jacob (Kali) Flack. Janet is also survived by her siblings, Edgar (Jennifer) Hewitt III, Jay (Linda) Hewitt, Rejeana Therrien, and Doreen (Dan) Hewitt; her 14 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles. Memorial information: A graveside service was held Nov. 6 at Oak Hill Cemetery in Bellows Falls.
• Stanley Janovsky, 77, of Whitingham. Died peacefully Nov. 1, 2026. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, deep family roots, and cherished traditions. Born in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, Stanley grew up on North Hill in Readsboro, where he attended grade school before going on to attend high school in Whitingham. Stanley is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Nancy (Reynolds) Janovsky; his three sons, Stanley Jr. (Lisa), Wade, and Bill (Casey); his nine grandchildren, Tyler, Blake, Konner, Katelyn, Brittany, Alex, Bradley, Andrew, and Morgen; three great-grandchildren, Aubree, Paisley, and Adeline, with another on the way; his brother, Peter Janovsky; his sisters, Helen Reynolds, Ruthie LaPointe, and Betty Lou Sucharzewski; as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. Stanley was predeceased by his parents, Emil Janovsky Sr. and Mary; his brothers, Emil Jr., Victor, and Raymond; and his sisters, Grace and Nancy. Stanley’s greatest love was his family. He supported his sons, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren in everything they did, never missing a chance to watch them, whether it was tractor pulling, demolition derbies, stock car racing, or any other sports. Stanley traveled many miles not to miss any of their activities. An avid hunter in his youth, Stanley was known for claiming many big bucks across the local hills. One of his proudest lifelong dreams was realized when he and his family purchased and built the Nipple Hill Hunting Camp in Readsboro, right near the woods where he bagged many deer growing up. The camp held a truly special place in his heart. Every deer season, Stanley looked forward to being at Nipple Hill Camp with family: Stan Jr., Wade, Bill, Tyler, Blake, Konner, and Rick, as well as Greg, Nate, Anthony, Bart, and Ryan, who were also considered family. Stanley made a point of arriving every deer season on the Wednesday before opening day just to get the stoves warmed up for everyone, sometimes a little too warm. Stanley also looked forward to company from neighboring hunting camps, especially the celebratory shots of Scotch with Camp Zinfandel to mark the start of another deer season. A dedicated worker, Stanley spent 14 years with Morse Construction in Bennington, before taking an opportunity with A.R. Sandri, where he devoted 35 years of loyal service until his retirement. Memorial information: In accordance with Stanley’s wishes, there will be no calling hours or formal funeral service. He will be cremated, and his ashes will be spread in the field at Nipple Hill. A Polish Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. Donations to Twin Valley Youth Sports, P.O. Box 1458, Wilmington, VT 05363, or to Deerfield Valley Rescue, 22 Stowe Hill Rd., Wilmington, VT 05363.
• Karen A. Kirkwood, 78, of Rockingham. Died peacefully at home Oct. 21, 2026. Karen was born June 29, 1948, in Brattleboro, and raised in Hinsdale, New Hampshire. She was a graduate of Hinsdale High School, Class of 1966 and proudly served in the Army. Following her military service, she worked at Concel/Erving Paper and at Bridgeport Metal in Hinsdale, from which she retired. Karen enjoyed playing Bingo, doing ceramics, and most importantly, being surrounded by her family. Karen was the second oldest of six children and a proud mother of three. Her family was an important part of her life, and she leaves behind a loving legacy that will continue through her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She is survived by her children, William Kirkwood Jr. (Amy), Diana (Kirkwood), Brough (Christopher); and her son-in-law, William Franklin II. She also leaves behind nine grandchildren and many great-grandchildren; her brother Robert McCauley (Cindy); her sisters, Jeanette McCauley and Donna Corriveau; and many nieces and nephews. Karen was predeceased by her parents, Arnold McCauley and Theresa (Burdo) McCauley; her daughter, Zada (Kirkwood) Franklin; her brother, Bradford McCauley; and her sister, Virginia (McCauley) Thomas. Memorial information: Funeral services will be held Saturday, Nov. 14, at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph Church in Hinsdale. Burial with military honors will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery. To offer condolences, visit csnh.com.
