College news
• Samantha Russ of Townshend graduated with a B.S. in engineering/civil engineering on Nov. 29 from Roger Williams University in Bristol, R.I.
• Marie S. Dennis of Marlboro made the Dean's List at Johnson and Wales University. She is a Sophomore in the Liberal Studies program at the university. She attended Marlboro Elementary School, and graduated from The Putney School. She attended Community College of Vermont and Wheaton College in Massachusetts prior to enrolling at Johnson and Wales last spring.
Transitions
• River Valley Credit Union recently announced the addition of Dee Smith to its mortgage lending team. Smith is an experienced mortgage originator based in their Springfield, Vt., offices. A Springfield native, she is a graduate of Springfield High School and has enjoyed a varied career in Ohio, Washington State, New Hampshire, and Vermont.
Obituaries
• Barbara Dorothy Benoit, 65, of Brattleboro. Died Nov. 21 Born on Jan. 16, 1951, the daughter of Dorothy and Rev. Nelson Egbert of Brattleboro, she grew up in Philadelphia, Bennington, and Eagle Bridge, N.Y. As a child, she loved spending time in the kitchen baking, and was quite possibly the best hula-hooper ever. She was a lifetime scholar. She began her education at Cambridge Central School and received her high school diploma in 1969. Her deep love of learning continued through the years, earning two bachelor's degrees, in English and in music. Later on she earned a MFA in Creative Writing and had the opportunity to study abroad in Scotland. She also earned a second MFA in poetry. Her poetry appeared in numerous literary magazines such as Cimarron Review and Shenandoah. She published a book of poems called “Waiting for the Thoroughness of Winter” in 2013. She also served as a poetry judge for New Hampshire's 2012 national competition, and received a Vermont Council Artist in Residence Grant. She also studied a Course in Miracles and she became a certified Reiki practitioner. She had an interest in palm reading, handwriting analysis, tarot cards, Astrology, and Numerology. She worked at the Brattleboro Retreat for 14 years as a mental health worker and at Morningside Shelter for six years. She also earned her Vermont real estate license and was employed as a real estate agent for Berkley & Veller in the early 1990s. She was a local piano teacher in Brattleboro and had too many students to count. She held many piano recitals, and played numerous venues, including the Senior Center and various nursing homes. She wrote and received a grant to supply local children with free keyboards and piano lessons. She continued to take piano lessons herself throughout her life. In 1973, she married her true counterpart, David Benoit. They stood together in good times and in bad. Their marriage was full of devotion, commitment, and love. She always put her children first and made any situation fun. As a mother, she incorporated music, cooking, and spirituality into her parenting, and became a true advocate for her children. She became a grandmother in 2004 to three granddaughters. She was a pillar of strength and courage in the eyes of her granddaughters, showing them her warrior spirit in later years. Her youngest granddaughter deemed her “Tough Nana.” She was preceded in death by her father and her beloved son Drew. She is survived by her husband; a daughter, Claire Renaud and her husband, Joshua, of Guilford; a daughter-in-law, Jennie Benoit of Brattleboro; her mother, Dorothy Egbert of Vernon; sisters Joan Egbert of Brattleboro, and Anne Egbert Larnard of Amesbury, Mass.; brothers, Nelson Egbert of Arlington, Va., and James Egbert of Germantown, Md., and many nieces and nephews. Memorial information: Services will be held Saturday, Dec. 10, at 2 p.m., at the First Baptist Church, 190 Main St., Brattleboro. A reception will follow, all are welcome to attend. Condolences may be offered at www.kerwesterlund.com.
