College news
• Caitlin McCloskey-Meyer of Brattleboro, a first year student pursuing a BFA in dance, was named to the Dean's List for the fall 2014 semester at Adelphi University in Garden City, N.Y.
• During the week of March 8, Caitlyn Reilly of Wilmington participated in Emmanuel College's annual Alternative Spring Break (ASB) trip to New Orleans, La. ASB, a week-long service trip held during the college's traditional spring break, bridges volunteer work with education and reflection on larger social issues. ASB continues to focus on rebuilding a city still reeling from the effects of Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
• Castleton State College sophomore Kayla Wood of East Dummerston was honored as the North Atlantic Conference Pitcher of the Week. Wood, who led the Brattleboro Colonels to three state softball championships, was dominant in a trio of outings for the Spartans' softball team, going 2-0 with a perfect 0.00 ERA in 11 innings of work. One of Wood's former teammates on the Colonels, McKinlie Carpenter of Vernon, is also playing for Castleton this season.
• Seth Marcil of Brattleboro helped Castleton State's mens' tennis team pick up their first victory of the season with an 8-1 result over Johnson State, and subsequently, he was named the North Eastern Atlantic Conference East Division Player of the Week. The BUHS graduate has been Castleton's top performer this season with a team-leading three wins so far.
Transitions
• Linda Rimkunos, MD, and Sarah Logan, MD, have joined the Emergency Department at Grace Cottage Hospital in Townshend as per diem Emergency Physicians. Dr. Rimkunos earned her degree at UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School, and completed her residency at Albany (N.Y.) Medical Center Hospital. Following her graduation from the University of Vermont College of Medicine, Dr. Logan completed an Emergency Medicine Internship at Stanford University and a Rural Medicine Residency in Billings, Mont.
Obituaries
• Richard S. Anderson, 68, of Saxtons River. Died on March 15 at home after a five-month battle with cancer. Husband of Donna (Braman) Anderson for 46 years. Father of Eric, Gwen, and Sandra Anderson. Brother of Donald Anderson and his wife, Joann. Born in Brockton, Mass., the son of the late Lennart and Ida Anderson, he grew up in Lexington, Mass. He graduated from Husson College in Bangor, Maine, and then served four years in the Navy. He later earned an MBA from Lesley University. He was employed by Digital Equipment Corp. and Walker Center before moving to Vermont in 1995. He was employed by Putney Central School until he retired in 2012. He was a member of Christ's Church in Saxtons River. He belonged to the Vermont Historical Society and shared his passion for Civil War history through lectures, writings, and with his students at Putney Central. He was a volunteer for Meals on Wheels, Our Place, The Mission Committee, and served as the church custodian for the past eight years. He enjoyed working in the woods, painting, and repairing the homes throughout the village and being with his family. Memorial information: A memorial service will be held at Christ's Church, 24 Main St., Saxtons River, on Saturday, March 28, at 11 a.m. followed by a reception at the Inn at Saxtons River. Donation to Christ's Church Steeple Fund, P.O. Box 649, Saxtons River, VT 05154.
• Drew David Benoit, 40, of Brattleboro. Died March 11 at his home. Husband of Jennie Warren for more than 16 years. Brother of Claire Renaud of Guilford. Born in Brattleboro, the son of Barbara Dorothy Egbert Benoit and David Benoit, he attended the Neighborhood Schoolhouse and Green Street School as a child. He graduated from Brattleboro Union High School in 1993, and later attended Le Cordon Bleu in Dover, N.H. where he received his Culinary Arts Degree in 2000. He was an amazing artist, chef, comedian, and musician. He found his love of music as a young boy when he picked up the violin and began to play. He then moved on to the guitar as a teenager. He formed many bands with friends and named one of them Medicine Bag. Band practice was at his house after school. He could sing the blues or totally rock out, the house came alive to his jam sessions. He had an amazing sense of humor and, no matter what obstacle he faced, he could find the funny in anyone or anything. One of his dreams in life was to do stand-up comedy and he accomplished that in November 2014. He had a real knack for cooking and was often found in the kitchen preparing food he had cooked to share and savor with his friends and family. His art work was unique and every piece had an aspect of him in it. He as a true creator no matter what tool he was holding. One of his favorite pastimes was gaming, and he connected with the gaming community on a real level. He also had a special connection to his family. As a child, he and his father would enjoy fishing for bass together. He was a devoted son who loved and cared for his mother when she needed him the most, and always looked out for his little sister whom he loved so much. Memorial information: A celebration of his life will be held May 24 at Claire Renaud's house at 147 Marymuk Rd,. Guilford at 1 p.m. Donations to Hospice-VNA, 66 Benning St., Suite 6, West Lebanon, NH 03784.
