Obituaries
• Judy Ellen (Young) Barbour, 58, formerly of Brattleboro. Died unexpectedly at her home in Fairlee, Vt., on Aug, 25, 2019 from a sudden health event, with loved ones surrounding her. She was born to Allen C. and Margaret May (Walker) Young on Dec. 2, 1960 in Seattle, Wash. She grew up in Brattleboro, attending schools in Brattleboro and Guilford, and 4-H Camp Waubanong. Judy loved her family and took great delight in spending time with them! Her last evening was spent camping in her yard with her children and grandchildren. She was a gifted artist, writer, musician, singer, and gymnast. She loved homemaking, gardening, canning, fishing and the natural world. Judy was always busy making the world a better place. Judy married the love of her life, Steven Barbour, in 2015. She is survived by her husband, Steven Barbour of Fairlee; her son, Joshua J. Carter of Brattleboro; her daughters, Sarah M. Fisher of Norwich, Rebecca E. Fisher of Vershire, and Emily Barbour and Rachel Barbour of Fairlee; her stepfather, Michael Welch of Springfield, Vt.; her brothers, Steven L. Young and his wife, Donna Battista Young, of Springfield, Vt., and Dennis Allen Young and his wife, Teresa (Kosma) Young, of Chesterfield, N.H., and Dan S. Young of Brattleboro; her sisters, Kathy S. (Young) Worrall and husband J. Matthew Worrall of Winchester, N.H., and Karen K. (Young) Plaisted and her husband Ethan A. Plaisted of Alstead, N.H.; her step-children Steven Barbour and his wife Stephanie of Guilford, N.H., Jeffrey Barbour and his wife, Baille, of Erie, Colo., and Beth Barbour of Denver, Colo.; 17 grandchildren; many nephews, nieces and many loving friends. Her father and mother, and sister Shawn E. Young predeceased her. Her faith was very strong, and she walked with the Lord Jesus and believed in His Word. Memorial information: A graveside service will be held Sunday, Sept. 8, at 2 p.m., at Guilford Center Cemetery on Cemetery Hill Road. A reception will follow at Rivertown Church, 28 Birge St. Brattleboro, VT 05301. The family is asking that, in lieu of flowers, any donations go to help with the unexpected funeral expenses. Contact Steven Young at 802-885-5865.
• Lynn Billington, 75, of Dummerston. Died Aug. 16, 2019 after an 18-month battle with cancer. She grew up in Westport, Conn., the daughter of Alf and Anne Johnson. In 1968, Lynn married John Billington of Narberth, Pa., and settled in Rosemont, Pa., where she raised her two children and worked in Development (Giving) for Bryn Mawr College for more than 20 years. Lynn was a gifted writer and editor and was an active member at the Church of the Redeemer in Bryn Mawr. She was a spiritual person with a knack for giving and enjoyed volunteering to help those in need. She moved to the Brattleboro area in 2009 to be closer to her children and became active in the community. She joined St. Michael's Episcopal Church, where she was a member of the Altar Guild and the Vestry. She volunteered at Loaves and Fishes, sang in the Brattleboro Women's Chorus, enjoyed her knitting group and garden club, and loved to spend time with her grandchildren, Livvy, Graham, and Ayla. She is survived by her children, Kate and John; her brother, Eric Johnson; son-in-law, Josh Traeger; daughter-in-law Stacey Billington; and sister-in-law Nancy Johnson. Memorial information: A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Sept. 7, at 11 a.m., at St. Michael's Episcopal Church. Donations to Loaves and Fishes, 193 Main St., Brattleboro, VT 05301.
