College news
• Saskia Bailey-de Bruijn, daughter of Linda Bailey and Edwin De Bruijn of Brattleboro, has enrolled at Earlham College in Richmomd, Ind., as a member of the Class of 2019.
• Jonathan Elwell, son of Peter Elwell and Wendy Harrison of Brattleboro, has enrolled at Carleton College in Northfield, Minn., as a member of the Class of 2019.
Transitions
• Benjamin Wright, PMHNP-BC, recently joined the staff of Grace Cottage Family Health in Townshend. He is a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (NP). Wright earned a B.A. in psychology from the University of Massachusetts and B.S. and M.S. degrees in nursing from the MGH Institute of Health Professions in Boston. Before joining the Grace Cottage staff, Wright worked as a mental health counselor and a psychiatric RN at BayRidge Hospital in Boston. His clinical experience also includes working as a psychiatric NP student with veterans and their families at the VA Outpatient Clinic in Lowell, Mass., and working on adolescent mental health treatment plans at the Van Der Kolk Center in Marlborough, Mass.
• Brattleboro Memorial Hospital announced that midwife Emily Martyn, CNM has joined the staff of Brattleboro OB/GYN and is accepting new patients. Martyn received her Bachelor of Arts in Dance from Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio, and her Certificate in Nursing and Masters of Science in Nursing from Yale University School of Nursing in New Haven, Conn. The Brattleboro native says that her background in movement and dance piqued her interest in nursing as a career.
Obituaries
• Bonnie L. Barnum, 66, of Springfield. Died Sept. 29 at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H. Former wife of the late Vernon Bigelow and Russell Barnum. Mother of Debra Trombly and Vernon “Billy” Bigelow Jr. Sister of the late Jean Beauregard. Born to Bonnie Corliss in Hinsdale, N.H., she was the foster daughter of the late Bernice and Harry Hall of South Windham. She enjoyed nature, gardening, fishing, hiking, and caring for her many cats and dogs over the years. MEMORIAL INFORMATION: At the family's request, there will be no service. Donations to Springfield Humane Society, 401 Skitchewaug Trail, Springfield, VT 05156.
• Thomas Edward Berg, 60, of Lebanon, N.H. and Wardsboro. Died Sept. 23 at his home after an illness. The son of Jackie and the late John Berg, he and his wife, Jennifer Johnson, celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary this summer with a trip to Maine. MEMORIAL INFORMATION: A memorial service was held Oct. 4 at the Aspetuck Village clubhouse in Huntington, Conn. Donations to the Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Vermont and New Hampshire or the Visiting Nurse & Hospice organization in their local area.
• Norman Allen Bonneau, 92, of Spofford, N.H. Died Oct. 3. Husband of Dorothy Simone (Brown) Bonneau for 72 years. Father of Patricia Ann Bonneau and husband, Stephan, of Belchertown, Mass.; Robert Bonneau and his wife, Janis, of Brattleboro; and Marc Bonneau and his wife, Stephanie Nichols, of Brattleboro. Brother of Rita Kamel and Jeannine Guerin of Daytona Beach, Fla., Estelle McKay of Landenburg, Pa., Nicole Gray of Hampton, N.H., Louise Whiting of San Diego, Calif., Mireille Maxfield of Burlington, and the late Marc Yvon, Maurice and Raymond Bonneau. Also survived by four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He was born in Springfield, Mass., the second eldest in his family. Early in his childhood, his French Canadian parents moved the family to Farnham, Quebec, where he was raised. At the age of 20, he got married and the Bonneaus moved to the States, first to Claremont, N.H., and then Brattleboro in the 1950s, where they had dreamed of raising a family and developing businesses. They had three children, and created a home on Putney Road at a time when that stretch of Route 5 was the most scenic entry to Brattleboro, populated with woodlands, farms and horses. His entrepreneurial skill, determination and generosity touched many local lives. He was always prepared to offer a helping hand to those less fortunate. He built the Theater Motor Lodge, which later became the Red Coach Motor Inn, ran the Parkway Drive-in Theater (where many a story of first kisses have been reported), and built the A&W Root Beer Stand, renowned for roller skating car-hops. Always the automobile enthusiast, he restored and drove several classic cars over the years, including a 1956 Beardmore Taxi, which he imported from London. He is dearly missed by his family for his continuous support, love and eternal optimism. MEMORIAL INFORMATION: A memorial gathering took place Oct. 10 in Brattleboro.