• Raymond William Bessette, 77, of Dummerston. Died on March 18, at Pine Heights in Brattleboro after a long illness. Husband of Carol (Hazelton) Bessette for nearly 57 years. Father of Dale Bessette of Guilford, Randy Bessette of Pasa Robles, Calif., Raymond Bessette of Vernon, Debbie Towle of Brattleboro, Dawn Hubbard of Dummerston, and Carol Wood of Dummerston. Born in Burlington, the son of the late Agnes Evans and Julius Bessette, he was raised in Dummerston by his aunt and uncle, Anne and Harrison Evans. He joined the Navy and was stationed in Rhode Island. Upon separation from the Navy, he was employed by Wirthmore Feeds, Quinn Freightlines, the town of Dummerston, NAPA Auto Parts, and Sanel Auto Parts. He was a member of the West Dummerston Volunteer Fire Department. Memorial information: An open house was held March 23 in the vestry of the Dummerston Congregational Church. A private burial will take place at a later date. Donations to the Dummerston Cemetery Association, in care of John Abel, 434 School House Road, East Dummerston, VT 05346.
• Mildred J. “Jo” Dillback, 87, of Keene, N.H. Died March 15 at Cheshire Medical Center in Keene. Aunt of Joy Hayes of West Guilford. Great-aunt of Mary Hall of Austin, Texas, Katy Morgan of Dummerston, and Julian, Samuel, and Victoria Conroy of East Longmeadow, Mass. Born in Brattleboro, the daughter of the late Peter F. and Mildred (Doughty) Dillback, she attended the local school system, graduating from Brattleboro High School. She then went on to attend the University of Vermont, earning her bachelor's degree in 1949. Later, she attended Adelphi University, earning her master's degree in English. She was employed for 35 years as a middle school teacher in Long Island, N.Y., until her retirement in 1991. She enjoyed crafting handmade wool rugs, and participating in various community activities. Memorial information: A memorial service was held March 19 at the Guilford Community Church. Burial will be held at a later date. Donations to the local scholarship fund of the American Association of University Women at www.keene-nh.aauw.net.
