College news
• Mary Donald, an international relations major from Grafton, graduated from Colgate University in Hamilton, N.Y. She is one of 732 members of the Class of 2015 that graduated from Colgate during the university's 194th commencement on May 17.
Transitions
• Adult-Geriatric Nurse Practitioner (AGNP) Devan Lucier will begin seeing patients at Grace Cottage Family Health starting July 13. A graduate of Leland & Gray Union High School, Lucier received her BSN and her MSN from the University of Vermont. As part of her graduate work, Lucier did clinical rotations at UVM Medical Center, Gifford Medical Center, and Grace Cottage Family Health. Her master's project focused on fall risk in the geriatric population. Prior to joining Grace Cottage, Lucier worked at UVM Medical Center in Burlington. She will be practicing at Grace Cottage Family Health five days per week. Lucier's areas of interest are adult and geriatric medicine.
• Brattleboro Savings & Loan has appointed Thomas H. Martyn as its Chief Operating Officer, in addition to his current duties as Chief Financial Officer, a position he has held at the bank for the past four years, following four years of service on the Board of Directors. Prior to his time at BS&L, Martyn was chief operating officer of Pieciak & Co. in Brattleboro, where he developed Pieciak Payroll Services, Inc. and served as its president. He also held several positions in the Brattleboro area, including chief financial officer of an organic spice and coffee trading company, and in a financial management position at the Holstein Association.
• BS&L has also hired Karen Fortier to manage its newest office, currently under construction in the Black Mountain Square Plaza on Putney Road in Brattleboro. Fortier, who previously worked at Merchants Bank, has many years of banking experience.
Obituaries
• Elmer F. Bates, 83, of Springfield. Died June 27, at Springfield Hospital of complications from pneumonia. Husband of the late Barbara L. (Pockett) Bates for 49 years. Father of Michael Bates of Athens, Judy Bates of Rockingham, Sam Harrington of Westminster, Maureen Thompson of Westminster, and the late Ronald and Charles Bates. Also survived by 16 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Born in Canada, the son of the late John and Mary (Buck) Bates, he worked for himself as a logger in Vermont and New Hampshire. He enjoyed refurbishing antique wood stoves and selling them, and also having coffee with friends at McDonald's and Dunkin' Donuts. Memorial information: A funeral service was held July 2 at Fenton & Hennessey Funeral Home in Bellows Falls, with burial in Oak Hill Cemetery in Bellows Falls.
• Robert E. “Bob” Boyce, 93, formerly of Brookline. Died June 27 at Vernon Green Nursing Home. Born in Middletown, N.Y., the son of the late William and Abigail (English) Boyce, he was raised and educated in New Jersey and was a graduate of Upsala College in East Orange, N.J., where he received his B.A. in English in 1942. He went on to attend Rutgers University, where he completed his graduate studies. He entered the teaching profession at age 28 and taught high school English for 40 years in the greater Paramus, N.J., area. He remained in New Jersey all his working life and, following his retirement in 1992, moved to his beloved Vermont to become a “Country Gentleman.” Steadfast in his walk of faith, he was a member of the Green Mountain Chapel in Brattleboro where he served on the Governing Board and as church treasurer for several years and was an active member of Gideon's International, Windham County Camp, where he served as president. He enjoyed reading, writing, collecting books and teddy bears, baking cakes and pies, and maintaining a large correspondence of nearly 200 people at Christmas time. He was predeceased by one brother, Charles W. Boyce, who died more than 35 years ago. He leaves many dear friends, his church family, his extended family at Vernon Green, and a loyal following of many of his former students. Memorial information: A funeral service will be held Thursday, July 9, at 11 a.m., at the Green Mountain Chapel on Western Avenue in Brattleboro. A reception will follow the services in the church fellowship hall. Committal prayers and burial are scheduled for Friday, July 10, at 10 a.m., in the Boyce family lot in Rosemont Memorial Park in Elizabeth, N.J. Donations to Gideons International, P.O. Box 2335, Brattleboro, VT 05303. Atamaniuk Funeral Home of Brattleboro is in charge of arrangements.