• Michael Paul Camara Sr., 63, of Brattleboro. Died Oct. 4 at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital. Husband of Cindy Lee Camara for 15 years. Father of Michael Camara Jr. of Bennington, Scott Camara of Brattleboro, and Kimberly Camara of Bennington. Stepfather of Jessica Sue Kickery of Plattsburgh, N.Y., and Misty Kickery of Keene, N.H. Also survived by three grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He enjoyed helping people. He loved politics and often helped out at the local Democratic Party headquarters during election years answering phones. He took early retirement so he could enjoy the lives of his children and grandchildren to the fullest. He was a wonderful man. MEMORIAL INFORMATION: No services are planned.
• Russell Alan Chapman, 64, of Lyndonville. Died Oct. 6. He fought lung and, ultimately, brain cancer for the past several years with courage and dignity. He never lost his keen sense of humor throughout his battle. Husband of Anne (O'Connor) Chapman for 45 years. Father of Tricia Anne Chapman of Lyndonville, and Russell Anthony Chapman and his wife, Laura (Caloz) Chapman, of Putney. Brother of Betty Weatherhead of Guilford, Irene Miller and her husband, David, of Vernon, Kim Leiterman and her husband, Lynn, of Geneva, N.Y., Ronald Chapman of South Carolina and the late Marilyn Best, and James, Roy, and Robert Chapman. He is also survived by his adopted mother, Shirley S. Squires of Guilford. When he was 12 years old, he was embraced by the Squires family and moved to their home on the farm, where he quickly became a proud member of their family. He is survived by stepbrothers Timothy and Stephen Squires as well as stepsisters, Deborah and Diana Squires and Donna Rhodes. Also survived by four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Predeceased by stepbrother Ron Squires and his adopted father, Maynard Squires. Born in Brattleboro, the fourth son of Glenn and the late Dorothy (Pierce) Chapman, he graduated from Brattleboro Union High School in 1969 and, that same summer, joined the Air Force. He was fortunate to retire at age 52 after a career spanning over 30 years with the telephone company. He was so proud to be a lineman and was dedicated to producing quality work for them. His favorite pastime was hunting. He enjoyed each of his hunting trips. He had many special beagles and could be found rabbit hunting with his nephew, Mark, almost every weekend, even while dealing with his limitations from cancer treatments. MEMORIAL INFORMATION:In accordance with his wishes, he was cremated and his burial will be in the spring at Meetinghouse Hill Cemetery in West Brattleboro, share a resting place with his much loved brother, James. A gathering of remembrance will be held at Lyndon Outing Club on Saturday, Oct. 31, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Donations to the Kiwanis Club of St. Johnsbury, who provide free swim lessons to area children, in care of Robin Jacobs, P.O. Box 204, St. Johnsbury VT 05819.
• Barbara J.D. Cook, 81, of Hinsdale, N.H. Died Sept. 27 at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center. Mother of Arthur M. Cooke of Brattleboro, Wayne S. Cooke and his wife, Debbie, of East Kingston, N.H., Pamela R. Morton and her husband, Michael, of Brattleboro, and Frank A. Cook of Brattleboro. Sister of Dorothy Foster of Vermont, Marion Elhers of Nebraska and Eleanor Moore of Vermont. The daughter of the late Arthur M. and Nellie H. Doyle, she was a resident of Hinsdale from 1963 until her death. She graduated from Brattleboro High School, Class of 1952. She served in the Air Force from 1953 until 1955 as a nurse's aide. Her extensive work history includes the Book Press for more than 30 years, Linden Lodge for more than 10 years as a nurse's aide, and Pumpkin Patch Day Care for many years. She was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, and a parishioner at the Brattleboro Church of Christ. Her love of the Lord was incredible and her generosity is how many will remember her. Her family and friends were most important to her. She loved her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren with an incredible passion. MEMORIAL INFORMATION: Per her wishes, there were no formal funeral services. Donations to the VFW, in care of Thelma Underwood, 125 Morningside Condominiums, Brattleboro, VT 05301.
