College news
• Alison Sullivan of West Dover received an M.S. in Education from Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., at the school's summer commencement ceremony held on Sept. 8.
• Kori Huffman of Brattleboro was recently inducted into the 3.0 Club at American International College in Springfield, Mass. The 3.0 club honors student-athletes who have earned a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better after at least one year of enrollment at AIC. Huffman, a member of the AIC Women's Field Hockey team, is a Sport & Recreation Management major.
• Maya Aleshnick, the daughter of Barry Aleshnick and Dr. Martina Sczesny of Guilford, has begun her studies toward a master's of science degree from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health's Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology. Aleshnick aspires to work nationally and/or internationally in prevention and treatment of infectious diseases.
Transitions
• John Saydek, RLA, has joined Stevens & Associates as a landscape architect and project manager. Saydek brings with him over 35 years of experience in landscape architecture at firms in Colorado, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont. His past projects have included other downtown revitalization work, waterfront development, residential and commercial master planning, and mountain resort planning and design.
Obituaries
• George Fleming Ainslie III, 56, of Lavina, Mont. Died Sept. 11 at home. Husband of Charlotte Marie Kelly for nearly 33 years. Father of Kit and Miranda Ainslie, and Heather Peters. Brother of Scott Ainslie of Brattleboro and Bruce Ainslie. The youngest son of Cowgill Donn Ainslie and Mary Jane Parker, his upbringing was in a true southern style: manners, mud, poison oak, fried frog legs and all. His years of involvement with the Boy Scouts of America catered to his passion for the outdoors and he earned his Eagle Scout Award, as had his brothers before him. He loved to read and his interest in the stories of the “Wild West” led him to Montana, where he graduated with honors from Rocky Mountain College. At a chance meeting in 1979, he found the love of his life. He and Charlotte married in 1980 and shared an adventurous partnership for over three decades. From their honeymoon years on the “beaches” of the North Slope of Alaska, through the deserts and corn fields of South Africa, to the rolling benches of Little Careless Creek in the Snowy Mountains of Montana, there was rarely a dull moment. Trapper, hunter, and skilled craftsman, George was happiest working with his hands and made his living in the centuries-old trade of blacksmithing. Prairie Elk Forge, established in 1985, sank its roots deep in Lavina, where he helped raise his three children while pounding iron in the backyard. His artistry gained popularity and can be found in modern architectural homes, as well as historic reconstructions throughout the National Parks of the West. He lived his life in service to others - from teaching hunter safety to mending farm equipment, he was always willing to lend a hand, give a pat on the back, and offer words of encouragement. He was also a natural-born teacher of what he knew and loved. He and his family welcomed exchange students from Japan, Hong Kong and China into their home and worked with local children (and their pigs) over the course of 22 years of service to the local 4-H club. Memorial information: A memorial service was held Sept. 15, in the Lavina Public School Gymnasium, with inurnment at Lavina Cemetery.
• Gloria N. Barrett, 84, of Brattleboro. Died Sept. 11 at Pine Heights Nursing Center in Brattleboro. Wife of the late John Barrett. Mother of James Barrett and his wife, Allison, of Hinsdale, N.H.; Stephen Barrett and his wife, Helayne, of Brattleboro; William Barrett and his wife, Terri, of Brattleboro; Karen Barrett and her partner, John Highter, of Brattleboro; and Jean Bristol and her husband, Gordon, of Williamsville. Sister of Bernard Nixon and his wife, Ellie, of Hinsdale, N.H.; Phyllis Gorton and her husband, Everett, of Texas; Joyce Larson of Colorado; Claire Tyminski and her husband, Thomas, of New Hampshire; Maria Tarbox and her husband, David, of Massachusetts; and the late Sydney Jean Barrett. Born in Brattleboro, the daughter of the late Sydney T. and Violetta (Macy) Nixon, he was educated in the Brattleboro school system, graduating from Brattleboro High School. She was employed as a nurse's aide at Pine Heights before her retirement. She was very active within her community; she was a member of the UVM Extension Club, where she held many state office positions, a member of the Brattleboro Fire Department Auxiliary, a volunteer for both Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, and a volunteer for the American Cancer Society. She was very artistic, and enjoyed rug braiding, cake decorating, making crafts, and painting. She and her family spent summers at Spofford Lake; she loved to entertain and was a very gracious host to all her guests who would visit. She enjoyed keeping track of her many visitors by having them sign a guest book. She loved the outdoors and nature; up until four years ago, she was still walking and hiking five miles daily. She loved to travel and explore new places, her last trip was to Greece and Turkey with her granddaughter Sydney. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held Sept. 16 at St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church in Brattleboro, with an urn burial at St. Michael's Catholic Cemetery. Donations to Living Memorial Park Snow Sports, Inc., P.O. Box 1945, Brattleboro, VT 05301. Condolences may be offered at www.kerwesterlund.com.