• Elizabeth “Esther” Falk, 94, of East Dummerston. Died Feb. 1 at her home. Wife of the late Clarence Falk. Mother of Karen Sugden and her husband, Jack, of Philadelphia, Pa., and Sigrid Stulen and her husband, Chip, of Ripton. Sister of the late Virginia McDonald. Born in Bombay, India, the daughter of the late Charles E. and Elizabeth (Crane) Vail, her father was a medical missionary in India, where she grew up. She earned her bachelor's degree from Wellesley College and her registered nurse certification from John Hopkins University. She married in 1949 in Lahore, Pakistan, where her husband worked in agricultural and economic development and she worked as a nurse in makeshift hospitals and refugee camps during the partition of India. At that time, more than 10 million people fled - Muslims from India to Pakistan and Hindus and Sikhs from Pakistan to India. In Lahore, she helped set up and teach at a nurses' training school. When the Falks came to Brattleboro, Clarence worked at the Experiment in International Living and Esther worked at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital. She was active in community organizations and hosted hundreds of people from around the world, many of whom she stayed connected to. She loved to cook and always had scones, rusks, and homemade treats for friends who came to visit as well as for the staff at the Co-op, Walker Farm, the doctor's and dentist's office, and all who worked for and with her. She had a custard ministry, bringing custard to people who were ill. She was the matriarch and guardian of Vermont's second largest butternut tree. She loved tending her vegetable garden, pruning her productive apple trees and blueberry patch, and caring for her hepatica and her beautiful pond. She walked and snowshoed over all the old logging roads and paths of Dummerston. Though a pacifist, she was known for being a sharpshooter, able to fell a pesky red squirrel at quite a distance. Always ready for a new project, at 91 she started pressing flowers and making and selling greeting cards, some of the profits of which went to support twin sisters from India who ascended Mt. Everest in 2013. Her wide web of friends crossed age, cultural, and economic lines. People were drawn to the twinkle in her eye, her insatiable curiosity, kindness, open mind, and positive attitude. She loved her life and treasured each tree, bluebird, morning glory, asparagus, sunset, snowfall, and blue sky. Memorial information: None provided.
• Edith B. Franklin, 89, of Vernon. Died March 17 at Westgate Center for Rehab in Bangor, Maine. Wife of the late Robert L. Franklin for 71 years. Mother Sylvia Williams and her husband, Sherman, of Orrington, Maine; Cheryl Damian of Pipersville, Pa.; Robert Franklin, Jr. and his wife, Veronica, of Stokesdale, N.C.; and Timothy Franklin and his wife, Cheryl, of Vernon. Sister of the late Dora Kaiser and Edward Beals. Also survived by 14 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. Born at home in Vernon, the daughter of the late Harry and Lillian (LaPierre) Beals, she attended St. Michael's High School in Brattleboro. For a brief time, she worked for her daughter, who owned Pumpkin Patch Nursery School in Brattleboro. For most of her life, she was a devoted homemaker, faithful and dedicated wife, and loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother whose life centered around her family. A devout Catholic, she was a longtime communicant of St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church and member of the Daughters of Isabella, Ave Maria Circle #128. She also held membership in the Moose Club of Keene. She was an excellent cook who was well-known for her delicious dishes. The cookie jar in her kitchen was always kept filled for visits from her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved being around her family and cherished special occasions and holidays. Additionally she enjoyed needlework, gardening, and canning. For many years, she baked and decorated wedding, birthday, anniversary and special occasion cakes for her family and friends. She was also an accomplished artist who enjoyed painting with acrylics. Her many artistic talents were shared with her family and the St. Michael's Catholic community. All her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren are still enjoying the cherished afghans that she made for them. She had a beautiful voice, loved to sing and, for many years, was a member of the St. Michael's Church Choir. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held March 23 at St. Michael's Catholic Church. Committal Rites and burial will take place in St. Michael's Parish Cemetery in the springtime when the cemetery reopens. Donations to St. Michael's School, 48 Walnut St., Brattleboro, VT 05301, in care of Elaine Beam, Principal. Atamaniuk Funeral Home of Brattleboro is in charge of arrangements.