• Sandra R. Callahan, 64, of Brattleboro. Died June 22 at her home after a long struggle with cancer. Wife of John Callahan for 37 years. Mother of John Callahan Jr. of Mississippi. Born in Opelousas, La., daughter of the late Anne Bell and Charles Richard, she was the youngest of seven children. She was a graduate of Opelousas High School. She also attended Southeastern Bible College in Birmingham, Ala. She worked at a variety of places as an administrative assistant. She worked for Ethyl Corporation in Baton Rouge, La., The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation in Williamsburg, Va., Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, and Berkshire School in Sheffield, Mass. She was very involved in many church activities wherever she lived. She assisted with Vacation Bible Camp, Women's Bible Study, Bible Memory Association, and Children's Church. She was an avid traveler and enjoyed vacations to the Caribbean, the Southwestern United States, and visiting family in the South. She had an interest in physical activities and aerobics. Memorial information: A memorial service was held on June 27 at Tri-State Bible Baptist Church in Chesterfield, N.H.
• Gilbert Earl “Gib” Carey, 87, of Chester. Died June 29 at Springfield Hospital. Husband of Erron J. Carey of Chester. Father of Chad G. Carey and his wife, Olga, of Chester, and Roclyn R. Porter and her husband, Alec Porter, of Kingston, N.H. Born in Springfield, he graduated from Brattleboro High School and served in the Navy during World War II. He was a lifetime member of American Legion Post 67 in Chester. In 1956, he joined the Brattleboro Police, and served for 15 years before moving to Chester in 1971 to serve on that town's police force. He was appointed Chester's police chief in 1973, and served in that post until his retirement in 1990. During his 34 years in law enforcement, he served as president of the Vermont Chiefs of Police Association in 1980. From 1986 to 1987, he was president of the New England Police Chiefs' Association. He was active in the Town of Chester and Windsor County. He served on the Selectboard, and became Chair in 1997. He was elected Assistant Judge in 1995, and presided over traffic court in Springfield until 1999. He also served on the Chester Board of Listers from 1996-1999, was a Justice of the Peace, and was a member and past president of the Rotary Club. Gib became a Freemason on December 20, 1958 in Brattleboro, VT, with Lodge #102. He affiliated with Olive Branch Lodge # 64. He became Master of the Lodge in 1999. He joined the Order of Eastern Star, Mizpah Chapter #40 in March, 1973. He served as Worthy Patron, was a Past District Deputy, a Past Grand Representative of Massachusetts in Vermont, and Grand Warder. Memorial information: A funeral service was held July 7 at the Congregational Church in Chester. Donations to the Vermont American Legion Law Cadet Program at Post 67 in Chester.
• Carol Dana Foley, 66, of Brattleboro. Died May 21 at her home due to natural causes. Born in Bennington, the daughter of the late George and Dana Foley, she had many fond memories of growing up there. She graduated from the University of Vermont and worked as activities director and nurse's aide at the former Linden Lodge Nursing Home in Brattleboro, where she spread cheer, fun, and inspiration. She had endless enthusiasm and joy in a variety of activities. She loved bird watching, photography, and games, and delighted in the mysteries of backroads. She was an avid circle dancer for 25 years and, in her earlier years, also contra-danced. She taught in the Brattleboro Circle Dance and was part of many circle-dance gatherings throughout New England. Dance Circles will remember her for her delight in the dance, for her feeling for the center-of-the-circle energy, and especially for her laughter and hugs. She is survived by her cat, Beauty. Memorial information: A celebration of her life will be held in October. Send memories, sentiments, and donations to Parker Huber, focalizer of the Brattleboro Sacred Circle, at P.O. Box 360, Brattleboro VT 05302. One may also make contributions to Carol Foley's Guest Page online at the Ker-Westerlund Funeral Home site at www.legacy.com/guestbook/DignityMemorial/guestbook.aspx?n=carol-foley&pid=175084245.