• William J. Bodin, 86, of Vernon. Died Sept. 9 at his home. Born in Brooklyn, the son of the late Joseph and Florence (Hansen) Bodin, he attended St. Anselm's Catholic School. He served as a paratrooper in the Army during World War II and the Korean War. He later worked as a technician at Sperry Gyroscope in Lake Success, L.I. He moved to Palo Alto, Calif., to work for Howard Hughes at Hughes Air. He retired 24 years ago from his position as a laboratory technician from Varian Medical Systems and moved to Gardnerville, Nev. Wanting to be closer to family, he moved to Vernon in 2005. His niece, Kathleen, and her husband, Raymond Butler, moved from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., in April 2010 to reside with him to provide his day-to-day care. In July, 2011, he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, and his niece, Patricia Bodin of Erving, Mass., and great-niece Roxanne Butler of Lake Pleasant, Mass,. were an integral part of his care and support. Memorial information: A graveside service was held Sept. 14 at Arms Cemetery in Shelburne Falls, Mass. Donations to Our Lady of Czestochowa Church, 84 K Street, Turners Falls, MA 01376.
• Jeff Lee Boyd, 56, of Wilmington. Died Sept. 10. Son of Eloise (Faulkner) and the late Lee Edward Boyd. Brother of Jody M. Boyd. Born in Bennington, he had many physical problems due to multiple surgeries throughout his life. However. he was able to overcome and live a normal life. He graduated from Wilmington High School in 1976. He enjoyed working and loved spending time in the outdoors. He was a former member of both the Wilmington Fire Department and Deerfield Valley Rescue. He enjoyed hunting and shooting, and especially black powder shooting. He also participated in re-enacting the French and Indian War, Revolutionary War, and Civil War in the U.S. and Canada, and participated with groups such as Rogers' Rangers. He was extremely interested in history and studied all aspects of American History. Memorial information: No service information provided. Condolences may be sent to Jody M. Boyd, P.O. Box 532, Jacksonville, VT 05342.
• Eleanor B. Day, 88, of Rutland. Died Sept. 8 at Loretto Home in Rutland. Wife of the late Walden C. Day for 56 years. Mother of Dwight R. Day and his wife, Elizabeth, of Duxbury and Karen Day Penson and her husband, Michael, of Wilmington. Sister of the late Howard and Richard Dix. Born in Wilmington, the daughter of the late Charles and Edna (Bishop) Dix, she was a graduate of Wilmington High School, Class of 1944, and was employed as a bookkeeper at the Wilmington Ford Garage. She later moved in Vernon, Conn., where she lived until 1986 before moving back to Vermont. She enjoyed being outdoors, hiking, camping, snowmobiling, riding ATV's, hunting, and fishing. Memorial information: A graveside service was held Sept. 13 at Prospect Cemetery in Vergennes.
• Jennifer Ellis, 48, of Dover. Died Sept. 6 after a long illness. Daughter of Norman and Barbara Brooks of Newfane. Mother of Jacob and Trevor Ellis. Sister of Thomas Brooks of Brookline, Dawn McCormick of Marlboro, and Amanda North of West Dover. She was a graduate of Leland & Gray Union High School, Class of 1983, and Casanovia College in New York in 1985. She will always be remembered for her friendly nature and willingness to help anybody. She was also well known for her gift with animals; horses, wolves and, of course, her beloved Golden Retrievers. She loved music and was an incredible cook who loved to entertain. She will be missed by all who knew her. Memorial information: A service was held Sept. 14 at Newfane Congregational Church. Donations may be made to the Newfane Congregational Church.
