Births
• In Brattleboro (at home), Aug. 15, 2016, a son, Horace Elliot Woodberry Blood, to Katharine Manthei Audlin and Christopher Scott Blood of Brattleboro; grandson of Lisa Manthei Audlin of Brattleboro, and Joan P. Blood of West Hartford, Vt.
Weddings
• Representative Mollie S. Burke and Peter Gould of Brattleboro are pleased to announce the marriage of their son William Orlando Burke Gould to Lindy Beth Smalt, daughter of Ruth Smalt of Nantucket, Mass, and Robert Smalt and Kimberly Clark of West Orange, N.J. The groom graduated from Brattleboro Union High School in 2002. He received a B.A. in English from Wesleyan University in 2006 and holds an M.Ed. from University of Massachusetts at Boston. He is a literacy and arts teacher at Democracy Prep Public Schools in East Harlem, N.Y. The bride earned a B.A. in communications/theater from Wheaton (Ill.) College in 2010 and holds graduate degrees in creative writing from Lesley University and elementary teaching from Dominican University. She is a director of recruitment at Teach For America. The couple met in 2010 in Boston. They were married on July 2, 2016 at the Guilford Fairgrounds in Guilford, with the Hon. John Wesley presiding.
Transitions
• The Vermont Jazz Center Board of Directors welcomes two new board members, Lyndall Boal and Jed Blume. Boal is a long-time social worker and advocate for children, health and education. She graduated from Swarthmore College in 1957, and earned an M.A. from the Simmons School of Social Work in 1959. She then pursued a career as a social worker in hospitals and schools, and taught at Fordham University's School of Social Work. She retired to Vermont in 2012. In addition to VJC, Boal is on the the Development Board of Grace Cottage Hospital, a founding member of GunSenseVT, and a Guardian ad Litem appointed by Vermont Superior Court to advocate for abused, abandoned and battered children in state custody. She served on the Leland & Gray Middle and High School Board in Townshend from 2013 to 2016. Blume is a freelance nonprofit development consultant and world music composer living in Brattleboro, He has assisted the VJC with fundraising since 2014. As a development/grant specialist, Blume operates from Greenmountaingrants.com and Jedblume.com. As a musician, he has traveled abroad to study the rhythms of Africa and India. He draws on these influences as an accompanist and in his original compositions.
Obituaries
• Katholyn Covey “Kay” Boyd, 100, of Wilmington. Died Aug. 29 after a brief period of declining health. Born on April 16, 1916, she was the youngest of the 10 children of Sarah (Lizzie) Williams Covey and Gary Freemont Covey. She grew up on the family farm at the end of Covey Road in West Brattleboro. On Dec. 30, 1939 she married Verne Russell Boyd and moved to the farm on Boyd Hill Road in Wilmington, where she lived until her death. She raised two children and was very active in the daily chores of the dairy farm and maple syrup operation. In the early 1960s, the dairy cattle were sold and Kay and Verne, with Albert and Louise Brissette, co-owned and operated the North Star Bowling Lanes for several years. In later years, she worked at The Book Press in Brattleboro, the Red Mill in Wilmington and several lodges at Mount Snow. She enjoyed playing cards and square dancing and was a member of the Green Mountain Squares for many years. She was an accomplished candlepin bowler and participated in the senior league until the age of 91. She was an animal lover and during her life had numerous pets over which she doted. She was always a child at heart and enjoyed playing badminton, croquet, softball, and hide-and-seek after dark with her children, nieces, nephews and grandchildren. She was an incurable prankster and reveled at getting into costume for Halloween. She was predeceased by her parents and all of her siblings as well as her husband, Verne, who died in July 1977. She is survived by her son, Carl Boyd, and his wife, Carolyn Palmer, of Wilmington; a daughter, Ada Taylor of Rochester, N.H.; and two grandsons. Memorial information: A funeral service was held Sept. 1 at Riverview Cemetery in Wilmington. Donations to either the Windham County Humane Society or Deerfield Valley Rescue.
