College news
• Alexandra Morrow, a sports management major from Townshend, graduated from Nichols College in Dudley, Mass., in May. She also achieved Dean's High Honors for the spring 2017 semester.
• Halie Lange, an environmental studies major from Brattleboro, and Celia Feal-Staub, an art and visual culture and anthropology major from Putney, were both named to the Dean's List at Bates College in Lewiston, Maine, for the winter semester ending in April 2017.
• Amelia Nick, a fine arts major and member of the Class of 2020 from West Dover, was named to the Marist College Dean's List for the spring 2017 semester.
Obituaries
• Martha Jane “Marty” O'Brien Fenn, 87, of Brattleboro and Center Sandwich, N.H. Died July 26. She was an independent spirit who, to the end, continued to live in her own home for 56 years. She was born in 1929 in Chiang Mai, Siam (now Thailand), the daughter of Dr. Henry Rust O'Brien and Mary Lou (Phillips) O'Brien. Dr. O'Brien was a medical missionary with the Presbyterian Board of Foreign Missions. She felt a strong connection to Thailand surrounding herself with treasured artifacts. She was a graduate of Wethersfield (Conn.) High School and Middlebury College, and she received a master's in library science from Simmons College. In 1955, she married Giles C. “Jerry” Fenn. He died in 1991. She had been a staff member at Colby Junior College in New London, N.H. and Bennington College. She was medical librarian at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital, serving from the library's establishment in 1970 until her retirement in 2005. She served a wide range of area health care workers, as well as nursing and medical students, in research and education. During her 35 years, she saw many changes in medicine and librarianship, from manual reference searching to computerization and automation of most functions. She was highly regarded and was a member of multiple health science library associations. She was a long-time member of the Brattleboro Branch of the American Association of University Women, serving as secretary, book sale and publicity chair, and president from 2004 to 2008. Among other community activities, she and her husband were founding members of Planned Parenthood in Brattleboro. An active and loyal member of Centre Congregational Church in Brattleboro, she was a deacon, a member of the Endowment Committee, and served in other roles. Genealogy and history were special interests. She belonged to the Connecticut Society of Genealogists and the Sandwich, (N.H.) Historical Society. Her family valued her extensive research into family roots. She enjoyed water aerobics, book group discussions, summers in Sandwich, and travel to Sweden. Her family was her pride and joy, including Brad Fenn of Hopkinton, Mass., and Brian Fenn of Lerum, Sweden. She is also survived by five grandchildren, her sister and best friend Sue Bowman of Greenfield, Mass., brother Jim O'Brien of Somerville, Mass., and brother-in-law Bruce Montgomery of Sandwich, N.H. Memorial information: In September, a memorial service will be held at Centre Congregational Church in Brattleboro. Burial will follow in the Rural Cemetery in Center Sandwich, where seven generations of her husband's family are buried. Donations to the Centre Congregational Church Endowment Fund, the Pilgrim Center for Reconciliation, Planned Parenthood of Northern New England, or the Sandwich Historical Society. To offer messages of condolence, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Harold E. Harris, 88, of Walpole, N.H. Died Aug. 1. He was born on Dec. 24, 1928, in Grafton, the son of Harold R. and Mildred (Clogston) Harris. He worked at Valley Farms and, for many years, at Boggy Meadow Farm in Walpole. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, vegetable gardening, trips to York Beach, Maine, and feeding the birds. Survivors include two children, Dennis Harris of Hinsdale, N.H., and Dianne Fontaine of Rutland; a sister, Mary Vittum, of North Walpole; three grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his wife of 60 years, Beverly (Young) Harris in 2012; and four siblings, Willis, Henry, Josephine and Gertrude. Memorial information: A memorial service was held Aug. 6 at Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield, Vt., with burial in Bow Cemetery in Weathersfield. Donations to the Walpole Ambulance Service, 278 Main St., Walpole, NH 03608.