• Jeffrey W. “Jeff” Collins, 61, of Brattleboro. Died Aug. 26, 2019 at Cheshire Medical Center in Keene, N.H., following an extended illness. Born in Framingham, Mass., on June 23, 1958, the son of Donald R. and Virginia A. (Coutts) Collins, he was raised and educated in Cochituate, Mass., and later Orange, Mass., where he attended Mahar High School. Prior to moving to Brattleboro, Jeff had resided in Wendell and Greenfield, Mass., Harrison, Maine, and Dunnellon, Fla. Most recently, he made his home with his sister on Thomas Street in Brattleboro. He most recently worked at Continental Cable Company in Hinsdale. For most of his career, he worked in the flooring industry as an installer employed by William Marini Flooring in Sunderland, Mass., and Kurt Poulin Flooring of Greenfield. He enjoyed riding his Harley-Davidson and loved camping and fishing. He is survived by his sister, Gwendolyn “Gwen” Marini of Brattleboro, two brothers, Robert Collins of Dunnellon, Fla., and Kevin Collins of Portland, Maine, and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents and two brothers, Alfred and Donald Collins. Memorial information: A memorial gathering is planned for a future date at a day and time to be announced by the funeral home. He will be laid to rest in the family plot in Wendell Cemetery. Donations to The American Legion, Brattleboro Post 5 General Fund, 32 Linden St., Brattleboro, VT 05301. To sign an online register book and send messages of condolence to his family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Martin Paul “Marty” Grover, 57, of Manchester, Vt. Died unexpectedly at his home on Aug. 21, 2019, following a brief period of illness. He was born on Feb. 26, 1962, to Frances Renaud Grover and Earl Grover Jr., in Holyoke, Mass. Marty leaves behind his three children, in whom he took much pride, Cassidy Grover of Putney, and Kristen and Dane Grover, both of Wallingford, Vt. He leaves two granddaughters who brightened up his life, Amelia and Raegan Lafoe, both of Putney. He leaves behind his beloved mother, Frances and her life partner, Woody Fuller, both of Westminster. He also leaves four sisters, Carrie Phelps of Penacook, N.H., Pamela Blanchette of Rutland, Lynne Bonnette and Michelle Grover, both of West Chesterfield N.H., five half siblings: Heather, Melissa, Justin, Julian, and Chanel, all of the Brattleboro area. Marty was pre-deceased by his brother and side-kick, Andrew Grover, an infant nephew, Daniel Grover, and his father, Earl. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, his girlfriend, Leslie Wood of Dummerston, and his dear friend and former wife, Amy Grover of Wallingford. Marty also left his “fur-ever” best friend, Zeus, a German Shepard, along with a countless amount of friends. Marty grew up in Putney, where he spent most of his younger years, leaving his mark and making memories with his friends and siblings, to later reminisce and reflect upon with smiles and laughter. Marty finally settled in Manchester, where he successfully and proudly owned and operated his reputable business, Martin Grover Roofing, providing services in and out of the Manchester/Rutland area for over 25 years, until his final days. He was well known for his involvement, generosity, and support for local fundraisers, clubs, organizations, and sports teams. Marty was a very passionate, firm, and an extremely sensitive S.O.B., with a huge heart and an amazing, unique sense of humor. He enjoyed hanging out with family and friends, attending auctions, telling stories of his past, spending time with his mother and most of all, he loved long rides on his Harley. For many years, he attended bike meets throughout the whole East Coast. Marty lived to ride and rode to live. Memorial information: A memorial service will be held at Ker Phaneuf Funeral Home, High Street, Brattleboro, on Thursday, Sept. 5 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. A celebration of Marty's life will take place following the memorial service at the Eagles Hall on Chickering Drive, Brattleboro, from 3 to 6 p.m. All are encouraged to attend and share fond memories. Donations to Vermont Bikers Against Child Abuse, P.O. Box 124, Montpelier, VT 05602. Marty was a passionate supporter of this organization and their cause. The Cremation Society of New Hampshire is assisting the family with arrangements. To view an online memorial, leave a message of condolence, or for more information, visit www.csnh.com.