• Ralph Edwin Coleman, 68, of Jamaica. Died Nov. 27 after a courageous battle with multiple myeloma for the past seven years. Born May 18, 1948 in Brattleboro, son of Lawrence and Dorothy Coleman, he was a lifelong resident of Jamaica. He was educated at a one-room school house in Rawsonville and then attended Leland & Gray Seminary in Townshend, where he met his future wife, Kathy Plumley. He attended the University of Vermont and on May 18, 1969. he graduated with a B.S. in animal and dairy science, turned 21 years old and was commissioned as an Army second lieutenant in Field Artillery. He was stationed in Fort Sill, Okla., and Fort Hood, Texas from 1970 to 1972. He was a partner at Coleman Hills Dairy Farm from 1974 to 2003. Upon retiring, he enjoyed operating Derrybrook Maple, the Rafters, harvesting timbers, and enjoying his land. He was an avid runner who participated in many local events,. He had an incredible sense of community, beginning with his family.He was well known for his understanding of his civic responsibilities and was dedicated to not only his family but his entire community. He was a dedicated public servant who was known for his love of community. He served as a member of the Leland & Gray Union High School board, member of the Jamaica Selectboard, Moderator, Lister, and a church board member for Jamaica Community Church, He was well known for his infectious smile, kind and gentle spirit and quick wit. He was always willing to help others and donate to every cause. He made those around him feel loved, safe and special. A little bit of the heart and soul of Jamaica left with the passing of Ralph. That he could continue to do the things he loved, including being out on his land, and be with the ones he loved until the end was a real testament of his will to live every day to the fullest. He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, as well as their three daughters and families: Aimee, Larry, Miles, Daniel, and Gabriel Guerrero of Tucson, Ariz.; Melissa, Chris, Coleman, and Cooper Reece of Weston; and Katie, Drew, Abbie, Trevor and Dylan Hazelton of Rawsonville. He was adored by his grandchildren who lovingly called him Boppa. He is also survived by his four siblings and a large extended family. Memorial information: A celebration of his life will happen in the spring at one of his favorite places, The Rafters at Derrybrook. There will be no calling hours but friends are encouraged to stop by the family home. Donations to the American Cancer Society's Relay of Life of Windham County - Ralph's Raiders team. To offer messages of condolence, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Joan Colburn deVillafane, 84, of Whitefield, N.H., formerly of Brattleboro. Died Nov. 29 at The Morrison in Whitefield. Born in Brattleboro on Sept. 19, 1932, the daughter of Frank V. and Minnie L. (Brown) Colburn, she was a 1950 graduate of Brattleboro High School and a 1953 graduate of Mary Hitchcock School of Nursing. In 1954, she married Jorge Alberto deVillafane, MD, and in 1956, they moved to Whitefield, where Jorge established his medical practice. While raising her family, she was an active volunteer with many community services and organizations such as the Whitefield Women's Study Club, immunization clinics for children and adults, pre-school vision and hearing screening clinics, Community Baptist Church Ladies Circle, and Hospice volunteer. She also taught Sunday School and was a member of the Coos County Medical Auxiliary. She was an active member of St. Paul's Church in Lancaster and served on the Church Search Committee. In 1971, she started a 23-year career as school nurse in the White Mountains Regional School District. She found this long career most fulfilling and organized the Coos County School Nurse Association. She was a member and past president of the New Hampshire School Nurses Association and a state delegate to the National Association of School Nurses. In 1994, she was the first school nurse from New Hampshire to receive the Excellence in Education Award. That same year she was also awarded New Hampshire School Nurse of the Year. She was an active member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society and served in several offices. In 1984, Joan completed the Bachelor of General Studies with an area of specialization in health education from the University System of New Hampshire, School of Lifelong Learning. She was a devoted wife and mother who loved home and family and doing things with husband, children, and grandchildren. She enjoyed skiing and snowmobiling in the winter and spending time at the lake the rest of the year. She also enjoyed sewing, knitting, tailoring, quilting, a daily walk, and quiet time to read. She considered herself a lifelong student. She was known as “Mrs. D” to all her students, their children and some of their grandchildren. Jorge died in 2004, she was his primary caregiver as he suffered a “long goodbye” with Alzheimer's disease. Surviving family members include three children, Charles Scott deVillafane and his wife, Ann, of Gardner, Mass.; Brenda Marie Harwood of West Brattleboro; and Theresa Ann deVillafane-Moll of Lunenburg, Vt.; a brother, Bernard “Bernie” Colburn and his wife Jeannette of Brattleboro; five grandchildren and three great-grandsons. She was also predeceased by a son, Jorge A. deVillafane Jr. Memorial information: A funeral service was held Dec. 4 at St. Paul's Church in Lancaster, N.H. Donations to the Alzheimer's Association New Hampshire Chapter, 166 South River Rd., Suite 210, Bedford, NH 03110, or the Caleb Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers, 38 King's Square, Whitefield, NH 03598.