• Robert Paul “Bob” Lavallee, 72, formerly of Brattleboro. Died July 26 at Westwood Healthcare Center in Keene, N.H., where he had been a resident for the past 12 years. He was born in Brattleboro on Jan. 16, 1945, the son of Rene and Antoinette (LeBlond) Lavallee. He was raised in Brattleboro, attending St. Michael's Parochial School and was a graduate of St. Michael's High School, Class of 1963. He proudly served his country in the Air Force, stationed in Detroit, and was honorably discharged from active service on June 19, 1967. He returned home to Brattleboro and later graduated from St. Joseph's College in Bennington, where he received his associate's degree in accounting. He had been employed at The Book Press in Brattleboro, retiring early due to the progression of his illness. He was a lifelong communicant of St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church and held membership in American Legion Post 5 and VFW Carl M. Dessaint Post 1034. He was an avid Patriots and Red Sox fan. He especially enjoyed travel and attending family gatherings. He will be remembered for his spirit of friendship, positive attitude, and great sense of humor. Survivors include a sister, Elaine Rogers and her husband Doug of Vernon; a brother, Ronald “Buzz” Lavallee, also of Vernon, and several nieces and nephews as well as his extended family at Westwood in Keene. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held on Aug. 5 at St. Michael's Catholic Church, followed by burial with full military honors in St. Michael's Parish Cemetery, where he was laid to rest beside his parents. Donations to St. Michael's School, 48 Walnut St., Brattleboro, VT 05301, in care of Elaine Beam, principal. To offer messages of condolence, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Thelma E. Parker, 94, formerly of Hinsdale, N.H. Died Aug. 1 in Bellows Falls, where she had been lovingly cared for at the home of her granddaughter, Karlene Desmond, for the past year. Born in Winchendon, Mass., on Nov. 29, 1922, she was the daughter of Earle and Lizzie (Thompson) Stratton. She earned a nursing degree, worked at various factory jobs and, after retiring to Florida, she also worked in a restaurant. She was a member of the Baptist Church and a regular blood donor. She enjoyed doing crafts such as woodworking and plastic canvas. She was a very determined person, obtaining her driver's license at the age of 68 and having a double knee replacement at the age of 80. She is survived by three sons and their wives, Harold Jr. and Laura Parker of Manchester, N.H., John E. and Janet Parker of Hurley, N.Y., and Robert and Ellen Parker of Meriden, Conn.; her daughter Mary Desmond and her husband, Stephen, of Winchester N.H.; 21 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren. Her only surviving sibling is John Stratton from California. She is also survived by her longtime special friend Geoffrey Holt of Hinsdale, N.H. She was predeceased by her parents, her husband Harold Parker Sr., her sons Arthur and Francis Parker, her brothers Earl and Horace Stratton, and her sisters Edith Butterworth and Abbie Greenleaf. Memorial information: There will be a celebration of her life at a later date.
• Gloria H. Priest, 85, of Putney. Died July 23 at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital. Born in Putney on Feb. 26, 1932, the daughter of the late Berton M. and Edna (Morse) Holway, she spent most of her life in Putney. She was educated in the Putney and Northampton, Mass., school systems. She worked as a caregiver for several families. She was a master crafter and seamstress. She made beautiful clothes, knitted hot plates, and even made scenic Christmas ornaments out of egg shells. She was an avid gardener who had an extremely creative eye, forming spectacular natural gardens throughout her yard. She enjoyed cooking and hosting gatherings for family and friends. She was predeceased by her husband, Emerson “Pete” Priest, in 1986, and two siblings. She is survived by two sons, Ron Wilkins and his wife Annmarie of Springfield, Vt., and Bert Wilkins and his wife, Lynne, of Putney; a daughter, Carol Anne Currie and her husband Carl, Sr. of Windham, Maine; four stepchildren, including Susan and Peter Priest; two siblings; four grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, beloved friends, Judy Morton and the Crawford Girls; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Memorial information: A graveside service was held Aug. 3 at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Putney. Donations may be made to the Putney Fire Department, 21 Carl Snyder Dr., Putney, VT 05346. Condolences may be offered at www.kerwesterlund.com.
• Susan H. Sargent, 63, of Townshend. Died July 22 at home after fighting a two-year battle with cancer with courage, grace, and humor. Born Sept. 1, 1953 in Wilmington, Del., to Epes W. Sargent and Gloria M. Sargent (Jones), she grew up in Southold, N.Y., where she continued to have many friends. She loved returning to South Harbor beach whenever she could. Her adventurous spirit helped her live a full and interesting life. At a young age, she hitchhiked to Woodstock. She tackled many occupations - joining the circus, a truck stop waitress, working at the UMass library, a flagger on road construction (her favorite) and many jobs in the antiques business. After moving from Massachusetts to Vermont, she met Chris Robison and together they worked at a variety of antique shops and the Townshend Auction Gallery. They eventually opened their own place, Twitchell House Antiques, where they worked, lived, and kept each other clean and sober for the past 15 years. She loved creating metal sculpture, collected stray animals, saw art in everything, had an amazing knack for interior design, and had a fearless love of the ocean. She is survived by her husband, her step-daughter Sarah Sargent (Robison), sisters Alison Sargent and Sarah Leonard (Sargent), a daughter; Heather Clark (Korzenowski), two grandchildren, and nieces, nephews, and all the many friends she made along the way. Memorial information: There will be a memorial service at a future date. Donations to The Elephant Sanctuary at www.elephants.com.