• Paul D. Nelsen, 72, of Dummerston. Died peacefully on August 19, 2019, surrounded by his family, after bravely facing a sudden cancer diagnosis this April which evolved with shocking speed. The outpouring of love Paul received from family and friends supported and comforted him. He was born in Bridgeport, Conn., on Jan. 12, 1947, attending elementary and high schools in Newtown, Conn., where he pursued athletics, theater, and academics with equal vigor. He earned his B.A. at Lafayette College in Easton, Pa., and his MFA in acting and directing at Brandeis University in Waltham, Mass. In 1971, Paul began teaching theatre at Windham College in Putney. With his colleague Joe Greenhoe, Paul initiated a memorable and ambitious program, The Windham Summer Repertory Theatre, providing a distinctive opportunity for students to partner with theater professionals. Paul acted in and directed many of these productions. In 1973, Paul and Joe took Windham College students to London for a month-long immersive experience in theater. In 1978, Paul started teaching theater and drama at Marlboro College until his retirement in 2013. A highlight of his Marlboro College directing credits was his 1983 epic production of King Lear performed in Persons Auditorium, starring RSC actor Ted Valentine, with a large supporting cast of community actors and production teams. In 1985 Paul helped revive the Fine Arts Building at the former Windham College as The River Valley Playhouse and Arts Center. He directed a series of plays with community actors as well as starting a concert series featuring national touring artists. As a result of his research and publications on early modern English playhouses in the academic journal Shakespeare Bulletin and other academic journals, Paul was invited to serve in 1990 on the Academic Advisory Committee and Research Board for the reconstruction of The Globe Theatre in London, on which he served for 12 years. In 1995-96, Paul was one of 12 National Endowment for the Humanities Fellows at the Folger Shakespeare Institute. By the mid 1990s, his London theatre programs expanded, with more students of all ages seeking intensive theater-going combined with daily seminars featuring actors, directors and designers. Paul often began group discussions with “What do you remember?” This non-critical approach to analyzing a production encouraged broader participation and brought many people back yearly. Paul acted in and directed a wide range of classical and contemporary plays plus about a dozen original scripts throughout his career. He also worked with various arts organizations, including the board of Sandglass Theater in Putney. He was a Fellow of the Vermont Council on the Arts, was on the Shakespeare Bulletin editorial board, and also worked with the Brattleboro Music Center during the mid 1970s. Paul will be deeply missed by his wife, Lou Nelsen; his son, Corin Nelsen and his wife, Jennifer; step-grandchildren Jacob and Hanna; his daughter Jessie Nelsen and husband PJ and granddaughter Zoe; sisters Ginger Nelsen and Judy Casalone and their families; in-laws Nancy DeVries, Andrew DeVries and Justus DeVries Jr and their families; as well as many cousins in the extended Nelsen family. Memorial information: A memorial celebration will be held on September 28, at 1 p.m., at All Souls Church at The West Village Meeting House in West Brattleboro. Contributions in Paul's memory may be made to a charitable organization of your choice, or West Dummerston Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 40, West Dummerston, VT 05357; Rescue Inc., P.O. Box 593, Brattleboro, VT 05302; New England Youth Theatre, 100 Flat St., Brattleboro, VT 05301; Latchis Arts, 50 Main St., Brattleboro, VT 05301.
• Barbara Lucille Putnam, 87, of West Brattleboro. Died Aug. 28, 2019 at Pine Heights Nursing Home in Brattleboro, following a period of declining health. She was born on the family farm in Wardsboro on June 19, 1932, the daughter of Karma and Dorris (Tenney) Putnam. She was raised and educated in Brattleboro and was a graduate of Brattleboro High School, Class of 1950. She went on to attend the Thompson School for Practical Nursing, where she received her LPN diploma. She had been employed at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital, working in the nursery and retired from BMH following more than 23 dedicated years at the hospital. Barbara enjoyed listening to music. She also enjoyed watching movies and was an avid reader. She was married to Gordon Lackey, who predeceased her. Survivors include one daughter, Kathleen Lackey of Brattleboro; a sister, Lorraine Unwin of Brattleboro; one grandson, Christian Henry Evans of West Virginia; three great grandchildren, Riley, Taylor and Christian Jr.; and several nieces and nephews. Barbara was predeceased by one son, Randy Lackey, and a brother, David Putnam. Memorial information: In keeping with her final wishes, there are no formal funeral services scheduled. A graveside service will be held for her family and close friends in West Brattleboro Cemetery. Donations to Rescue Inc., P.O. Box 593, Brattleboro, VT 05302. Arrangements are under the direction of Atamaniuk Funeral Home.