• Eva L. Harris, 94, of Brattleboro. Died March 18 at Pine Heights Nursing Home, where she had been a resident since October 2013. Wife of the late Merrill Harris for 65 years. Mother of David Harris and his wife, Valarie, of Brattleboro, and the late Donald Harris. Sister of Kenneth Lynde of Guilford. Predeceased by three brothers and four sisters. Born in Halifax, the daughter of the late Elbert and Clara (Worden) Lynde, she was raised and educated in Guilford, graduating from Brattleboro High School with the Class of 1938. She worked as a receptionist for Dr. Rene LaPlante for 10 years. Previously, she worked for many years at the former American Optical Company in Brattleboro. She also served on the Brattleboro Police Department in the 1950s. A devoted homemaker, she enjoyed cooking, baking pies and cakes, and gardening. She was a former member of All Souls Church in Brattleboro. Memorial information: Graveside committal services in West Guilford Cemetery will take place in the springtime for the immediate family only. Donations to Rescue Inc. P.O. Box 593, Brattleboro, VT 05302. Atamaniuk Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
• Laura S. Leonard, 79, of Westminster, formerly of Stamford, Conn. Died March 12 at her home from vascular dementia. Spouse and partner of Frances “Nancy” Dalzell for 48 years. Mother of James Leonard of Bellows Falls; William Leonard and his wife, Barbara, of Wilmington, Del; and the late Linda Hawkins of Houston, Texas. Brother of Stanley Wasicki and his wife, Gabrielle, of Brattleboro Joseph Toto and his wife, Sheila, of Port Charlotte, Fla; and the late George Grabowski and Joan Yankowski. Stepdaugher of the late Ralph Toto. Daughter of the late Barney and Wanda B. Wasicki, she worked in King's Department Store as personnel manager, and was self-employed as owner of Laura's Snack Bar in Bowlarama for 23 years. She was a great cook and in 2013 was named co-Citizen of the Year in Westminster along with her partner, Nancy. Together, they created “Souper Wednesday,” which is a Wednesday community soup lunch open to everyone. Memorial information: A memorial service was held March 21 at First Congregational Church of Westminster. Donations to Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice of Vermont and New Hampshire, P.O. Box 976. White River Junction, VT 05001-0976, or The First Congregational Church of Westminster, P.O. Box 122, Westminster, VT 05158.
• Janet C. Page, 87, of Colchester. Died March 7 in UVM Medical Center in Burlington, following a brief illness. Wife of the late Guy M. Page Jr. Mother of Sarah Page and her husband, Myles Danaher, of Brattleboro; Joel Page and hsi wife, Donna Dupray, of Jeffersonville; John Page and his wife, Becky Bowen, of Montpelier; Daniel Page and his wife, Kirsi Savusalo, of West Newton, Mass.; and Guy Page and wife, Colette Page, of Barre. Born in Burlington, the second of four daughters of the late Theron and Anne (Putnam) Clark. She attended Burlington schools, spending parts of summers with her three sisters in South Hero. As a teenager during World War II, she was a volunteer civilian aircraft spotter. She graduated from Syracuse University in 1949 with degrees in home economics and journalism. She married on her 23rd birthday, June 24, 1950, and five children followed. In 1960, the family moved to their newly-built home on Malletts Bay, where she lived the rest of her life. She was an active school volunteer, Scout mom, talented sketch artist, and an enthusiastic player of the cello, flute, alto recorder, and piano. She sang for more than two decades in the choir at the First Unitarian Universalist Church in Burlington. She and her husband were active boaters and hikers. The family took road trips, long and short, in their VW microbus, often singing folk songs to make the trip go faster. An English teacher's daughter, she read good books aloud to her children and barely tolerated the presence of one small, portable black and white television. She was a devoted caregiver for her husband during his illness. For many years, she managed the art supply department at the UVM bookstore. Her life quietly nurtured in her children a love for learning, hard work, music, travel, family, the outdoors, and other people. She was cheerful, kind, tactful, and enthusiastic, quick to help others and slow to accept praise. Memorial information: A memorial service was held March 14 at First Unitarian Universalist Church in Burlington. Interment will be at the convenience of the family. Donations to the Green Mountain Club, 4711 Waterbury-Stowe Rd., Waterbury Center, VT 05677; or the American Parkinson Disease Association - Vermont Chapter, University of Vermont Medical Center, Department of Neurology, 1 South Prospect St., Burlington, VT 05401.