• Myrna Lou Fosburgh, 77, of Brattleboro and Hinsdale, N.H. Died Nov. 21 at the home of her son and daughter-in-law, Terrance O'Connor and Lorie Nichols, in Hopedale, Mass., following an extended illness. She was born in Barton, Vt., on Dec. 20, 1938, the daughter of Donald and Carrie (Holmes) Martin. She was raised and educated in Brattleboro and was a graduate of Brattleboro Union High School, Class of 1956. She worked at the former Book Press in Brattleboro, from which she retired following 35 years of dedicated and faithful service. She was well known for her sharp wit and keen sense of humor. She enjoyed crafting, crocheting, attending yard sales and, in her later years, her beloved cat, and time shared with her friends and family. She was first married to Edmund F. O'Connor and later to Leslie Fosburgh, who both predeceased her. Survivors include one daughter, Joi Prouty and her husband, Mark, of Keene, N.H.; three sons, Craig O'Connor and his wife, Milagros, of the Philippines, Terrace O'Connor and his wife, Lorie, of Hopedale, Mass., and Leslie Fosburgh, also of Hopedale; two brothers, Terrance Martin and his wife, Loretta, of Brattleboro and Ricky Martin and his wife, Mary, of Port Leyden, N.Y. Additionally she leaves six grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. She was predeceased by her parents and siblings Becky-Jo Martin, Sharon Root, Anita Boyd, Lana Bevis, Kurt Martin, Craig Martin, and Donald Martin Sr. Memorial information: A memorial service was held at Atamaniuk Funeral Home on Dec. 1, with graveside committal services in Meetinghouse Hill Cemetery. Donations to Rescue Inc., P.O. Box 593, Brattleboro, VT 05301.
• Maurice Alburton “Bud” Halladay, 94, of Brattleboro. Died Nov. 27. He was born on June 2, 1922 in Brattleboro at Melrose Hospital to Gertrude F. Carey and Burton C. Halladay in what is now known as the Village Green in West Brattleboro. He moved to Willimantic, Conn., at the age of 5 and attended local schools there. He took swimming and boxing lessons as a young man from Frank Busch, who was the former sparring partner of heavyweight boxing champ Jack Dempsey. His first job at age 14 was working at Henry Weir's fruit and vegetable store. He graduated from Manchester (Conn.) High School in 1939. Upon graduation, he went to work at Pratt & Whitney, where his co-worker, Bill Roberts wrote a note to a girl that Bud had his eye on asking her out. She responded that she would go out if he really did indeed write the note. Bud fell in love with Bernice Moushure. Bunny and Bud eloped to Hampton Beach, NH and got married on June 23, 1942. Their three daughters are grateful to Bill Roberts. Following their wedding, Bud enlisted in the Army on Dec. 9, 1942 and was assigned to the 14th Armored Division. He was sent to Camp Chaffee in Arkansas, where he was the first to fire a perfect score on the .30 caliber heavy machine gun. Upon completion of basic training, Bud served in the 106th Infantry Division, C Company, where he achieved the rank of technical sergeant and became a machine gun squadron leader. He was stationed in England, France, Luxembourg, Germany, and Belgium. While he was overseas, Bunny wrote him a letter every day. Bud's mother had all three of her sons overseas for 14 months serving their country. While in the Ardennes, just days before the Battle of the Bulge, he was sent to the rear with a severe case of trench foot on both feet and frostbite on both hands. His first sergeant, James Faire, carried him out on his back after a surgeon, a lieutenant colonel who outranked Bud's commanding officer, ordered him to an ambulance. He was sent to a French hospital where he was treated for his injuries for over a month. In the meantime, his unit, the 106th Infantry, had been virtually wiped out during the battle. Bunny finally got word about a month later that Bud was alive. After being discharged from a French hospital, he was first transferred to the base air depot at Burtonwood, England, where Bud served as a priority NCO. He was then transferred to the 344th Bomb Group and worked in the statistical and personnel office. Lt. Col. (later General) Lucius Clay, Jr. offered him a direct commission and rapid promotion to Captain if he would serve as his adjutant, but Bud declined this promotion as it would delay his coming home. Returning home to the states, he embarked on a career as a mortician and by lunch time on his first day, he knew that this was not meant to be. He then went to work for the National Fire Insurance Company in 1947. The Halladays then moved to