• Robert Patrick “Bob” Rounds, 93, formerly of West Brattleboro. Died Aug. 28, 2019 at Vernon Hall, where he had resided since September 2015. He was born in Rutland on Jan. 3, 1926, the son of Robert M. and C. Mildred (Traynor) Rounds. He was raised and educated in Rutland, graduating from Mt. St. Joseph Academy, Class of 1943. He received his B.A. in Education from St. Michael's College in 1948, and went on to earn his M.A. from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst in 1958. He served his country in the Navy until he was medically honorably discharged from active service, returning home to Rutland. His first teaching position was at Mt. St. Joseph Academy (1948 to 1953) and, from 1953 until his retirement, he was a guidance counselor at Brattleboro Union High School. Bob dedicated 42 years of his life to teaching, coaching, and counseling public school students. He asked that his students and players always give their best effort. The teams Bob coached were known for their teamwork, execution and discipline. A favorite quote of Bob's is from Robert Frost: “Education is the ability to listen to anyone say almost anything without losing one's temper or self-confidence.” He was a member of the Vermont Retired Teachers Association and the Windham County Retired Teachers Association. A devout Catholic, he was a communicant of St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church in Brattleboro and a former parishioner of Christ the King Church in Rutland. In 1948, he married Ellen Conlin, who survives. Besides his faithful and devoted wife of 71 years, he leaves five sons: Stephen of Hartland, Thomas of Windsor, Martin of Hancock, N.H., Barry of Putney, and John of Brattleboro. Additionally, he is survived by eight grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, C. Hugh Rounds, and a sister, Veronica Barrett. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held Sept. 4 at St. Michael's Catholic Church, with committal rites and burial in St. Michael's Parish Cemetery. Donations to Rescue Inc., P.O. Box 593, Brattleboro, VT 05302, or to Mt. St. Joseph Academy, in care of the Development Office, 127 Convent Ave., Rutland, VT 05701. To send messages of condolence, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Virginia Marie “Molly” Wheeler, 86, of East Dover. Died peacefully August 22, 2019 at the Bennington Health & Rehabilitation Center, with her family by her side, following a period of declining health. Molly was born in Norwich, Conn., on May 24, 1933, the daughter of Patrick and Mary (Carey) DeVivo. She was raised and educated in Norwich and was a graduate of Windham High School in Willimantic, Conn., Class of 1951. She went on to attend St. Francis Hospital School of Nursing in Hartford, Conn., earning her RN diploma in 1954. Molly later earned her bachelor's and master's in psychology from Connecticut College in 1977. She was a Registered Nurse Psychologist at the Brattleboro Retreat, which she retired from in 1996. Previously, she was administrative director at the Outpatient Clinic at Lawrence Hospital in New London, and previously worked at Manchester (Conn.) Hospital. Her first position in nursing was at Willimantic Memorial Hospital. A devout Catholic, Molly was a communicant of St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church, where she served as a eucharistic minister. She was also a member of the Daughters of Isabella, Ave Maria Circle #128. Molly enjoyed gardening, quilting, alpine skiing, travel, and time spent with her family. In 1955, she married Rowe Wheeler Jr., who survives. Besides her faithful and devoted husband of 64 years, she leaves her six children: Michael J. Wheeler (Karen) of Mystic, Conn, Timothy P. Wheeler (Barbara) of Amesbury, Mass., Jeffrey E. Wheeler of Fort Myers, Fla., Rowe J. Wheeler (Cindi) of Rome, N.Y., Millie Brosseau (Rick) of Mansfield, Conn., and Jay Wheeler (Julianne) of New London; one sister, Mary K. McCarthy of Colorado Springs, Colo., 18 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by two brothers, Patrick and James DeVivo. