Obituaries
• Emily Chapman, 38, of Brattleboro. Died unexpectedly on May 25, 2020, following a long battle with depression. Emily, a lifelong resident of Brattleboro, will be remembered as a person of tremendous empathy and compassion who touched so many lives in an understated way. She had a profound love for animals, a deep ability to care for others, and was particularly adept at simple acts of kindness. Emily made many friends through a career spent working at a number of downtown businesses and organizations, including the Backside Café, The Weathervane, and Arkham. Most recently, Emily worked as a shelter advocate at Groundworks Collaborative, a role that was a good match for her skills and compassion. The friends she made throughout her career mourn deeply along with her family. Emily is survived by her daughter, Annabelle Chappell; her mother, Nancy Hodecker; her father, Mark Chapman; her brothers, Matthew and Tyler Chapman; her stepsister, Courtney Hodecker; her maternal grandparents, Phillip and June Ames; as well as several aunts, uncles, and cousins. She also leaves behind Annabelle's father, Dan Chappell, and his family who were deeply important to her. Memorial information: In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to a trust that will support Annabelle in the future through education and other pursuits. Go to gofundme.com and search for the Emily Chapman Memorial Fund.
• Charles J. “Charlie” Davis, 97, of Arlington, Va. Died peacefully of natural causes on May 28, 2020, with his eldest son Michael at his side, and his son Andrew and daughter Carla were present via phone line. He was born on Aug. 25, 1922 in Pittsburgh, Pa., to Charles Davis and Marie (Schick) Davis. Charlie's life was strongly shaped by his father's career as a captain in the Marine Corps. He attended grade school in Managua, Nicaragua, and high school at the Shanghai American School in pre-revolutionary China. He was an Eagle Scout. He went on to attend the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y. His class graduated one year early in 1944 so they could participate in the closing phase of World War II in the Pacific Theater. He spent his career as an officer in the Army Corps of Engineers, achieving the rank of lieutenant colonel. After the war, he earned an M.S. in electrical engineering from Purdue University and taught electrical engineering for two years at West Point. In 1952, he married Dorothy Hope Harris. Together, they raised their three children, all while he served in Puerto Rico, Kansas, Washington, D.C., San Diego, Calif., Kentucky, and Virginia. His San Diego posting consisted of a year of living without his family on Johnson Atoll in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. He became an analyst in the field of “operations research” and spent a number of years at the Pentagon helping them usher in the age of the computer, and was awarded the Legion of Merit for his service. After retirement from both active duty and civilian work for the military, Charlie entered the Civil Service and worked for the Department of Health, Education and Welfare in Rockville, Md. He fully retired from government service in 1973. In his retirement, Charlie had many adventures trying to find a vocation where he could engage in some form of service to others. He read books for the seeing-impaired, taught college courses to prisoners, and was an instructor at Strayer College in Washington, D.C., and Goddard College, Plainfield, Vt. Starting with his scouting days as a child, Charlie was always deeply engaged with nature. Hiking, camping, and canoeing were part of his fundamental outlook. He passed this love of the outdoors to his children on the Outer Banks of North Carolina and camping in the Appalachians. Charlie was also a true do-it-yourselfer. His engineering mind led to many a book shelf, tree house, refinished piece of furniture, and home repair. His strong singing voice, harmonica, and ukulele playing is well-remembered. After the death of his wife Dorothy in 1979, Charlie moved to the country, setting up a rustic cabin life in both East Acworth, N.H., and Wirtz, Via. He served as town librarian in Acworth, as a volunteer for New Hampshire Public Radio, and did his best to assist friends and acquaintances facing challenges along life's way. He came to be known as a unique character with the courage to be himself, regardless of the judgement of others. In 2002, Charlie returned to the Washington, D.C., area and enjoyed many visits from his children and grandchildren over the years. He is survived by his sister, Dorothy Leonard of Mariposa, Calif.; his three children, Michael of Arlington, Va., Andrew of Brattleboro, and Carla of New York, N.Y.; four grandchildren, Arthur, Emma, Alex, and Ava; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. Memorial information: Charlie's life will be celebrated with an event in the future when travel and gatherings are more practical. His ashes will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery in recognition of his many years of service to his nation.
