Obituaries
• Richard A. “Dick” Bernier Sr., 74, of Brattleboro. Died Dec. 2 at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital after being stricken ill at home. Husband of Sandra Batchelder Bernier for 32 years. Former husband of Yvonne Fisher. Father of Deborah Bernier Sontag and Mary-Rebecca Bernier, both of Brattleboro, Gillian Chartier of South Hadley, Mass., Tammy Raymond of Vernon, Colin Boisvert of Chicopee, Mass., and Richard Bernier, Jr. of Brattleboro. Brother of William Bernier and Virginia Styles. Half-brother of Steven Styles. Predeceased by seven siblings, and his beloved granddaughter, Amber Marie Bernier. Born in Athol, Mass., the son of the late Joseph and Laura (Thomas) Bernier, he was raised and educated in Westminster, where he attended Kurn Hattin School. He served in the Army during the Korean Conflict before being honorably discharged from active service. He had been employed at The Book Press in Brattleboro, which he retired from in 1996 following 32 dedicated years with the company. Previously, he worked for Cersosimo Lumber and Basketville. During his earlier years, he worked on the Miller Farm in Vernon where he obtained the distinction of being a certified herdsman. He was also an accomplished builder, gunsmith, and “jack of all trades.” He enjoyed hunting, fishing and time shared with his family, especially his grandchildren. Memorial information: No formal funeral services are scheduled. Donations to the Amber Bernier Memorial Scholarship Fund, in care of Brattleboro Union High School, Fairground Road, Brattleboro, VT 05301. Condolences may be sent to Atamaniuk Funeral Home at www.atamaniuk.com.
• Vera “Vickie” Crowninshield Burchards, 71, of Colchester, Conn, formerly of Jamaica. Died Dec. 6 in Middletown, Conn., after a brief but courageous battle with melanoma and CRS. Longtime companion of the late Roy T. Dudzic, Sr. Former wife of the late Robert “Bob” T. Burchards. Mother of Douglas G. and Janice Odell Burchards of Manchester, Conn. Sister of the late Della (Crowninshield) Brooks, and Bernard and Norman Crowninshield. Born in Jamaica, the youngest of the late Wallace A. and Edna E. (Bourn) Crowninshield's four children, few things in life made her prouder than being a true farm girl and a “stubborn Vermonter.” After moving to Connecticut, she settled in Vernon and later Colchester. She previously maintained residences in Mims, Fla., and in Ocho Rios on the island of Jamaica, also owning a business in the latter. She was a beautiful woman with many talents. At Leland & Gray, she was captain of the basketball and cheerleading teams, as well as prom queen. She was a feisty competitor who often claimed to be born with a deck of cards in her hands. She was a nationally-ranked duckpin bowler who set several state and regional records in the 1960s through 1970s. She played Bingo for many years and never found a casino she couldn't find time to stop at. She had a lifelong lucky streak, including hitting the Connecticut Rainbow Lottery jackpot in 1983. After her retirement from Pratt & Whitney Aircraft in East Hartford, Conn., she enjoyed travelling around the country in her RV and spending summer vacations in Rhode Island and winters in Florida with Roy, her beloved beau of more than 30 years. In recent years, she became an active member of the Red Hat Society. She was a die-hard UConn basketball fan and loved attending both men's and women's games whenever possible. She teamed up with her son, Doug, in the setback league at the St. Joseph's Society in Colchester. In 2012, she was featured on a float in the Jamaica Old Home Day parade back in Vermont. She was proud of her true farm-style cooking, her many artistic and crafting talents, and raising a good son. Memorial information: In keeping with her wishes, no services will be held, and private interment alongside her family will follow in Pleasant View Cemetery in Jamaica in May. At that time, family and close friends will be welcome to join in a celebration of her life. Donations to the Jamaica Historical Foundation, 3417 VT Rte. 30, Jamaica, VT 05343, the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302, or the American Diabetes Association. In lieu of flowers, please laugh frequently, love fully, and always care for those around you.