Brattleboro, where he founded Halladay Insurance Agency and was president of the company until he retired in 1989. Active in the community, he was a 60-year plus member of the Masons, past president and secretary of the Brattleboro Lions Club, served as both member and president of the Holton Home Board of Directors, served on the Swift Water Girl Scout Council Board, the United Negro College Fund Board, was a past president and treasurer of the Meetinghouse Hill Cemetery Board, and a 50-year plus member of Centre Congregational Church. He also was a member of the local VFW and American Legion and was generous with his donations to national veterans' organizations. He was a voracious reader and loved doing crossword puzzles and word scrambles. He was a history buff, especially on World War II and local Brattleboro history. He also enjoyed his many trips to Scotland with Bunny. He leaves his three daughters, Donna Wells and husband, Tom, of Greenville, S.C., Betty Henry, and Jean Gilbert and husband, Tom, of Brattleboro. He is also survived by eight grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Spending time with them were his greatest moments of joy and he loved following all of their activities. He also leaves a sister, Jean Wilson, of Newfane, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; his siblings Verne and E. Denman Halladay, Beatrice Lange, Sally Hicking, and Janice Carmichael; the love of his life for over 67 years and best friend, Bernice “Bunny” Halladay; his granddaughter, Jennifer Wells, and his son-in-law, Michael Henry. Memorial information: Graveside services with full military honors were conducted on Dec. 4 in Meetinghouse Hill Cemetery. Donations to Lead The Way, an Army Ranger foundation created to honor the memory of Sgt. James J. Regan, who was killed in Iraq in 2007. To sign an online guestbook with messages of condolence, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Daniel Robert Lance, 31, of Swanzey, N.H., formerly of Hinsdale, N.H. Died Nov. 24. He was born in Park City Hospital in Bridgeport, Conn., on Nov. 19, 1985. He graduated from Hinsdale High School and studied Computer Science at Keene State College. He is lovingly remembered by his father, Robert Lance and wife Geri; his mother, Jackie Smith and husband Dawnald; three sisters, Melissa Shaink and husband Nicholas, Rebecca Smith, and Kelley Ndoye and husband Mbaye; three brothers, Devon Smith, Tyler Raymond and Daniel Edson; one nephew, Odran; and five nieces, Klara, Zoe, Kiki, Khloe and Olivia. He is also remembered by his maternal grandparents, Jack and Joan Cutting and paternal grandparents, Robert and Dorothy Lance; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins as well as two very special women, Theresa Coombs and Tara Greene. He loved to hike Mount Monadnock, play tennis, chess, and video games. He loved his cats, a strong drink, and making others laugh. Most importantly, he loved his friends and family. A child at heart, he was loved by all and left way too soon. Memorial information: Donations to the Monadnock Humane Society, P.O. Box 678, Swanzey, NH 03469, or Hinsdale After School Program, Hinsdale Elementary School, School Street, Hinsdale, NH 03451, in care of Maryanne O'Malley. To send messages of condolence, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Carol Hargrave Skinner Lawson, 94, of Dillwyn, Va. Died Nov. 17. She was born on Nov. 12, 1922, in Cincinnati, Ohio, daughter of Charles Wickham Skinner and Ruth Hargrave Skinner. She was mother to six children and, for 70 years, she helped her children lead lives filled with purpose and love. With a passion for life, she touched the hearts and souls of many individuals. When you were with her, she made you feel special. Her generosity of spirit was contagious. Filling her house with guests, camaraderie, sparkling conversation, relatives, old friends, new friends, flowers, and delicious meals, she engaged community and family. She knew how to give great parties; the last party she hosted in August was replete with outdoor fire dancers. Memorable summers in Maine and travel adventures with her beloved brother and sister were times that she cherished. Gardening, flowers, and the appreciation of the countryside were passions that brought her from Washington, D.C., to Buckingham County in 1985, where she made many more friends. She was passionate about writing, publishing, and the arts. In high school, she wrote librettos for two operettas. She also acted in and directed these productions. During her high school years, she