Obituaries
Editor's note: The Commons will publish brief biographical information for citizens of Windham County and others, on request, as community news, free of charge.
• Richard “Dicky” Francis Barbarow, 71, of Wilder. Died July 9 at Brookside Nursing Home. Brother of William H. Barbarow, and his wife, Dorothea, of Bellows Falls. Born in Newport, R.I., the son of the late Adeline (Crowell) and Francis Barbarow, he lived with Cerebral Palsy and Marfan's syndrome for his entire life. For the past several years, he resided in Vermont with his brother's family. He was an avid Red Sox fan. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held July 15 at St. Lucy's Church in Middletown, R.I., with burial in St. Columba's Cemetery.
• Eugene Harold Benjamin, 68, of Putney. Died July 6. Husband of Nancy Waterhouse. Father of Norma Hamilton, and daughter-in-law, Bonnie Gunn of Williston; Tammie Benjamin of Grafton, N.Y.; Emma Rodgers of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho; Kevin Benjamin of Wilton, N.Y.; and the late Michael Benjamin. Brother of Hubert Benjamin of Connecticut; Clayton Benjamin of Hinsdale, N.H.; David Benjamin of Westfield, Conn.; Gerald Benjamin of Brattleboro; Nancy Campbell of Brattleboro; Celia Crapo of Windsor Locks, Conn.; and Marie Wright of Brattleboro. Grew up in Brattleboro, attended St. Michael's School and graduated from Keene State College. Taught at Kurn Hattin, and also taught woodworking at Brattleboro Union High School. Later, he turned to carpentry and masonry work, and over the years left his mark on many beautiful chimneys and hearths in southern Vermont. He also constructed barns, decks, outbuildings and was an all around “fix-it” person who could be counted on to help on short notice. He gave of his time generously to others in times of need and volunteered for the AIDS Project of Southern Vermont. He was an avid motorcyclist who thoroughly loved gliding the back roads of southern Vermont on his BMW motorcycle and always came home with stories of what he had encountered. For many years, he volunteered each Friday at Grace Cottage Hospital as a mail courier, often arriving on his motorcycle. He loved and appreciated the rural nature of Vermont, and enjoyed working with his tractor, cutting firewood and backyard sugarmaking. He enjoyed fishing, and in years past, basketball and softball. Always quick with a joke, he had a wry sense of humor. Memorial information: A celebration of his life was held at his home on July 17. Donations to Grace Cottage Hospital, Route 35, Townshend, VT 05353 or to the AIDS Project of Southern Vermont, 67 Main St., Brattleboro, VT 05301.
• Mary H. Bolster, 86, of Dummerston. Died July 8 at Pine Heights in Brattleboro. Wife of the late Robert E. Bolster for 57 years. Mother of Philip Bolster and his wife, Betty of Dummerston; Glen Bolster and his wife, Jacquie, of Essex Junction; Sherry Amidon and her husband, Walter, of Dummerston; and Ellen Hellus and her husband, David, also of Dummerston. Brother of Donald Hazleton and Carol Bessette, both of Dummerston Center. Born in Dummerston, the daughter of the late Merton and Hazel Carr Hazelton, she was a graduate of Brattleboro High School, Class of 1944. She went on to attend Keene Teachers College, graduating with a degree in education in 1949. Her first teaching position was in Groton before she relocated back to Dummerston, where she was the last teacher to teach in a one-room schoolhouse. With her husband, she established both Bolster Moving and Storage Company in 1950, and Bolster's Warehouse in 1956. She retired in 1990 when the businesses were sold. She was a member of the Evening Star Grange in Dummerston for more than 70 years and, with her husband, was a longtime member of Dummerston Congregational Church. She enjoyed playing Bingo, and attending auctions as well as area sporting events. She was an avid reader and also cherished time shared with her family. Memorial information: A memorial service was held July 12 at Dummerston Congregational Church, with burial in the Bolster family lot in Dummerston Center Cemetery. Donations to the Dummerston Center Cemetery Association, in care of Mr. John Abel, 432 Schoolhouse Road, East Dummerston, VT 05346, or, to West Dummerston Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 40, West Dummerston, VT 05357. Condolences may be sent to Atamaniuk Funeral Home at www.atamaniuk.com.