• Richard Scott Carroll Sr., 89, of Saxtons River. Died Dec. 3 at Pine Heights of Brattleboro. Husband of Helen Jean Porter for more than 65 years. Father of Susan Carroll Dineen and her husband, Jim, of Long Lake, N.Y., Lynne Woodard of Calais, and Scott Carroll and wife, Mary Beth, of Saxtons River. Brother of the late Wendell Carroll and Genevieve Carroll Patnode. Born at home near Penn Yan, N.Y., the son of the late Winfield Scott Carroll and Lola Lauretta Stape Carroll, he grew up on his family farm. The Carrolls tended apple, pear, and peach orchards, as well as fields of berries. They also raised chickens for eggs, the majority of which were sent to New York City from western New York State each week on the train. His childhood and teenage years were spent in the seasonal rhythm of the farm, and he loved to roam the fields and pastures with his dog and gun, keeping the “varmint” population down for his Dad. He was very fond of the family cow Bessie, and often told stories about her habits and antics. He graduated from Penn Yan Academy, where he played the violin in the school orchestra and participated in musicals and operettas. He also sang in the Methodist Church choir. His love of music continued throughout his life, and he still sang in a clear, strong voice in his late 80s. After completing his freshman year in the School of Agriculture at Cornell University, he enlisted in the Army in 1942, which sent him to the Colorado School of Mines, where he studied engineering. He eventually saw service as an infantry sergeant in France, Germany, and Austria, but the defining and most haunting incident of his military career happened before he reached the European continent proper. On Christmas Eve, 1944, he was aboard a Belgian vessel that had been converted to a troopship, the S.S. Leopoldville. It was struck by a torpedo in the English Channel, about five miles off the coast of France. The boat sank rapidly and nearly 800 men were lost. He was always proud that he was able to lead his squad to safety on a British ship, one of the few that came to the aid of the sinking troop carrier. In the dark, with rough seas and death all around them, he helped each man in his care jump from one ship to the other at the right time and did not lose a man. He was last to escape, barely missing being crushed as the vessels crashed together. After the war, he married the love of his life, and settled down in in western New York. The Carrolls moved to Vermont in 1957. He spent his professional life in the insurance industry, working for Nationwide for 23 years as an adjuster. In 1973 he opened his own business, the R.S. Carroll Agency, in Saxtons River. He was naturally outgoing and gregarious, taking a genuine interest in his policy holders, and his business flourished as a result. He had a strong interest in photography and always had a darkroom in his Saxtons River basement. His talent as a photographer and the need to send three children to college led him to begin a second business, R.S. Carroll Wedding Photography. He took wedding photos for countless young couples in southern Vermont and New Hampshire. He was an outdoorsman who loved to fish, canoe, camp, and simply walk through the Vermont woods. He tied imaginative fishing flies. He was also a die-hard do-it-yourselfer and loved the challenge of figuring out a clever way to solve a problem. He was a Saxtons River Village Trustee, and an active member of Christ's Church. He was Grand Master of King Solomon's Masonic Lodge in Bellows Falls. He took a deep and active interest in community affairs. More than anything, he loved his family and was always willing to lend a supportive and loving hand. He was so proud of the accomplishments of his children, and followed the ongoing adventures of his grandchildren with deep interest. Memorial information: A service in celebration of his life was held Dec. 8 at Christ Church in Saxtons River, with burial in the Saxtons River Cemetery.
• Sara Herzelia Enzer, 84, of Brattleboro. Died Dec. 1 at Thompson House Nursing Home in Brattleboro, where she had lived for the past two years with a prolonged illness of Alzheimer's. Wife of the late Kurt J. Enzer for 42 years. Mother of Amir Enzer and his wife. Donna, and Orly Munzing and her husband, Robert Dunbar. Born in Netanya, Israel, on August 2, 1928, the daughter of the late Naomi (Dankner) and Sinai Moscovitz, she graduated from the American School for Girls in Beirut, Lebanon, Class of 1946, and married the love of her life in 1948. Upon graduation, she worked as a secretary in the office of Israeli President Chaim Weizmann until 1949, and then for President Yitzhak Ben-Zvi until 1957. She took time off to raise her small children and then moved to the United States with her family in 1963, where she was self-employed and ran various businesses in New York with her husband. After the loss of her husband, she moved to Brattleboro in 1995 to be near her daughter Orly. She enjoyed being part of the Brattleboro community, and had many good years spending time with friends and family. She will be remembered for her generous spirit, always ready to help anyone in need. She was an avid reader of history and novels. She enjoyed meeting people, gardening, music, knitting, and traveling. Most of all, she enjoyed and loved her children and grandchildren. Memorial information: A private memorial service was held Dec. 9 at Lakeside Memorial Park in Miami. Donations to the Strolling of the Heifers Giving Fund, 105 Partridge Rd., East Dummerston, VT 05346.