• Marsha Norene Cota, 65, of Cortez, Colo. Died Aug. 27 after a brief battle with cancer. She was born in Bellows Falls on Oct. 11, 1950 to Kenneth and Helen Cota. Her early years were spent in her hometown, graduating from Bellows Falls High School in the Class of 1968 and then attending Champlain College in Burlington. She worked as a bookkeeper for several years in the Connecticut Valley before relocating to Arizona in the 1980s. Her love of the Southwest was well known to her family and friends. While in Arizona, she became very knowledgeable about the culture and traditions of the Native American peoples of the Southwest and was a true friend to many. She was drawn to the lore and beauty of the Four Corners Area of our country and found her true calling when she assumed a position at Mesa Verde National Park in Cortez, Colo. Her sunny disposition and vast knowledge of native culture endeared her to tourists and co-workers alike. Her years spent at Mesa Verde were a labor of love. Though most of her adult life was spent far from her New England roots, she was surrounded by a vast and loving circle of friends who became her extended family. She was always willing to share whatever she had with them and they with her. Her home was always open and welcoming. She is survived by her sister, Francelia Johnson of Kent, Conn., her brothers, Hugh Cota and his wife, Carol, of Bellows Falls, and Chris Cota and his wife, Sue, of Saxtons River, and several nieces and nephews. Memorial information: Services and interment will be held at a later date
• Andrew R. “Andy” Leclaire, 59, of Brattleboro. Died Aug. 28 at his home following a courageous battle with ALS. Born in Brattleboro on Aug. 18, 1957, the son of Richard and Verna (Gilson) Leclaire, fom 1960 until 1970 he lived with his family in Downers Grove, Ill., where he attended elementary school. Upon returning to Brattleboro, he attended Brattleboro Junior High School and was a graduate of Brattleboro Union High School, Class of 1975. He went on to attend Community College of Vermont. He was employed as an environmental services aide at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital for 14 years, retiring early due to the progression of his illness. Previously, he worked for Country News Distributors as a driver for eight years. Steadfast in his walk of faith, he was a communicant of St. Michael's Catholic Church and held membership in the Knights of Columbus, Leo Council #917. An avid reader, he once read the entire Bible cover to cover. A quiet, open and unassuming man, he had a wonderful sense of humor which he kept up until the time of his passing. He was a gifted athlete and enjoyed playing baseball and softball. For several years, he was active with the Greater Brattleboro Men's Softball League, playing for the Brattleboro Family Health Center team. He also enjoyed woodworking and time shared with his family, especially his grandchildren. In 1976, he married Kathleen Pearson, who survives. Besides his wife of nearly 40 years, he leaves one son, Andrew Leclaire, Jr. of Vernon; a daughter, Angela Rae Healey of Keene, N.H.; two sisters, Vicki Leclaire of Wallingford and Diana Shepard of Guilford; four grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and several aunts and uncles. He was predeceased by siblings Michelle LaRue and Dean Leclaire. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held Sept. 2 at St. Michael's Catholic Church, with committal rites and burial in St. Michael's Parish Cemetery. Donations to St. Michael's School, 48 Walnut St., Brattleboro, VT 05301, or to Team Godfather, a charitable foundation for ALS research, P.O. Box 231664, Encinitas, CA 92023-1664. To sign an online register book or send messages of condolence, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Sally Buxton Scales, 79, formerly of Bellows Falls. Died Aug. 25. Born on May 27, 1937 in Bellows Falls, she was the daughter of the late Alvah and Zoay Buxton. She grew up in the Bellows Falls and Saxtons River area, attended local schools, and graduated from Bellows Falls High School in 1955. After graduation, she attended the University of Vermont and earned a B.A. in 1959. She married Ron Scales in 1960 and became an Army wife as they fulfilled 20 years of service in Germany, Alaska, multiple states, and through his tours in Vietnam. She spent hours with various volunteer groups and kids events during these years. Later, she worked 21 years in military contracting offices in North Carolina and in Okinawa. The Scaleses retired to Florida in 1998. She enjoyed music, playing bridge, cats, traveling, and genealogy. She was a long-standing member of Order of Eastern Star (Alpha Chapter #53). She is survived by a son, Brian Scales and his wife of Winter Springs, Fla.; a daughter, Karen Bryant and her husband of Baton Rouge, La.; as well as a sister-in-law, Lorraine Eagan of Waltham, Mass., and four grandchildren. Memorial information: A memorial service was held Aug. 30 at the Turner Funeral Home in Spring Hill, Fla., with burial in Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Fla., where her predeceased husband is interred.