• The Honorable Judge Robert “Bob” Grussing III, 82, of Brattleboro. Died June 30 at Vernon Green Nursing Home. Husband of the late Claire Laframboise. Former husband of Nancy Swenson. Father of Robert Grussing IV and his wife, Theresa, of Nashville, Tenn.; Theodore Grussing of Windham; James Grussing and his wife, Donna Dubuc, of Manchester, N.H.; and Suzanne Borichevsky and her husband, John, of Guilford. Brother of Lynn Williams and her husband, Timothy, of Arlington, and Joanne Hall of Great Barrington, Mass. Born in Jersey City, N.J., the son of the late Robert Jr. and Margaret (Burgess) Grussing, he was raised in the Nutley, N.J., area, graduating from Nutley High School, Class of 1950. He earned his bachelor's degree from Tufts University in 1954. He was chosen president of his graduating law school class of 1957 from Rutgers University. Following his admission to the Vermont Bar, he was a member of several local law firms before starting his own practice. He was a district court judge from 1981 until his retirement in 2000. He enjoyed playing golf, reading, and traveling. He was proud that he had visited all 50 states and was a member of the 251 Club. He served as Vermont Secretary of Senate from 1963 to 1966. During the 1970s, he was elected to the BUHS board. He was a founding member of the B and K Aqua Club in Spofford, N.H. MEMORIAL INFORMATION: A funeral service was held July 6 at Ker-Westerlund Funeral Home in Brattleboro, with burial in Meetinghouse Hill Cemetery in Brattleboro. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Youth Services, 32 Walnut St., Brattleboro, VT 05301, or a charity of one's choice.
• Marcel A. Jalbert, 81, of Vernon. Died June 29 at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital. Husband of the late Helen Jalbert. Father of Marcel E. Jalbert and his wife, Lynn, Robert D. Jalbert, Kenneth Jalbert, Philip Jalbert, Theresa Soden and her husband, Jim, and Jennifer Covey. Brother of the late Ernest and Rosaire Jalbert and Theresa Plante. Born in Lewiston, Maine, the son of the late George and Roseanna (Morin) Jalbert, he served his country with the Marines Corps during the Korean Conflict. He was a long time Vernon resident and was employed as a pipe fitter for Local 777 until his retirement. He was a fourth-degree member of the Knights of Columbus, and also was a member of Marine Corps League Detachment 798 and American Legion Post 5 in Brattleboro. He was a member of St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church in Brattleboro and was very active in the church community. He would often make rosary beads for church functions. Memorial information: A funeral Mass will be held on Friday, July 10, at 10 a.m., at St. Michael's Catholic Church, 47 Walnut St., Brattleboro. Burial will follow at St. Michael Cemetery in Brattleboro. Ker-Westerlund Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
• Paul E. Roy, 73, of Searsburg. Died June 23 following a brief illness. Husband of Donna Roy. Father of Rebecca and her husband, Carl Gottardi, and Paul Roy and his companion, Laurie. Stepfather of Becky Goodnow and Matt Goodnow and his wife, Amber. Brother of the late Bob, Marilyn, and Carol Lee Roy. Son of the late Evelyn and Paul Roy. He served in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War as a sniper, a Military Police officer, and a guard for prisoners during transport. He also trained sharpshooters at Fort Devens. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He enjoyed playing video games and loved sipping coffee with his daughter, Rebecca, on her front porch. He enjoyed spending as much time as he could with his “Granddogs” and spoiling them with treats. He was a dedicated team member at Mount Snow for over 45 years. He recently received the 2015 Career Employee Award from the National Ski Areas Association. He was a devoted father and grandfather and did anything and everything he could for his family. Memorial information: A celebration of his life will be held at Whitingham Community Church on Friday, July 10, at 2 p.m., with fellowship to follow in the vestry. All are welcome to share their memories. Donations to The Ladies Benevolent Society of Whitingham, P.O. Box 42, Whitingham, VT 05361, or The Second Chance Animal Center, 6870 VT Rt 7A, Shaftsbury, VT 05262.