• Edna M. Goodnow, 92, of Vernon. Died Dec. 5 at Vernon Green Nursing Home after a brief period of failing health. Wife of the late Harold Goodrow for 23 years. Mother of Dona Bevis and Terry and Richard Goodnow. Sister of Mildred Williams, Ralph, Howard, Donald, and Clyde Prouty, and the late Ted, Raymond, and Norman Prouty. Born in Peru, Vt., the daughter of the late Benjamin and Etta (Jefts) Prouty, she grew up in Manchester, graduating from Burr and Burton Seminary in 1939. She loved watching the Red Sox and her grandchildren's sporting contests. She liked playing Bingo and watching The Lawrence Welk Show. Memorial information: A funeral service was held Dec. 11 at St. Michael's Episcopal Church in Brattleboro. A graveside service will be held for family members at Pleasant View Cemetery in Chester on Dec. 15. Donations to Vernon Green Nursing Home, 61 Greenway Drive, Vernon, VT 05354.
• Rose Amelia Holt, 95, formerly of Putney. Died Dec. 4 at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital. She had been a resident at Vernon Green Nursing Home since 2008. Wife of the late Carl Holt for 68 years. Mother of Carol Maniscalchi and husband, Jim, of Putney; Joyce White and husband, Blair, of Enfield, Conn.; and Linda Blank of Putney. Born in Thompsonville, Conn., the daughter of the late Jacob and Olga (Novak) Kolodziej. She was raised in Thompsonville where she attended public schools. For most of their married life, the Holts had been residents of Shaker Pines Lake in Enfield. She was a faithful and devoted homemaker whose life centered around her family. She was a member and served as president of the Women's Club of Shaker Pines Lake and, while a resident of Putney, she belonged to the Fortnightly Club. She was an excellent cook and was well known for her delicious Polish dishes. She loved organizing October picnics at her home with friends and family. Her love for others overflowed to all, whether a doctor, nurse, neighbor, or friend. She was a former communicant of Saint Martha's Catholic Parish in Enfield and, more recently, attended Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church in Putney. Memorial information: A memorial service will be conducted Saturday, Dec. 15, at 11 a.m. at the Windham Community Chapel on Route 5 in Dummerston. A memorial Mass, committal rites and burial in Mount Pleasant Cemetery will be held at a future date. Donations to Vernon Green Nursing Home, 61 Greenway Drive, Vernon, VT 05354. Condolences may be sent to Atamaniuk Funeral Home at www.atamaniuk.com.
• Robert E. Jalbert, 70, of Edgewater, Fla., formerly of Brattleboro. Died Dec. 1 at Halifax Health Hospice of Volusia/Flagler. Husband of Carolyn E. Jalbert for 51 years. Father of Peter Jalbert of Summerville, S.C., Robert E. Jalbert, Jr. of Colorado Springs, Colo., William Jalbert of Rutland, Constance Morgan of Nantucket, Mass., and Karen Valach of Proctor. Brother of Mike Hescock, Edward Hescock, Kevin Hescock and Douglas Jalbert. Jalbert was born in Winchester, N.H., and was a state trooper for the Vermont State Police for 20 years before his retirement to Florida. Prior to joining the state police, he served on the Brattleboro Police Department. Memorial information: A memorial service will be scheduled at Atlantic Coast Community Church at a later date. A celebration of his life in Vermont will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15, at 2 p.m., at the Proctor Fire Department on Main Street in Proctor. Donations to Atlantic Coast Community Church, 1212 Conrad Drive, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32160, or Halifax Health Hospice of Volusia/Flagler, Attention: Southeast Volusia Care Center, 3800 Woodbriar Trail, Port Orange, FL 32129.
• Henry Evans Martin, 86, of Brattleboro. Died Dec. 5 at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital, following a period of declining health. Husband of Janice Pratt Martin for nearly 66 years. Father of Stephen Martin, Wayne Martin and his wife, Kimberlee, and Joan Martin, all of Brattleboro. Brother of George L. Martin and wife, Jeane, of Brattleboro, and the late Francis Martin and Grace Bailey. Born at the Mutual Aide Association on Harris Place in Brattleboro, the son of George and Helen (Evans) Martin, he attended Brattleboro High School until World War II interrupted his studies. He enlisted in the Army in 1944, serving in the European Theater of Operation. He was honorably discharged from active service in the fall of 1946 at the rank of Technician Fifth Grade. For most of his career he worked in the printing industry, initially with the former E.L. Hildreth Printing Company and then with Vermont Printing. He later was employed at The Book Press in Brattleboro, which he retired from in 1975. He then established Martin's TV Sales and Service, working up until his son assumed the business in 1986. He was a member of American Legion Post 5, and a former member of Brattleboro Lodge #102 F&AM. A lifelong member of First Congregational Church in West Brattleboro, he served as church sexton for 10 years and was also active in various committees within the church. He was an accomplished woodworker, often donating many of his finished projects. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and time shared with his family. Memorial information: A funeral service was held Dec. 7 at First Congregational Church, with burial with full military honors in Meetinghouse Hill Cemetery. Donations to Rescue Inc. P.O. Box 593, Brattleboro, VT 05302, the First Congregational Church Endowment Fund P.O. Box 2389, Brattleboro, VT 05303, or to a charity of one's choice. Condolences may be sent to Atamaniuk Funeral Home at www.atamaniuk.com.