• Ursula Mary Smith, 92, of Brattleboro. Died Aug. 31 at her home following a period of declining health. Born in Springfield, Mass., on Sept. 28, 1923, the daughter of Raymond and Arcelia (Baudin) Guertin, she was raised and educated in Springfield where she graduated from high school. She moved to New Hampshire in 1946 and resided and worked at various farms both in New Hampshire and Vermont. She later became a resident of Vernon, where she raised her family and worked for the Vernon School Lunch Program. She later was head cook at Hilltop House in Brattleboro and also had been employed at the former F.W. Woolworth Store, managing the lunch counter for many years. She later became a telephone operator for AT&T, working in the downtown Brattleboro office until she retired in 1988. She was an avid sports fan during the time her son attended junior high and high school. She was committed to the many sports activities at Brattleboro Union High School. Catering events for family and friends was her way of showing her love and care along with her sisters, Barbara and Theresa. In her retirement, she volunteered at the Retreat Petting Farm, greeting and admitting visitors and also serving as cashier for the gift shop. She was a proficient knitter. In addition to her gifts to family and friends she sold her wares at shops, craft fairs and through private orders. Steadfast in her walk of faith, her positive attitude along with her loving encouragement was an inspiration to her family and friends. She especially loved the ocean and enjoyed visits to the beaches of New Hampshire and Maine. Survivors include one daughter, Kathleen Dartt, and a son, Alan Smith, both of Brattleboro, five grandchildren, and three great-granddaughters She was predeceased by two sons, Raymond and John Smith; a grandson, Raymond John Smith; and a great-grandson, Tono Figueroa. Memorial information: A memorial service in celebration of her life will be conducted Thursday, Sept. 8, at 1 p.m., at Winchester Center Church in Winchester, N.H. Donations to NH/VT VNA & Hospice, P.O. Box 976, White River Junction, VT 05001. To sign an online guestbook with messages of condolence, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• George Whipple Temple, 94, of Monroe, La. Died Aug. 28. Born in Newfane on Aug. 6, 1922, the eldest of three sons born to the late George Cyrus and Isabel Carson Barnes Temple, he was a devoted servant of his Lord and was a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church of Monroe. He served during World War II as a navigator in the Army Air Corps. He attended Northeast College while stationed at Selman Field in Louisiana. During that time, he attended First United Methodist Church where he met his future wife, Irvie Lee Humble. They were married in 1944. He is survived by his children, Irvie Isabel “Belle” Warr of Clayton, Ala,, George Donald “Donnie” Temple of Kingston, Wash., Anita Joan Warren and her husband, Wayne, of Mill Creek, Wash., Paul Nelson Temple and his wife, Kay, of Monroe and Houston, Texas. Also survived by 12 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Memorial information: A funeral service was held Sept. 1 at First United Methodist Church in Monroe, with graveside services with full military honors at Mulhearn Memorial Park Cemetery. Donations to The Wounded Warrior Project or the charity of your choice.