• Pauline Mary Corey, 88, of Brattleboro. Died Oct. 8 at Cheshire Medical Center in Keene, N.H. Wife of the late Walter R. Corey for 52 years. Mother of Gary Corey and his wife, Gail, of Brattleboro. Sister of Arlene Georgina and Geraldine Harrington, both of Brattleboro, James Searles of Washington, D.C., and the late Eugene Searles, Patricia Barrett, and Corrine Langmaid. She was born in Brattleboro, the daughter of the late James and Frances (Mullet) Searles. She was raised and educated in Brattleboro, attending St. Michael's Parochial School and Brattleboro High School. She was employed for many years as a lens inspector at the former American Optical Company until the plant closed in 1981. She later worked at the former Bridgeport Metal Works in Hinsdale, N.H. In her earlier years she had been employed at the former H. Margolin Pocketbook Shop on Canal Street. She was a lifelong communicant of St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church in Brattleboro. She enjoyed candlepin bowling, and time spent at her family's camp at Harriman Reservoir, which she helped build with her husband. Her family was the main focus in her life and she cherished time spent with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-granddaughter. MEMORIAL INFORMATION: A funeral Mass was held Oct. 14 at at St. Michael's Catholic Church, with committal rites and burial in St. Michael's Parish Cemetery. Donations to the Brattleboro Fire Dept. Dive Team, 103 Elliot St., Brattleboro, VT 05301. Arrangements are being handled by Atamaniuk Funeral Home of Brattleboro. To sign an online guestbook, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• John Joseph Gormly, 91, a former resident of Brattleboro. Died Oct. 2 in Florida. Husband of Marie Gormly for 71 years. Father of Diane and her husband, Allen Storms, of Dover, N.H.; Ilene of Colorado; Marie and her husband John Pelloni of Lyons, N.Y.; and Brian of Bradenton, Fla. Also survived by three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Born in Corona (Queens), N.Y., the son of the late Joseph and Catherine (Reynolds) Gormly, he was employed as parts manager for Preston Motors in Brattleboro for 19 years. After leaving Preston, he was employed in Greenfield, Mass., at Hapco Auto Parts, retiring after 12 years of service there. He enlisted in the Navy on Dec. 8, 1941, the day after Pearl Harbor. Four years of his enlistment was spent in the South Pacific. He took part in the invasion of Guadalcanal and his ship was in Tokyo Bay at the time of the Japanese surrender. Upon discharge, he attended the Art Students League in New York City. He and his wife moved to Brattleboro in 1953. His interest in art continued throughout his life. His paintings hang in many area homes and institutions, including the Brattleboro Country Club and St. Michael's Catholic Church. He loved to sing, and sang in the choir of St. Michael's Catholic Church for 39 years. He was also an active member of a local quartet, The Moonlighters. He was a member of American Legion Post 24 in Bradenton and also held membership in Art Center Manatee of Bradenton. MEMORIAL INFORMATION: Graveside committal services with full military honors will be conducted in Meetinghouse Hill Cemetery at a later date to be announced by the funeral home. Donations to Tidewell Hospice and mailed to Tidewell Hospice Philanthropy Department, 5955 Rand Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34238. To sign an online guestbook, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Laurence B. Lynch Sr., 81, of East Dummerston. Died Oct. 5 at his residence. Husband of Carol (Hoard) Lynch for 51 years. Father of Laurence Lynch Jr. and his wife, Carol, of Putney; Lori Chase and her husband Rodney Sr. of South Newfane. Brother of Donald Lynch and his wife, June, of Casagrande, Ariz; Delia Bolster and her husband, Ralph, of Dummerston; Shirley Horton of Ayer, Mass.; and the late Alberta Antaki, Catherine Pike, and Olive Lynch. Also survived by four grandchildren, a great-grandchild, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Born in Brattleboro, the son of the late Albert and Helen (Lawrence) Lynch, he lived at the same residence for 79 years. He was educated in the Dummerston school system until eighth grade. Upon the death of his father, he left to help care for his family and work on the family dairy farm. He continued his work until the industry changed in 1959. He later returned to school and was very proud to earn his GED. He was employed for 30 years at Book Press and later as the facility manager at the Dummerston School. Along with his wife, he also ran the East Dummerston Daycare from 1969 to 2011, where he became known as “Gramp” to many children and to the community. He was very active within the Dummerston Fire Department. He became a volunteer of the West Dummerston Fire Department in 1965, advancing through the ranks to Assistant Chief, which he held for 17 years. He was also a state fire instructor, a charter member and the first president of the Windham County Fire Association, and fire safety officer in Dummerston, where he coordinated all fire events. As a consultant on fire safety education, he presented a series of workshops for the very young child in Washington, D.C., at the Northeastern Child Care Council. He was past president of the Southwestern New Hampshire Fire Mutual Aid System, was director and one of the founders of the East Dummerston Cable TV Co., and was active in the Windham County Sugar Makers Association. He was a member and current Chaplin of the Evening Star Grange. He was also a member of the Mountain Valley Pomone Grange, a 7th degree member of the National Grange, and a former member of the Maple Leaf Square Dance Club. He received the Governors Award for outstanding service to youth fire safety and was awarded the Vermont Fire Chief of the Year in 1993. He was an avid Red Sox and NASCAR fan, and enjoyed attending the local stock car races, horse pulling contests, blue grass music festivals, hunting, and sugaring. His greatest and proudest achievement in life was his family. He loved spending time with them, attending many different activities. MEMORIAL INFORMATION: A memorial service was held Oct. 14 at Dummerston Congregational Church. Donations to the West Dummerston Fire Department, P.O. Box 40, West Dummerston, VT 05357. Arrangements are being handled by Ker-Westerlund Funeral Home of Brattleboro.