• Peter Ritchie Sherwin, 74, of West Townshend. Died on Nov. 20 at Grace Cottage Hospital. Life partner of Michelle McNamee of West Townshend. Father of Amanda Clark Sherwin Corbett of Wickenburg, Ariz., Oliver Sherwin and his wife, LeeAnne, of Idaho Falls, Idaho, Rosemary Nash Modry of Wolcott, and the late Thomas Peter Sherwin. Born in Boston, the son of Louis Sherwin (Hugo Louis Sherwin Goerlitz) and Jeanette (Berry) Sherwin. He grew up in Red Bank, N.J., and attended St. James School until the age of 12, when his family moved to Winhall, where he went to the Bondville School and then to Burr & Burton Academy. He graduated in 1955 and enlisted in the Air Force, where he was honorably discharged due to illness. In 1956, he enrolled at Rhode Island School of Design, where he studied illustration. He worked many jobs in his life, starting with a greeting card company in Providence, R.I., but his love of the land and outdoors led him to spend most of his life working on farms, carving signs, landscaping, and doing portrait sketching. His life was all about music (all kinds), and art and dancing and reading and the woods. He was also an avid letter writer and a builder of cairns. He was interested and knowledgeable in most any subject. Known as “Dancing Pete” at the Mole's Eye, many a night was spent helping bands with equipment and tearing up the dance floor. He also entertained hundreds of people throughout the years with his yearly dancing at the Peru Fair. He shared himself with everyone he met and loved to “jabber.” He also loved to hitchhike, which was always an adventure for him, meeting new people and, on occasion, reuniting with long lost friends. He was an eccentric, brilliant, and talented man. He had what he needed and needed what he had. Memorial information: A memorial service will be held at a later date. Donations to Vermont Family Forests, to set up a scholarship fund in Peter Sherwin's name for kids taking workshops, at P.O. Box 254, Bristol, VT 05443.
• Karrie L. Steinmetz, 38, of Valencia, Pa. Died Nov. 26 in Brattleboro. Wife of Robert K. Steinmetz. Mother of Brian and Madeline Steinmetz. Sister of Erich Herbold and Kimberly Howell. Born in Parma, Ohio, the daughter of James and Sheila Herbold, she grew up in Ohio. Memorial information: A private memorial service was held Dec. 8 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Berea, Ohio. The Knitpurlgurl Memorial Fund has been established for the benefit of her children with TD Bank in Bellows Falls. Cards and contributions can be sent in care of Vanessa Loomis, P.O. Box 689, Bellows Falls, VT 05101.
• Donald F. Tarinelli, 82, of Jamaica. Died Dec. 4 at Grace Cottage Hospital. Husband of Mary Fraser Tarinelli. Father of Deborah Purvin and her husband Duane; Donald Tarinelli Jr. and his wife Sue; Christina Mauss and her husband, Michael; Mark Tarinelli and his wife, Gillian. Brother of the late John Tarinelli. Born in Bridgeport, Conn., the son of the late Palmer Tarinelli and Loretta Assunta Roberto Tarinelli, he graduated from Fairfield Prep, Class of 1948. He continued his education at MIT with a degree in civil engineering. He was a lieutenant in the Air Force during the Korean War and worked on expanding runways for B-52's in Guam. He then went to work with his father in the Palmer Tarinelli Construction Co. In the early 1960s, he and his dear friend and partner, Bernard Gilhully, formed Fairfield Associates building moderate-income housing all over New England. He found himself being drawn to Vermont, and built a vacation home on Stratton Mountain in the early 1960s. The family became avid skiers. In 1972, he and his friend Warren Hellman co-founded the Stratton Mountain School in which he took great pride in giving the Founders award at graduation each year. He was general manager and president of The Stratton Mountain Corp. from 1973 to 1980. In 1984, he purchased Haystack Mountain Ski Area and his beloved golf course. He suffered a stroke in 1996 and was paralyzed on one side up until his death. His proudest accomplishment was founding, along with his wife, Our Lady of Ephesus House of Prayer, Inc. in Jamaica and building an exact replica of the Blessed Mother's last home there; the original being in Ephesus, Turkey. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held at Our Lady of Ephesus House of Prayer on Dec. 10. Donations to Our Lady of Ephesus House of Prayer, Inc. 35 Fawn Ledge Lane, Jamaica VT 05343, the Stratton Mountain School or Grace Cottage Hospital.