• Elizabeth “Betty” E. Dobson, 81, of Peabody, Mass. Died July 8 at home. Wife of Norman Dobson for 62 years. Mother of Fred Dobson of Brattleboro and Linda Porter and her husband, Ed, of Bernardston, Mass. Born in Salem, Mass., the daughter of Arthur F. and Irene W. Cox Ross, she graduated from Marblehead High School. Mrs. Dobson was a nurse's aide at Salem Hospital, and then worked at Weber's Store in Salem. She was last employed as a sales clerk in the Women's Department at Jordan Marsh in Peabody before retiring. Betty, as she was affectionately known, was a good-hearted woman with a sense of fun and mischief. Memorial information: A funeral service was held July 13 at the Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home in Peabody, with burial in Puritan Lawn Memorial Park in Peabody. Donations to Northeast Animal Shelter, 200 Highland Ave, Salem, MA 01970.
• June E. Geneseo, 48, of Hinsdale, N.H. Died July 10 at her home. Wife of Peter J. Geneso for 12 years. Mother of Ryan M. Tomamichel, currently stationed in Afghanistan, and Brent Tomamichael of Elizabeth City, N.J. Stepmother of Brianna M. Hinzman and her husband, Joseph, of Slatersville, R.I. Sister of Denise Ford of San Antonio, Texas, and Becky Wetzel of Arlington, Texas. Born in Evansville, Ind., the daughter of Priscilla Burrow Rogers and the late Jackie Rogers, she grew up in Arlington, Texas, and was a graduate of Arlington High School. She resided in Arlington until moving to Hinsdale three years ago. She was a member of the Church of Christ in Brattleboro. She enjoyed pottery and scrap booking. Memorial information: A memorial service was held July 16 at the Church of Christ in Brattleboro, with burial in the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen.
• Norman Page Rogers, 68, of West Brattleboro. Died July 9 at home. Husband of Pat Chamberlin Rogers. Son of Wendell Rogers of Cambridgeport. Stepfather of Chris Chamberlin of Saratoga Springs, N.Y.; and Laura Chamberlin of Bellingham, Wash. Brother of Elizabeth Scott. Born in Ottawa, the son of Hubert and Helen Rogers, he grew up in Brattleboro and graduated from High Mowing School in Wilton, N.H., in 1961. He studied at St. Lawrence University, Marlboro College and The Arts Students League in New York City. Traveled worldwide with colleague and friend Hugh Swift to Pakistan, Afghanistan, India, Nepal, and into the Himalayas. Inspired by “Never Cry Wolf,” he traveled to Newfoundland to find author Farley Mowat. Served in the Merchant Marines and spent time long line fishing off The Grand Banks of Newfoundland and Georges Bank. He celebrated the U.S. bicentennial by riding his bicycle from Vermont to Washington, D.C. He had an extensive musical career, his band, Quill, was the first band to play at Woodstock in 1969. As a string bass player and vocalist, he played with the Arwen Mountain Band, The Filthy Rich, Jeff Potter and The Rhythm Agents, and The Bill Strecker Band. For past 20 years, he was a musician with Andy Avery of Normandy. He was also a singer in The Blanche Moyse Chorale, and the Windham Orchestra. Memorial information: A celebration of his life will be held at his home on Saturday, Sept. 3, at 1:37 p.m., with a potluck supper to follow (BYOB). Donations to High Mowing School, 222 Isaac Frye Highway, Wilton, NH 03086-5804.