• Kenneth James “Ken” Martel, 53, of Brattleboro. Died Oct. 6 at his home, following a period of declining health. Son of Carolyn (Kiernan) and the late Arthur Martel. Brother of Timothy Martel and his wife, Cindy, of Vernon; Deborah Martel of Brattleboro; Pamela Kennedy and her husband, David, of Jaffrey, N.H.; Gina Dyer and her husband, Jo, of Vernon; Kathy Smith and her husband Eddie of Hinsdale, N.H.; and Lynn Beckwith and her husband, Jeff, of Bernardston, Mass. Also survived by his best friend, Rick Kenyon of Brattleboro, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Born in Brattleboro, he attended Saint Michael's Parochial School and Brattleboro Union High School. He went on to proudly serve in the Air Force, stationed in Plattsburgh, N.Y. Following his honorable discharge from active service, he returned home to Brattleboro. He worked most of his career as a carpenter for several greater Brattleboro area general contractors that included Brunelle & Son, CWF Construction, Jim Carr General Contracting, and Lamb's Construction. More recently, he was intake coordinator for Teen Challenge in Johnson. He was steadfast in his walk of faith, especially during his time of illness. He had attended both Community Bible Chapel and Vernon Union Church. He loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing, camping, and time shared with his family at their camp at Lake Mascoma in Lebanon, N.H. His family meant the world to him as well as his close friends. MEMORIAL INFORMATION: A memorial service in celebration was held Oct. 9 at the Vernon Union Church. Burial was in the Martel family lot in Tyler Cemetery, where he was laid to rest next to his father. Donations to Teen Challenge, 1296 Collins Hill Road, Johnson, VT 05656. To sign an online guestbook, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Bradley William “Brad” Ruth, 67, of Townshend. Died Oct. 6 at his home following a lengthy illness. Husband of Cheryl (Wunsche) Ruth for 43 years. Father of Brian Ruth and his wife, Erica, of Apex, N.C., and Erin Ruth of Townshend. Brother of Rodney Ruth of Orlando, Fla. Also survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins. Born in York, Pa., the son of William and Mabel (Ginter) Ruth, he was raised and educated in York and went on to graduate from Millersville (Pa.) University where he earned a B.S. in physics. He served his country in the Navy during the Vietnam War and served aboard the submarine USS Nathaniel Greene, based out of Groton, Conn., and was honorably discharged from active service. He held membership in American Legion Post 5 in Brattleboro. Prior to moving to Townshend with his family in 1997 he had resided in Bozrah, Conn. He had worked in the nuclear power industry as a nuclear engineer employed by Dominion Corp./Northeast Utilities at the Millstone Power Plant in Connecticut, from which he retired in 2003. In recent years, he worked on a seasonal basis at Stratton Mountain Ski Resort. He enjoyed computers, classical music, travel, reading, and time shared with his family. MEMORIAL INFORMATION: In accordance with his final wishes, there are no funeral services scheduled. To sign an online guestbook, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Gloria D. Turner, 79, of Brattleboro. Died Oct. 6 at her home. Wife of the late Walter M. Turner Jr. Mother of Eileen Atherton and her husband, Kimball, of Hinsdale, N.H.; Ann Tripp and her husband, Mike, of Vernon; Mary Dessaint and her husband, Shane, of Hinsdale, and June Courtemanche and her husband, Michael, also of Vernon. Sister of Robert Dompier of Bellows Falls and Jeanette Bookhammer of Colorado. Also survived by five grandsons and three great-granddaughters. Born in Keene, N.H., the daughter of the late Sherman and Rachel (Pratt) Dompier, she was educated in the Brattleboro school system, graduating from Brattleboro Union High School, Class of 1954. She was employed as a clerk for the Holstein Association for nearly 54 years until her retirement. She was a very energetic person. She loved spending time with her friends, and participating in many activities. She enjoyed bike riding, bowling, traveling (especially bus trips), attending her grandchildren's sporting events, skiing, skating, going to the movies, and doing jigsaw puzzles. She had a special place in her heart for her cat, Gracie. She was a member of the Wednesday night bowling league and the Senior League on Thursdays at Brattleboro Bowl. MEMORIAL INFORMATION: A graveside service was held Oct. 10 at Meetinghouse Hill Cemetery in Brattleboro. Donations to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, 26 Broadway, 14th Floor, New York, NY 10004 or Windham County Humane Society, 916 West River Rd., Brattleboro, VT 05302. Arrangements were handled by Ker-Westerlund Funeral Home.