• Marilyn J. Trevorrow, 69, of Westminster. Died Dec. 3 at Springfield Hospital. Wife of Carl Trevorrow for 52 years. Mother of Charles, Scott, Carl Jr., Cindy, and Annette She was born in Dummerston, the daughter of the late Roy and Annette (Vaine) Lawrence. She was predeceased by her son, Michael. Memorial information: A graveside service was held Dec. 7 in Oak Hill Cemetery in Bellows Falls.
• Samuel Bartlett Warren, 39, of San Francisco. Died Nov. 14 at his home. Partner of Shelley and her children, Grant and Noelle. Son of Sally and Dick Warren. Brother of Connie, Becca, and Peter. He grew up in Grafton and played hockey with the Pleasant Valley Hockey League for many years. After he graduated from Bellows Falls High School, he left Vermont and moved to San Francisco. He had a kind of golden energy that filled every space he entered. He was a strong, strikingly handsome man; proud not just of his skills, but also of what he stood for – friends, loyalty, laughter, wit, and playfulness. He delighted in his own independence and life's absurdities. He thrived when working outdoors. He was an artist with heavy machinery, adept at using earth-moving machines to shape the land, both for people's dreamscapes as well as for national golf courses. He also sculpted metal into large forms that spewed fire and smoke, and he found great pleasure in taking them to the Burning Man Festival. Most of all, he was an artist with people. His humor and loving heart made him a magnet for children, who flocked to him. In addition to his love of people and his ease with them, he had a need for expansion which took him on great journeys, especially to the Himalayas. He said that standing on those high remote mountain passes was his happiest time on earth. Memorial information: There will be a memorial gathering at the White Church in Grafton on Saturday, Jan. 5 to honor his life. The family will go out to San Francisco in the spring to spread his ashes on the bay. Donations to Grace Cottage Hospital, P.O. Box 1, Townshend, VT 05353.
• John E. “Wheely” Wheelden Sr., 87, of Vernon. Died Dec. 5 at his home. Husband of the late Patricia (Knapp) Wheelden for 36 years. Father of Stuart Wheelden III and his wife, Bernita, of Hinsdale, N.H, John Wheelden Jr. of Vernon, Joanne Plansker and her husband, Richard, of Hinsdale, N.H., and Carol Ann Moore and her husband, Ed, of Dummerston. Stepfather of Mary Snyder and her husband, Ken, of Enfield, Conn. Brother of Katherine “Tuppy” Snead of Waynesboro, Va., Mary Ann Wood of Brattleboro., and the late Stuart Wheelden Jr. and Margaret “Betty” Behilo. Born in Brattleboro, the son of the late Stuart and Josephine (Garrity) Wheelden Sr., he attended St. Michael's High School. In 1942, at age 17, he joined the Merchant Marine. Two years later, he enlisted in the Army and served in the 10th Infantry Regiment. During his World War II service, he received several medals and ribbons, including a Purple Heart. After leaving active duty, he continued his military career as a member of the Army National Guard until he retired in 1985. He joined the Brattleboro Fire Department in 1946, rising through the ranks and being promoted to Assistant Fire Chief in March 1985. He retired from career staff in 1987, but remained active with the fire department as a member of the Call Force until 2009. He was also a member of the Volunteer Departments in Vernon and Wilmington, and the Zephyrhills, Fla. Fire Department. He also served as a member of the Brattleboro Police Department as a constable from 1958 to 2001. For many years, the Wheeldens enjoyed spending their winters at their home in Zephyhills, where he leaves a large extended family of friends. In addition to being a loving and loyal husband, father, grandfather, and mentor, he was an active, lifetime member of the Elks, VFW, American Legion, and Eagles Club. His free time was spent with friends and family enjoying travel, time at his camp in Wilmington, hunting, fishing, walking, and bird watching. Memorial information: Arrangements are being handled by Ker-Westerlund Funeral Home in Brattleboro, where calling hours will be Friday, Dec. 14 from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Funeral services will be held Saturday, Dec. 15 at noon at St Michael's Roman Catholic Church in Brattleboro, with a graveside service and burial to follow at Morningside Cemetery. Friends and family are invited to attend a celebration of his life after the services to be held at the Elks Club on Putney Road. Donations to the Brattleboro Fire Department Benefit Association or the Vernon Fire Association, Inc.