• Nelson R. Halladay, 94, of Bellows Falls. Died Sept. 8 at Springfield Health and Rehabilitation Center. Husband of the late Margaret Lighthall for 47 years. Father of Bruce Halladay of Burlington and Susan Low of Bow, N.H. Brother of the late Dana Halladay and Frances Taylor. Born in Bellows Falls, the son of the late George A. and Mary (Farnsworth) Halladay, he attended schools in Bellows Falls and was a 1939 graduate of Bellows Falls High School. He served in the Army during World War II. Following his service, he owned and operated Halladay the Florist with his brother on Web Terrace in Bellows Falls. He ran the shop for many years before retiring in 1985. He was also very active in community affairs, serving as a Village Trustee. He was also a long-time member of the United Church of Bellows Falls, where he served as a Deacon. Memorial information: A graveside funeral service was held Sept. 11 at Oak Hill Cemetery in Bellows Falls. Fenton & Hennessey Funeral Home in Bellows Falls was in charge of arrangements.
• Catherine Carol Kent, 69, of Townshend. Died Sept. 6 at Grace Cottage Hospital. Wife of the late George Kent. Mother of Susan Goodman and her husband, James, of Shelton, Conn.; Karen Serricchio of Townshend; and Richard Serricchio, Jr. of Stamford, Conn. Stepmother of Adelee Austin of Brattleboro, and Jenny Seese and her husband, Gene, of Danbury, Conn. Sister of Charles Sargent of Fairfield, Conn., and Debra Saviano of Newtown, Conn. A resident of Vermont for more than 40 years, she was born in Coney Island, N.Y., the daughter of the late Charles and Catherine Sargent. She attended Staples High School in Westport, Conn. She was employed as a technician at Janos Optical until her retirement in 2009. Among her greatest joys were spending time with her family, reading, and making quilts for those near and dear to her. She was also a fabulous cook and baker. He favorite place to be was in Wells, Maine, where she took pleasure in enjoying the beach and watching the waves. Memorial information: In accordance with her wishes, there will be no service. Donations to the Townshend Public Library, Townshend, VT 05353.
• Frank N. Semeraro, 98, of Brattleboro. Died Aug. 30 at Thompson House, where he was a resident for the past two years. Husband of the late Betty Anderson Semeraro. Born in Brattleboro, the son of Louis and Immacolata Rizzi Semeraro, he attended Brattleboro High School and was a guard on the football team. He was raised in the building on South Main Street that later became Semeraro's Pine Room, operated by his brother, Gene. During the Depression, his family owned a small store in this same building. Many of their customers couldn't pay their bills and were given free food and supplies. He went to work without being paid for two years at Dewitt Wholesale Grocers as a delivery driver to offset the debt that the customers had created for the family business. He served in Army Medical Corps during World War II from July 1941 to December 1945. He was a sergeant, ward master and surgical technician in charge of seven people. He told many stories of when he worked on the wards of acute and general surgery. He was stationed in Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia and Italy. After the war ended, he traveled by ship with his unit to Japan to assess the atomic bomb damage. He was honorably discharged and returned to Brattleboro to marry his sweetheart, Betty. He went to work at American Optical in 1950 and stayed for the next 30 years. He was a supervisor and developed many ways to improve the productivity and efficiency in his department. He was so good at it, that when someone in his department left, they were not replaced and he eventually became a one-person department. After he retired from AO in 1980, he became a “helper” to many people in his later years. He was called “Uncle Frank” by many friends and had an easy going, kind and loving personality. He loved people and they loved him. Memorial information: No service information provided.
• Sherman Stanley Stark, 100, formerly of Dummerston. Died April 19 at his home in Burien, Wash. Father of Gregory Stark of Stockholm, Sweden. Brother of the late Elizabeth Stark Reim and Cora Stark Woods. Born in Dummerston, the son of the late Myron and Beryl Stark, he was a graduate of Brattleboro High School, Class of 1938, and of Syracuse University, Class of 1947. During World War II, he served in the Navy and was a member of the original crew of the aircraft carrier USS Midway. In 2012, he competed for the first time in any sport when he became the over-90 USATF Pacific Northwest track and field champion in three events, and led the nation for his age in the 800 meter run with a time of 6:01.18. Memorial information: Graveside services took place at Dummerston Center Cemetery on Sept. 13.
• A committal service for Louise Lyford Dalrymple, formerly of Marlboro, who died on Jan. 3, 2013 at the age of 93, will be held on Saturday, Sept. 21, at 2 p.m., at Meeting House Hill Cemetery on Orchard Street in Brattleboro.