• Norman O. Stevens, 82, of Jacksonville. Died July 2 at his home. Husband of Stella (Allen) Stevens for 57 years. Father of Michael Stevens and his wife, Robin, of Jacksonville; Pamela Grimard and her husband, Kevin, of Turners Falls, Mass.; Debra Avison and her husband, Steve, of Bondville; and Cheryl Hammond and her husband, Wayne, of Ludlow. Brother of Elliott Stevens of Rutland and the late Eleanor Rawson and Marilyn Stewart. Born in Proctor, the son of the late Grace and Elliott Stevens, he graduated from Pittsford-Barstow High School in 1951, the University of Vermont in 1955, and Keene State College in 1970 with a master's in educational administration. He taught at Whitingham, Chelsea, and Chester high schools. He later served as principal at Green Mountain Union High School in Chester and as housemaster at Mill River Union High School in Clarendon. He held various positions in the Vermont Headmasters' Association and the National Association for Secondary School Principals. In 1984, he was selected Vermont Principal of the Year and in 2012 was inducted into the Vermont Principal's Association Hall of Fame. He retired to Jacksonville in 1993. He was a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, Unity Lodge #89 and the Whitingham Selectboard. He loved his family and was fortunate to have them a short distance from his home in Jacksonville. He also enjoyed gardening and cutting wood for the winter, rooting for the Patriots, Red Sox, and Celtics, and above all, spending time with his family. MEMORIAL INFORMATION: A memorial service will be held Wednesday, July 8, at the Jacksonville Community Church at 2 p.m. Donations can be sent to the Jacksonville Community Church, P.O. Box 247, Jacksonville, VT 05342 or the Guy Hawkins Cancer Fund, P.O. Box 175, Wilmington, VT 05363. Covey, Allen & Shea Funeral Home in Wilmington is in charge of arrangements.
• Rebecca L. (Russell) Thompson, 69, of Hooksett, N.H., formerly of West Chesterfield and Swanzey, N.H. Died June 27 at her daughter's home after a period of declining health. Wife of the late Peter E. Thompson for 42 years. Mother of Doreen A. Mitchell and her husband, William, of Hooksett. Sister of Sharon Smith, Darci Skillings, Timothy Russell, Gary Russell, Darrell Russell, and Stephen Russell. Stepsister of Dick Russell, Rachel Bell, Marlene Skillings, and Doug Claugston Born in Rutland, the daughter of the late Virginia (Shaw) and Rodney Russell, she was educated in Keene, N.H., schools. She worked most recently in the deli department at Hannaford's in Brattleboro before retiring in 1997. She was formerly employed at Homestead Woolen Mills in Swanzey and A.C. Lawrence Leather in Winchester, N.H. She was a member of St. James Episcopal Church in Keene for many years. She enjoyed crafts for fun and for gifts. Her talent brought her to craft shows where she would sell her products. She also had a green thumb and enjoyed gardening both flowers and vegetables that she canned and was happy to share. Mostly, she was a doting grandmother and loved her family. Memorial information: A graveside funeral service was held July 2 in the family lot at Spofford Village Cemetery.
• Paul E. Roy, 73, of Wilmington, Died June 23 of cancer. Husband of Donna Roy. Father of Son of the late Evelyn and Paul Roy. Father of Rebecca and her husband, Carl Gottardi, and Paul Roy and his companion, Laurie. Stepfather of Becky Goodnow and Matt Goodnow and his wife, Amber. Brother the late Bob, Marilyn, and Carol Lee. He served in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War as a sniper, a Military Police officer and a guard for prisoners during transport. He also trained sharpshooters at Fort Devens. He was a dedicated team member at Mount Snow for more than 45 years, working as a snowmaker, heavy equipment operator, and repairman, among some of his many jobs. He recently received the 2015 Career Employee Award from the National Ski Areas Association. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, enjoyed playing video games. He was a devoted father and grandfather and did anything and everything he could for his family.