• Robert Leslie Green, 79, of Wilmington. Died July 9, 2011 at home. Husband of Pearl Joyce (Powers) Green for 60 years. Father of Robert M. Green, and his wife Linda, of Wilmington; Ellen J. Starr, and her husband, Mark, of Catskill, N.Y.; Myrna J. Culver and her husband, Phillip, of Addison; Marcia J. Nelson, and her husband, Daniel, of Plainfield, N.H.; Mitchell J. Green and his wife, Dora, of West Halifax; Diana L. Kentfield and her husband, John, of Westminster; Jennifer E. Grover, and her husband, Scott, of Burlington, Iowa; Beth M. Green of Whitingham; Brian M. Green, and his wife, Rebekah, of Whitingham; and Wanda F. Jenner and her husband, Thomas, of Vergennes. Brother of Allen and Priscilla Green and the late Phyllis Hamilton. Born in Wilmington, the son of the late Leslie Edgar and Dorothy Ellen (Parsons) Green. he attended the Dix one-room schoolhouse in Wilmington. He in worked construction for many years, and later owned his own business. He was an avid hunter and gardener, and cherished time spent with his family. Memorial information: Funeral services were held July 14 at Covey & Allen Funeral Home, with interment in Riverview Cemetery. Donations to the Brattleboro Church of Christ Youth Group Fund or the American Diabetic Association, in care Covey & Allen Funeral Home, P.O. Box 215, Wilmington, VT 05363. Condolences may be sent to www.sheafuneralhomes.com.
• Diana Miriam Herman, 93, formerly of New York City. Died July 12 in Amherst, Mass. Wife of the late Ezra Herman. Mother of Gene Herman of Brattleboro and Ronald Herman of West Hatfield, Mass. Born on the Lower East Side of New York City, the daughter of Benjamin and Chaika Spivack, she graduated from Hunter College in 1938. She was also a gifted pianist and singer in her younger days. Her love of classical music led her to work at the historic Patelsons Music House for more than 50 years. Her encyclopedic knowledge of the genre proved to be an invaluable resource for countless musicians around the world, from those who played for the sheer love of music to internationally known professionals. Although a lifelong New Yorker, she very much enjoyed her many visits to Vermont. Memorial information: No services are planned at this time.
• Jacqueline Knapp, 86, of Dummerston, Died July 12. Husband of the late Frederick Knapp for 56 years. Mother of Robert Knapp and his wife, Diane, of Tailorville, Ill., and Timothy Knapp and his wife, Thai Wangbunyen, of Bangkok, Thailand. Sister of Conostain Wilson and the late Carlton, Robert, and Bertrand Roby. Born in Bristol, N.H., the daughter of Levi B. Roby and Violet Hamlin, she graduated from Bellows Falls Union High School, Class of 1943, where she was the captain of the basketball team. She was the chief financial officer of the family dairy farm. She had also resided in Perkinsville, and Venice, Fla. She was a member of the Audubon Society, and the South Venice Civic Association. She was called the “Matriarch” of the community because she was instrumental in bringing Vermont and New Hampshire residents to South Venice. Memorial information: A memorial service will take place May 4, 2012 at the Dummerston Congregational Church.
• Mary M (Silver) Kolodziej, 85, formerly of Bellows Falls and a Florida resident for the past 25 years. Died July 6 at Suncoast Hospice House at Brookside in Palm Harbor, Fla. Wife of the late Klim Kolodziej. Mother of Janet Paul, and her husband Will, of Brookeville, Md.; and Steven, and his wife, Kathy, of Norfolk, Mass. Sister of the late Chester Silver. Memorial information: Graveside services are planned for later in the summer at Oak Hill Cemetery in Bellows Falls. Donations to Suncoast Hospice House, Brookside, 164 West Lake Road, Palm Harbor, FL 34684.