was a supernumerary in operatic performances of the Cincinnati Symphony. She attended the University School of Cincinnati and received her MFA in Literature from Bennington College. She served for more than a quarter century on the Board of Directors of the Swedenborg Foundation and held the title Director Emerita. She was a lifelong and fourth-generation member of the Swedenborgian Church of North America. She was busy with editing and design projects until her final days. Dedicated to the artful use of language, she served as associate editor of the New-Church Messenger (1955-1964) and numerous terms on the New-Church Department of Publications; editorial assistant for Harper & Row's The American Journal of Pathology (1964-1966); publications officer, U.S. Public Health Service (1967-1970); public information and press officer, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency from its inception (1970-1985); editor-in-chief of the Swedenborg Foundation's journal Chrysalis (1984-2013); art director, American Birding Association's Birding (1988-2000); and art director of the Embroiderers' Guild of America's Needle Arts (2002-2007). She will be greatly missed by her brother, Wickham Skinner; her sister, Perry Martin; her six children, Ann Crittenden, Robert Lawson, Phoebe Loughrey, Susanna Buschmann, Laura Lawson Tucker, and Frank Lawson; her daughters-in law, Marian Lawson and Shelia Geoffrion; sons-in-law, Robert Tucker, Eric Buschmann, and William Loughrey; nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; and numerous loving nephews, nieces, and friends. Memorial information: Her ashes will be buried at Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum in Cincinnati, according to her wishes, among the beautiful flowers and plantings where her parents and many of her ancestors rest. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that her friends and loved ones find ways to contribute their creativity to their communities.
• Herbert Ernst Erich Mewes, 87, formerly of Brattleboro. Died Nov. 30 at his home in Culpeper, Va. He was born in Halberstadt, Germany on Oct. 2, 1929, the son of Reinhold and Ilse Mewes. After finishing his apprenticeship as a wood carver, he emigrated from Germany to the United States in 1953 with less than $5 in his pocket. A few months later, he was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he served in Japan and Korea for two years. While in the Army, he met a man who would become a lifelong friend and whose family would employ him in Townshend. There, he met and married Mary Louise Cutts in 1958, A year later, he became a naturalized citizen. He became a self-employed contractor, developing an excellent reputation due to his excellent workmanship and attention to detail. He later became a real estate broker, running his own company for more than 10 years. He was named southern Vermont's Realtor of the Year for 1975. He then worked in the retail business and eventually had his own kitchen and bath store until 1995. He retired and enjoyed the house he and his wife built in Brattleboro, spending his time gardening, cooking, and doting on his family. He was an avid follower of the Boston Red Sox, Boston Bruins, and the New England Patriots, as well as German soccer teams of his youth, Schalke and Borussia Dortmund. Being of German descent, he enjoyed good food, his social connections, and was unabashedly honest. He was active in his local community, serving on the hospital, school, and real-estate boards, as well as the Chamber of Commerce. His life was centered around the love of Christ, and his family. He helped build the Community Bible Chapel, where he attended nearly 40 years, and served as a church elder for 10 years. Remembering his meager upbringing in Germany, he volunteered at a local soup kitchen and food pantry helping to feed and clothe the homeless and the less fortunate. In 2012, he and his wife moved to Culpeper and attended Thoroughfare Bible Church in Madison, Va. Herbert was well-loved by all who knew him. His cheerful disposition, warm smile, and outgoing personality meant he never met a stranger. He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Mary (Cutts) Mewes; his children, Dennis Mewes and his wife Alison, of Dummerston; Eric Mewes and his wife Teri, of Reading, Mich.; Heidi Mewes of Murrieta, Calif.; and Timothy Mewes and his wife, Erin, of Bristow, Va. He is also survived by his nine grandchildren and a brother, Klaus-Dieter Mewes. Memorial information: A memorial service was held Dec. 4 at Thoroughfare Bible Church.