• Clyde Earl Shatney, 80, of Brattleboro. Died July 28 at Thompson House. Born in Peacham on March 14, 1937, the son of Clarence P. and Bertha (Taylor) Shatney, Sr., he was raised and educated in Brattleboro attending public schools in town. A veteran of the Korean Conflict, he proudly served his country in the Army. He worked his entire career as a truck driver for numerous trucking firms in the greater Brattleboro and Manchester, N.H., area. Active civically, he was a former member of the Brattleboro Fire Department. He held membership in American Legion Post 5 and VFW Carl M. Dessaint Post 1034 in Brattleboro. He loved the outdoors, fishing with his son-in-law Armand, and time shared with his family. In 1958, he married Gloria Boyd, who predeceased him in 2000. Survivors include two sons, Clyde Shatney, Jr. and Daniel Shatney both of Manchester, N.H.; five daughters, Barbara Cliché, Donna Momaney, and Mary Shatney of Brattleboro, Elizabeth Hartlen of Colebrook, N.H., and Shirley Caron of Candia, N.H.; a brother, David Shatney of Goffstown, N.H.; 15 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, a special daughter-in-law, Janet Harrison of Brattleboro, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by two brothers, Gordon “Buster” Shatney and Clarence Shatney Jr, and a sister, Shirley Glaude. Memorial information: Graveside committal services will be conducted on Saturday, Aug. 12, at 10 a.m. in West Brattleboro Cemetery on Mather Road. A memorial gathering in celebration of his life will follow, to be held at the Townshend Dam Recreational area. Donations to Thompson House Nursing Home Activities Fund, 80 Maple St., Brattleboro, VT 05301. To offer messages of condolence, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Helen T. Thomas, 71, of Brattleboro. Died July 29 at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital. She was born in Brattleboro on May 18, 1946, the daughter of the late Joseph and Helen (McDonald) Taraska. She was educated in the Brattleboro school system, graduating from Brattleboro Union High School, Class of 1964. She then went on to attend the Beauty Academy in Burlington. She was employed as an office manager alongside her husband for Twin State Truck Service in West Chesterfield, N.H. She enjoyed gardening, boating and traveling, especially in the camper. She loved her favorite companion and friend, her dog, Dusty. She was predeceased by a brother, Joseph Taraska, and a sister, Karen (Taraska) Redfield. She is survived by her loving husband, George Thomas of Brattleboro; a son, Eric Thomas and his wife, Karen M. Thomas, of Brattleboro; a daughter, Lynn Thomas (Larison) of Chesterfield, Mass.; a sister, Linda Amaidon of Somerset, Mass; two grandchildren and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Memorial information: A graveside service was held Aug. 4 at Locust Ridge Cemetery in Brattleboro, VT 05301. Donations may be made to Windham County Humane Society, 916 W River Rd, Brattleboro, VT 05301. Condolences may be offered at www.kerwesterlund.com.
• Debbie Newman Wait, 56, of Turners Falls, Mass. Died July 17 at home following a courageous battle with cancer. She took on this daunting life challenge with her ever-present optimism, a brave spirit, and a warrior's heart. She was born in Brattleboro on July 29, 1960, the daughter of Winston and Esther (Kerylow) Newman of Hinsdale, N.H. She was a devoted and loving mother and wife. Her life was always centered on her family. She enjoyed antiquing with her husband, cooking, and baking favorite dishes for her family, creating intricate and beautiful crochet handiwork, and going on meandering adventures with her sisters. She had a fondness for and collected merry snowmen. She delighted in celebrating and decorating for holidays. Purple was her favorite color. She was a loyal friend and a fierce advocate for those who needed help. She worked for many years at Phoenix Mutual Insurance in Greenfield, Mass., before their corporate office was moved to Hartford, Conn. She then embarked on a new career and became a Massachusetts licensed real estate associate and joined Geri Johnson & Associates in Gill, Mass. Always a hard worker and creative problem solver, she took great pride in her real estate work and was dedicated to all her buyers and sellers. She married the love of her life, David R. Wait, in 1981. Besides her husband of 36 years, she leaves three sons, David of Turners Falls, William and his partner Neenah Skiathitis of Wendell, Mass., and Jacob and his wife Kabita (Karki) of Turners Falls; two sisters, Dawn Armelin of Stafford Springs, Conn., and Katherine Dowd of Brattleboro; a brother, George Newman of Hinsdale N.H.; and one grandchild, Ashley. Her beloved parents and uncle, Richard E. Newman, predeceased her. She succeeded in making a difference in the lives of many. In the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, “To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived, this is, to have succeeded.” Memorial information: A celebration of her life, with remembrances and refreshments, will be held at the Thomas Memorial Golf and Country Club in Turners Falls at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 12. To offer messages of condolence, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
Services
• A graveside service for Rosalee C. Bills, who died May 23, 2017, will be held Saturday, Aug. 12, at 2:30 p.m., at the West Wardsboro Cemetery.