• Maurice A. Laselle, Jr., 84, of Londonderry. Died July 7 at the Center for Living and Rehabilitation in Bennington. Husband of Marion Walker for 62 years. The son of the late Maurice A. and Christel (Hitchcock) Laselle, he was born and raised in Londonderry, married his wife, raised his family and worked in Londonderry his entire life. He graduated from Chester High School in 1945 with honors. He served in the Army in Belgium and Germany as an military policeman during World War II. He played trumpet at local dances in his 20s and continued his musical interests by playing the mandolin with family and friends. He did woodworking of all types from using his sawmill to cutting firewood, building a house or fine cabinet, repairing someone's furniture or turning a bowl at his lathe. He enjoyed bluegrass festivals, fairs in the fall, flea markets with his wife, taking his John Deere tractor for a ride, and deer hunting. Memorial information: A private ceremony will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family. Burial will be at the Riverside Cemetery. Donations to Grace Cottage Hospital or the Londonderry Volunteer Rescue Squad.
• Ellen M. Lyman, 94, of South Londonderry. Died July 8 at Thompson House in Brattleboro. Sister of William Lyman of Ambler, Pa.; Ona Lyman of Aberdeen, Md.; and the late David Lyman. Born in Stratton, the eldest child of the late Ray and Mary (Griffith) Lyman, she graduated from Leland & Gray Seminary in Townshend in 1933. After working several years in various jobs in South Londonderry, she accumulated enough funds to attend and graduate from the Rutland Business College. She then worked as a bookkeeper for the Treadway chain of hotels for most of her 30-year career. She returned to South Londonderry after the death of her father. She did bookkeeping for several local businesses while caring for her mother. She was a lifelong member of the First Baptist Church in South Londonderry, where she taught Sunday school and served as a treasurer for many years. She loved books and enjoyed reading to children in schools, her home, and at the South Londonderry Free Library. She served the library over the years as a librarian, president, and trustee. She was particularly fond of Vermont books and local history. She spoke at schools in Londonderry, Wardsboro, and Townshend and enjoyed telling children what her life was like growing up. Memorial information: A memorial service was held July 16 at the South Londonderry Town Hall. Donations to the South Londonderry First Baptist Church, The South Londonderry Free Library, and to Thompson House.
• Christine “Tina” Mears Manning Rudolph, 65, of Spofford, N.H. Died July 2 at home. Wife of Richard Rudolph and the late Edward L. Manning Sr. Mother of Gina McAlliste. Stepmother of Melissa Davidson and Gordon Rudolph. Sister of Patricia Mears Sheppard, Jean Mahoney, Nicolas Nebelski, and Alan, Douglas, Kevin, Gregory, Dana, and Scott Mears. Stepsister of Michael and Kevin Fratus. Born in Brattleboro, the youngest daughter of the late Marie Ester Lavallee and Russell Raymond Mears, she grew up in the Fort Dummer area of Brattleboro, attended Oak Grove Elementary School, and graduated from Brattleboro Union High School in 1964. She later graduated from Thompson School of Nursing. She worked at Eden Park Nursing Home and was a member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles. She enjoyed bowling, deep sea fishing, summers at Hampton Beach, reading, cooking, family times at Mohegan Sun, NASCAR. and crocheting. Memorial information: A graveside service was held at the Spofford Village Cemetery on July 14. Donations to Spofford Rescue, P.O. Box 136, Spofford, N.H. 03462.
College news
• Amber Cox of Whitingham, a fisheries and wildlife sciences major, graduated from Paul Smith's College in May. She also earned a certificate in geographic information systems.
• Ripley Sager of South Londonderry, a member of the Class of 2012 at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., earned honors for the spring semester.
School news
• The Moore Public Library in Newfane awarded $12,000 in scholarships this year to Newfane and Brookline students entering their first year of college this fall, thanks to the generous funding from the family of the late Robert L. Crowell, a longtime library trustee.
The recipients, and the schools they will be attending, are: Josh Fontaine (SUNY-Cobleskill), Lena Glickman (Oberlin College), Jake Huston (Ithaca College), Aaron Meikak (Valparaiso University), and Emma Redden (Vassar College).