• Norma (Whitney) Severance, 96, of Brattleboro. Died March 11 at Thompson House in Brattleboro, eight days before her 97th birthday. Wife of the late Raymond Severance. Mother of Weston “Joe” Severance of Brattleboro; Paul Severance and his wife, Virginia, of Dalton, Mass., and Barefoot Bay, Fla.; and the late Lee Severance. Sister of the late Lucille Lasch. Born in Guilford, the daughter of the late Louis W. and Margaret Miller Whitney. She married in 1940, and she and her husband made their home in Newfane, where she was a devoted homemaker. Together with her husband and his parents, Royce and Ethel Severance, they owned and operated a small rope tow ski area called Glendale on the South Wardsboro Road in Newfane. They also enjoyed snowmobiling and gatherings with friends and family. She was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary at NewBrook Fire Department in Newfane and a member of the Newfane Congregational Church. She was an active member of her community, often volunteering her services. She moved to Thompson House in 2012. Memorial information: A celebration of her life will be held at NewBrook Fire Department on May 9 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Donations to the NewBrook Fire Department in Newfane, VT 05345.
• Hannelore “Hanne” Steinmeyer, 88, formerly of Brattleboro. Died March 10 at Vernon Green Nursing Home. Wife of Georg Steinmeyer for 61 years. Mother of Elisabeth Luke and her husband, John, of Shorewood, Minn., and the late Charlotte Steinmeyer. She was born Johanna Elenora Katharina Heckel, a native of Fuerth, Germany, a suburb of Nuremberg. She and her family survived World War II and, at the conclusion, she studied English and French at the University and completed Interpreters School. She taught German at the American Independent School where she met her beloved husband through a mutual friend. In 1955, the Steinmeyers immigrated to Brattleboro, where Georg had taken a position as Director of Pipe Organs at the Estey Organ Company. In 1961, she began teaching at Brattleboro Junior/Senior High School, first as a French teacher. Later, she introduced German to the school and was instrumental in coordinating an exchange program with a German high school. She enjoyed her involvement with the Brattleboro Music Center for over 50 years, including singing in the chorus. In retirement, she was a volunteer at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital and in the library at the School for International Training. She will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, optimism, determination, her frequent contributions to the Brattleboro Reformer's Letter Box, her love for swimming, nature, classical music, poetry, dark chocolate and red wine, and, most importantly for the love she had for her husband Georg. Memorial information: A funeral service will be celebrated on Saturday, March 28, at 11 a.m., at St. Michael's Episcopal Church, 16 Bradley Ave, Brattleboro, VT 05301. Burial will be held at Locust Ridge Cemetery in the spring. Donations may be made to the Brattleboro Music Center, 38 Walnut St., Brattleboro, VT 05301. Ker-Westerlund Funeral Home of Brattleboro is assisting the family with arrangements.
• Bertell B. Woods, 97, formerly of Wilmington. Died March 17 in Bennington. Wife of the late Ralph H. Woods Sr. for 53 years. Mother of Norma Sprague of Bennington, Ralph Woods Jr. of Eagle Bridge, N.Y., and the late Annette Capen, Ronald Woods, and Roland Woods, Sister of Bernice Barnett of West Halifax and Clayton Burnett, of Keene, N.H. Born in Northfield, Mass., the daughter of the late Archie and Mary (Leanard) Burnett, she grew up in Halifax where she attended local schools and graduated from Greenfield (Mass.) High School in 1935. She married in 1937 and, for many years, she and her husband resided on Woods Road in Wilmington. She worked at the Grand Union and Ware's Store in Wilmington for many years. Following her retirement, she wrote and published books with her sister, Bernice, and with the help of Lucie Sumner. She also wrote regular articles for the Cracker Barrel, a publication in the Deerfield Valley. She enjoyed reading, genealogy, her home and family, and especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Memorial information: Services will be held at the Kingdom Hall in Brattleboro on Saturday, March 28, at 1:30 p.m. Burial will be private in Riverview Cemetery. Donations to the Bennington Rescue Squad in care of Covey, Allen & Shea Funeral Home, P.O. Box 215, Wilmington, VT 05363.