• Donna June Kozlowski, 79, of Hinsdale, New Hampshire. Died Nov. 4, 2026 at Pine Heights in Brattleboro, where she had been a patient since August. Donna was born in Newport, New Hampshire, April 15, 1947, the daughter of George and Doris (Johnson) Cox. She moved to Brattleboro with her family at an early age and attended Brattleboro public schools, graduating from Brattleboro Union High School with the Class of 1965. She worked for 20 years as a paralegal in the law offices of the late Robert T. Gannett on Main Street in Brattleboro, a position she found very rewarding. Additionally, Donna had worked part-time at Twice Upon a Time in Brattleboro. Donna was artistically inclined and enjoyed painting with oils and watercolors. She also liked traveling and took several memorable trips to Jamaica and her favorite local destinations, the coast of Maine, and Nova Scotia, Canada. On Nov. 18, 1972, in Guilford, she married James J. “Jimmy” Kozlowski, who survives. Besides her husband of nearly 54 years, she leaves a son, Joseph E. Kozlowski and his wife, Laura, of Hinsdale. Memorial information: In keeping with her final wishes, no formal funeral services are scheduled. Donations to the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To send condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Joyce Ann McCue, 85, of Saxtons River. Died peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family, Oct. 27, 2026. She was born Oct. 18, 1941, in Gilsum, New Hampshire, to Wayne and Evelyn Buffum, and attended school in Alstead, New Hampshire. Joyce married the love of her life, Virgil McCue Sr., Dec. 31, 1959. Together, they built a life and family filled with many years of memories. Virgil predeceased her, along with her siblings Ralph Buffum, Evelyn Buffum, William Jackson, Mildred Johnson, Isabel Owens, Ernest Buffum, Wayne Buffum Jr., and Arthur Buffum. Joyce worked as a bank teller for many years, but her greatest joy was always her family. She had a special way of making everyone feel loved and welcomed, and she treasured the time she spent with those closest to her. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren held an especially dear place in her heart, and the bond she shared with them was truly special. In her free time, Joyce enjoyed life’s simple pleasures. She loved gardening, watching the birds that visited the feeders she always kept filled, spending time outdoors, and going for walks. She found happiness in the beauty of nature and the everyday moments that made life meaningful. Joyce leaves behind her daughter, Jodi McCue, and her partner, Brett Goldsmith; and her son, Virgil (Chuck) McCue Jr., and his wife, Christie. She will be lovingly remembered by her grandchildren Kassandra Maxfield and her husband, Tim Maxfield; Chelsea Jones and her husband, Jeff Jones; Christopher McCue, Corey McCue, Selena McCue, Paige Rohane, Katherine Howard, and Caleb Rohane; and her great-grandchildren Ashlin, Aubrey, Avery, and Alton Maxfield; Ziya Jones, Omile Meyerrose, Violet and John Ryals, and Luna Hall. Joyce is also survived by her brother, Earl Buffum, and his wife, Julie Buffum. Memorial information: Services will be held at the convenience of the family. Donations to: Bayada Hospice, P.O. Box 8081, Brattleboro, VT 05301.
• Sandra Rae “Sandy” O’Brien, 86, of Hinsdale, New Hampshire. Died Nov. 1, 2026, in the comfort of her home, with her family at her side following a lengthy period of declining health. Sandy was born in Boston on August 29, 1940, the daughter of Victor and Natalie (Rich) Barber. Raised and educated in Bellows Falls, she attended public schools, graduating from Bellows Falls High School. She worked for several years at the Bellows House Bakery in Walpole, worked for a florist in Walpole and, in her earlier years, was employed at Peerless Insurance Co. in Keene, New Hampshire. She also was engaged in farming, assisting with the day-to-day operation of her family’s vegetable farm located in Walpole and the family’s North Walpole Lumber Supply. A woman of faith, Sandy was a longtime member of the Walpole Congregational Church, where she was very active as a volunteer serving on several committees and active with many of the church’s functions. Additionally, she was a lifetime member of VFW Post 8497 in Charlestown, New Hampshire. Sandy enjoyed Country & Western music, dancing, travel (especially taking cruises), baking and cooking, and time spent with her family. On Nov. 25, 1961, at Walpole Congregational Church, she married George Edward O’Brien, who predeceased her Nov. 27, 2019. Survivors include one daughter, Susie O’Brien of Winchendon, Massachusetts; a sister, Nancy Barber Benware (Kim) of Charlestown; three brothers, Clark of Concord, New Hampshire, Clifford of West Barnet, and Albert (Shelby) of Bellows Falls; two granddaughters, Sara Russ (Josh) of Hinsdale and Molly Sheppard of Swanzey, New Hamsphire; and a great-granddaughter, Lorelei Russ. She also leaves many nieces and nephews. Sandy was predeceased by her parents and two sisters, Vicki Currie and Kitty Waryas. Memorial information: Graveside committal services for both Sandy and her late husband, George, will be conducted Saturday, Nov. 14, at 12:30 p.m. in the O’Brien family lot in Walpole New Cemetery. Donations to the Hinsdale Volunteer Fire Department, 13 Depot St., Hinsdale, NH 03451. To send condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
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