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held Aug. 30 at St. Michael's Catholic Church, followed by burial and committal rites in Saint Michael's Parish Cemetery. Donations to St. Michael's School, 47 Walnut St., Brattleboro, VT 05301. To sign an online register book with messages of condolence to the family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Patricia Ellen “Patty” Wiley, 87, of Londonderry. Died Aug. 19, 2019. She was born in 1932 and was a lifelong resident of Londonderry. She attended Londonderry's primary and middle schools and graduated from Chester High School in 1950. Patty married John D. Wiley in 1955 and moved from North Main Street in Londonderry to Main Street in South Londonderry, where she lived for more than 60 years as she tended to family, gardens, and the house as she and John raised their son, John D. Wiley Jr. Patty was fondly known as the Old Witch of Main Street in honor of her extravagant Halloween haunted houses where hundreds of local children were scared and delighted by Patty's gang of ghouls and goblins every October. In fact, Patty loved all holidays and celebrated them each with great excitement and fanfare. Patty was a lifelong member of South Londonderry's Champion 5 Fire Department, served as the secretary and other roles for many years, and is remembered for her quick wit and orderly scene control at fires and other emergency events. She was a trustee emeritus with the Londonderry Arts and Historical Society, and was instrumental in the development of its photography collection. She was the proud owner of one of the best-known collections of historical Londonderry photos and other memorabilia. Patty served as a cemetery commissioner in Londonderry for more than a couple of decades and was an active member of the First Baptist Church in South Londonderry where she ran the Sunday school programs for many years. Her contributions to local, civic and historical organizations are too numerous to count. Some of Patty's favorite pastimes included Sunday drives with family and friends and attending car shows with her husband where they showed off their immaculate 1947 Plymouth Deluxe; unrestored and in original condition, it won many awards. Patty was predeceased by her husband, John; and her parents Gordon and Catherine Wilder. She is survived by her son, John D. Wiley Jr. and wife Claudia, of Landgrove; her sister and best friend, Katherine “Kay” Farina; and three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Memorial information: Memorial contributions may be made to the Champion Fire Company 5, P.O. Box 5, South Londonderry, VT 05155; or the Londonderry Arts and Historical Society, P.O. Box 366, Londonderry, VT 05148.
•Edmund Andrew “Woody” Woodlock, 82, of Marlboro. Died unexpectedly Aug. 25, 2019 at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, Mass., with his family at his side. He was born in Boston on March 29, 1937, the son of Edmund A. and Anna (Goode) Woodlock. He was raised and educated in the Mission Hill neighborhood of Roxbury, where he graduated from Boston Technical High School. He went on to proudly serve his country in the Army as a combat engineer stationed in Germany. Upon his honorable discharge from active service, he returned home to the Boston area. He had been employed with the U.S. Postal Service, working initially in the Brattleboro Post Office and later in Wilmington. He retired following 22 years of faithful service. He also owned and operated his own berry farm, The Berry Shed Sugar House in Marlboro. In his earlier years, he worked at Mount Snow Ski Area, operating a snow cat to groom the trails. He was a member of the Marlboro Volunteer Fire Department and was known as a “jack of all trades.” He took pride in building his own home, a log cabin he built along with friends and family. He especially enjoyed canoeing on Lake Whitingham with his wife, gardening, and sugaring. He was also an avid Boston Red Sox and Bruins fan. In October 1969, he married Louise Collar, who survives. Besides his faithful and devoted wife of nearly 50 years he leaves two daughters, Danielle Woodlock and Teresa Woodlock, both of Marlboro; two brothers, John Woodlock of Norwell, Mass., and Gerald Woodlock of West Bridgewater, Mass.; and a sister, Ellen O'Connell of Walpole, Mass. Additionally, he leaves numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother-in-law, Fred Collar. Memorial information: Graveside committal services with full military honors were conducted Aug. 31 in King Cemetery in Marlboro. Donation to Marlboro Volunteer Fire Dept., 779 South Rd., Marlboro, VT 05344. To sign an online register book with messages of condolence to the family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
Services
• A gathering of friends and family in memory of James Wayne “Jim” Howe Jr. will be held on Sunday, Sept. 8, at 1 p.m., at his family homestead, 1386 VT Route 30, Jamaica VT. All are invited for a light lunch in remembrance of Jim. Mr. Howe, formerly of Jamaica and Luverne, Ala., died July 21, 2019 after a short illness.