• Henry E. Turner Jr., 91, of South Newfane. Died Sunday morning, August 28, 2016 at Grace Cottage Hospital following a brief period of declining health. Husband of the late Rita (LaForge) Turner for nearly 46 years. Father of William Alger of Warren, R.I., Cathy Turner of Williamsville, Barbara Dallaire of Warren, R.I., and the late Nancy Tanner. Brother of the late Wilbur, Connie, Esther, and Charlotte Turner. Also survived by nine grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews. Born in Ashuelot, N.H., at the home of his aunt and uncle on Oct. 29, 1924, he was the son of the late Henry E. and Beatrice (Mundell) Turner. He was raised and educated in Rhode Island and went on to proudly serve his country in the Merchant Marine during World War II. Following his honorable discharge from active service, he returned home to Rhode Island where, with his wife, he owned and operated Turner's Cab Company in Warren. He worked most of his career as a heavy equipment operator, and was employed for many years by J.D. Anthony Construction Co. of Seekonk, Mass. With his family, he moved to South Newfane in 1985. For 10 years, he served as sexton for the South Newfane Cemetery. He was a member of American Legion Post 5 in Brattleboro. He loved the outdoors, especially hunting. Memorial information: In keeping with his final wishes, services will be private for the immediate family only, with burial in South Newfane Cemetery where he will be laid to rest next to his beloved wife. Donations to Grace Cottage Hospital, P.O. Box 1, Townshend, VT 05353, or to the South Newfane Cemetery Association, in care of Peter Lillenthal, 172 Auger Hole Rd., South Newfane, VT 05351. To sign an online guestbook with messages of condolence, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Barbara Wehman, 78, of Dummerston. Died Aug. 25. She was born April 19, 1938, the daughter of the late Henry and Florence Wehman. She was raised in Montclair, N.J., and she kept her ties to Montclair through her many high school friends with whom she remained close her entire life. She attended St. Elizabeth's College in Convent Station, N.J. She was a stockbroker at Prudential Bache in New York City. She traveled extensively, beginning with a solo trip around the world while in college. She lived in Bombay, Rome, Tokyo, Illinois, Massachusetts, and Vermont. She had a special love for Italy and all things Italian. She enjoyed painting, The New York Times crossword puzzle, her cats, reading, and cooking. She will be remembered for her humor, her contagious laugh, her gourmet cooking, and her ability to have a meaningful conversation with anyone. She is survived by her daughter, Lisa Beagan and her husband, David, of Annapolis, Md., along with two grandchildren and four nephews and nieces. Memorial information: A memorial service will be held at a later date in Annapolis, Md. Donations to The Friends of Anne Arundel County Animal Control, P.O. Box 45, Millersville, MD 21108.
•Mary K. Wehner, 87, formerly of Brattleboro. Died Aug. 31, 2016 at Maplewood Nursing Home in Westmoreland, N.H., where she had been a resident for the past four months, following a period of declining health. Born in Brattleboro on Sept. 23, 1928, the daughter of John and Regina (Mancini) Madeau, she was raised and educated in Brattleboro, attending St. Michael's Parochial School and graduating from St. Michael's High School, Class of 1946. Following high school, she went to work at the former H. Margolin's Pocketbook Shop. She later was employed as a lens inspector at the former American Optical Company. Her last place of employment was at Geka Brush Company. Following her retirement in 1999, she moved to Greenfield, Mass., residing on Davis Street for 15 years, and later becoming a resident at Bentley Commons Assisted Living in Keene, N.H. She was a communicant of St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church and held membership in the American Legion Auxiliary, Brattleboro Post 5. She was a loving and devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother whose life centered around her family. She loved ballroom dancing and, for several years, taught dancing in the Brattleboro area. She also loved spending time with her family and friends. Survivors include one son, John Wehner and wife Kathleen of Dummerston; three daughters, Denise Richardson and her fiancée Michael McManus of Hollywood, Fla., Heidi Buck of Palm Harbor, Fla., and Linda Caron and her husband Norman of Turners Falls, Mass., and a stepson, Michael Wehner and his wife, Gloria, of Spofford, N.H. Additionally she leaves six grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Besides her husband, she was predeceased by one sister, Angelina “Ange” Sadd. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held Sept. 7 at St. Michael's Catholic Church, with committal rites and burial in St. Michael's Parish Cemetery. Donations to St. Michael's School, Attn: Elaine Beam, Principal, 48 Walnut St., Brattleboro, VT 05301.
• There will be a graveside service for Joan (Coughlin) Shippee of Brattleboro, at the Meetinghouse Hill Cemetery on Saturday, Sept. 17, at 11:30 a.m. Friends and relatives are invited. Mrs. Shippee died Jan. 4, 2016 in Florida.
• A memorial service to celebrate the life of Samuel E. Bunker will be held at Dummerston Congregational Church on Saturday, Sept. 17, at 2:30 p.m., followed by a reception. Mr. Bunker died June 10, 2016, at his home in Dummerston.