• Clarence D. “Sonny” Thomas Jr., 86, of Brattleboro, Died Nov. 25 at his home. Born in Wilmington on June 15, 1930 the son of Clarence and Gladys (Woods) Thomas. He was raised and educated in Wilmington, attending Wilmington High School. He excelled in baseball and pitched for the Wilmington High School baseball team. He went on to play for the Halifax baseball team in the old West River Valley League. He had worked as an auto body specialist, employed at the former Preston's Motors in Brattleboro and later for Ted and Nick George, also in Brattleboro. For several years, he volunteered at Linden Lodge Nursing Home providing transportation to the residents to their appointments, taking residents on fishing trips, and assisting with the fish fries held at the facility. He was a former member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Brattleboro Aerie #2445. Steadfast in his walk of faith, he was a member of the West Brattleboro Baptist Church. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, motorcycle riding, and time shared with his family, especially during special occasions and holiday get-togethers. In 1949, he married Ruth Eleanor Dalrymple, who survives. He also leaves two sons, Brent Thomas of Whitingham and Bruce Thomas of Brattleboro; two daughters, Bonnie Harvey of Port St. Lucie, Fla., and Brenda Thomas of Brattleboro; one sister, Thelma Johnson of Townshend, 11 grandchildren, more than 30 great-grandchildren, seven great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and nephews. He was predeceased by one brother, Everett Thomas, and a sister, Evelyn Stone. Memorial information: In keeping with his final wishes, there are no formal funeral services scheduled. Donations to West Brattleboro Baptist Church, Western Avenue, Brattleboro, VT 05301, in care of Pastor Steve McClelland. To send messages of condolence, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Richard Craig Waite, 67, of Springfield, Mo., formerly of Brattleboro. Died Nov. 17 at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Mo. Born on July 15, 1949 in Brattleboro, he graduated from Brattleboro Union High School in 1967. He then served in the Army with the 1st Infantry Division. He did a combat tour in Vietnam in 1968-69 and was honorably discharged at the rank of sergeant. He was awarded the Bronze Star, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. He enjoyed spending time with his family, traveling with his wife, and engaging political and military discussions. He was an avid reader and had a great love for animals, rescuing many. He also enjoyed flying and in earlier years, obtained his private pilot's license. He will be greatly missed by his loving family and all those who had the pleasure of knowing him. He is survived by his wife, Nancy (Adams) Waite; his daughter, Brooke Bain and her husband, Tim, of Brighton, Mo.; a sister, Doris Snide, of South Deerfield, Mass.; two brothers, Robert Waite Jr. of Keene, N.H. and David Waite, of Springfield, Mo.; five grandchildren, a great-granddaughter, and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Katherine (Cavanaugh) and Robert Waite Sr. Memorial information: A graveside service with full military honors was held on Nov. 22 at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Springfield. Donations to The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 230 East Ohio St., Suite 500, Chicago, IL 60611; or to an animal rescue shelter of one's choice.