• James F. Tully, 50, of Bellows Falls. Died June 27. Husband of Kelly A. Cota for nearly 24 years. Father of Seamus Tully. Brother of John “Jack” Tully and his wife, Connie, of Albany, N.Y.; Robert Tully and his wife, Patricia, of Andover, Mass.; Michael Tully of Cincinnati, Ohio; and Philip Tully and his wife, Sharon, of Cedar Grove, N.J. Born in Jersey City, N.J., son of Frances (Marren) and the late John Tully, he graduated from Dickinson High School in New Jersey in 1982 and attended colleges in Colorado and Missouri, where he majored in physical education and was a two-time All-American football player. He married the love of his life in 1991 on a hot summer day in Rockingham, where they settled down and made their home. They loved riding motorcycles and traveling all over the country together to visit friends. His passion and knowledge of motorcycles led many to ask for his advice and expertise. A devoted husband and father, his son was his pride and joy. Together, they spent thousands of hours training and traveling so he could achieve his dream of playing collegiate football. This February, on National Signing Day, he looked on as Seamus signed his letter of intent and committed to play for Coastal Carolina University. His coaching abilities centered on fundamentals, conditioning and training. He was involved in many football programs including the Connecticut Valley Pee Wee League, Bellows Falls Union High School, Windsor Junior High School, Kimball Union Academy, and New Hampton School. Not only was he an amazing coach, but he was also a great role model. He was a “gentle giant” that possessed an uncanny ability to love people unconditionally, and lend anyone a helping hand. People were drawn to his larger-than-life personality who could light up a room just by his presence. He was a consummate storyteller and could keep his audience spellbound. His sense of humor was legendary. As vice president of operations at Cota & Cota, he was well respected by employees and customers alike. His common sense and no nonsense approach to life fit well into the New England values of the family business. If the sum of a man's worth is based on the amount of people who loved him, his life was beyond value. Memorial information: An Irish Celebration of Life was held in the Shepardson Center on the campus of Vermont Academy on July 2. Donations to the New Hampton School, The Jim Tully Football Project, in care of Sandy Calhoun, 70 Main St., New Hampton, NH 03256, or the New England Donor Bank at www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/jim-tully/donate.
• Nancy M. Weiss, 50, of Vernon. Died at June 27 at her home. Fiance of Donald Pratt of Vernon. Mother of Ashley L. Weiss of Vernon and Seve T. Weiss and his wife, Demina, of Vernon. Sister of Al Partridge and his wife, Sharon, of Chicopee, Mass., Gary Partridge and his fiance, Melissa Lamb, of Vernon; Peggy Picard of Springfield, Vt. Born in Fitchburg, Mass., the daughter of the late Albert and Evelyn (Freeman) Partridge, she was educated in the Fitchburg and Brattleboro school systems, graduating from Brattleboro Union High School. She was employed as a bus driver for First Student. She enjoyed going to Kimball's, eating ice cream, watching “The Walking Dead” TV series, WWE, cross stitching, cows, and taking pictures. She especially loved her dog, Cadie. Her proudest and greatest achievement in life was her family and friends. She loved spending time with her grandchildren, and had a special bond with her oldest grandson, Dakota. Memorial information: A funeral service was held July 2 at Ker-Westerlund Funeral Home in Brattleboro, with burial at North Cemetery in Vernon. Donations to a charity of one's choice.
• A memorial potluck get-together to celebrate the life of David Chatterton and his wife Debbie Madden will be held at the Brattleboro VFW, 40 Black Mountain Rd., on Sunday, July 12, from 1 to 3 p.m. Any questions can be directed to Colleen Chatterton 617-714-3185 or 603-256-8643. Many thanks to George Duranty, Susan Avery, Barbara Faridoni, Linda Griffith, Brenda Class, and the Brattleboro VFW for all their help and support.