• Jeffrey M. Howard, 65, of Hinsdale, N.H. Died unexpectedly on May 27, 2020, at his home. He was born in Brattleboro on Aug. 11, 1954 to Wendell I. and Madelyn Martinson Howard. He attended Brattleboro schools, graduating from Brattleboro Union High School in the Class of 1972. He was a natural mechanic, working on bicycles, go-carts, motorcycles, and cars starting at a young age. In 1977, he opened Howard's Alignment and Radiator on Spring Street in Brattleboro, which he ran until 2004, despite being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1978. In addition to his mechanical creativity and prickly exterior, Jeff was known for his sense of humor, that made customers' trips to the shop quite memorable. Jeff loved all the New England sports teams, and avidly watched as many games as possible. He was an accomplished woodworker, contributing a trophy case for Hinsdale High School, as well as a smaller case for the Hinsdale Elementary School. He loved interacting with kids through his participation in Pee-Wee and Little League baseball in Hinsdale. He became somewhat of a legend at Hinsdale High School, when he assisted in building Joel's Junior Prom. He was called upon for his imagination and expertise for the next six years, even though his children had both graduated. Memories were made that many kids still talk about to this day. In recent years he found pleasure in cooking and baking for family and friends. Some of his specialties were apple cider doughnuts and oatmeal butterscotch cookies (which were favorites of his grandchildren) and lobster mac and cheese. He is survived by his parents and his wife, Sandra Elaine Salonen, whom he married in 1976. They had two children, Joel Howard and his wife, Renee, of Hinsdale, and Jessica Howard of Brattleboro, who also survives, along with two grandchildren, Gregory Raymond Howard and Reese Lynn Howard of Hinsdale, who were the lights of his life. Jeff is also survived by two brothers, Douglas Howard and Gregory M. Howard and his wife, Donna, of Brattleboro; his sister, Judith McBean and her husband, Alan, of Dummerston; a brother-in-law, Greg Salonen and his wife, Dee, of Winchester, N.H.; and a sister-in-law, Su-Ann Joslyn of Surry, N.H., along with several nieces and nephews. Memorial information: Services will be announced at a later date, when the COVID social distancing restrictions are relaxed. The family requests that anyone who wishes to remember Jeff donate to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of America or to the American Cancer Society in his name. To share a memory of Jeff, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Michelle (Unwin) Lucy, 62, of Hinsdale, N.H. Died May 25, 2020 after a short but courageous battle with cancer. Born in Brattleboro on Dec. 5, 1957, the daughter of Stanley and Claire (Bennett) Unwin, she was raised and educated in Brattleboro, attending Green Street School and Brattleboro Union High School, graduating in 1975. In 1979, after already being together for eight years, she married her one true love, Kendall Lucy, Jr., thus spending 49 years happily together. Their first child, a daughter, Kathleen, was born in March 1981 followed by a son, Kendall Lucy III, in July 1982. It was evident even as a child that Michelle was a caregiver, so it was no surprise that she chose nursing as her career. Within months of graduating high school, she enrolled in Thompson School for Practical Nursing, graduating in 1976. She worked at numerous places locally as a nurse, including Brattleboro Memorial Hospital, Linden Lodge Nursing Home, Holton Home, Applewood Nursing Home, Putney Family Medical, and the Bradley House. A gifted and talented “crafty” women and seamstress, Michelle was always finding ways to be creative and resourceful. A favorite of her nieces and nephews were Aunt Shelly's Christmas gifts. She gave sewing lessons both privately and through the Brattleboro Recreation & Parks Department as well as at area schools' after-school programs. Michelle enjoyed being outside and in the warmth of the sun. She especially enjoyed being near water, whether it was the ocean coast or the shores of the West River. Her home was always a safe haven for those young or old. She was always willing to help however she could. Besides her husband and children, she is survived her mother; her brother, Michael, of Fairlee, Vt.; her sister Melinda and her husband, Duane Young, of Hinsdale; a special niece, Jaime Lucy; her extended children, Brian Walker and Jessica Waters; and “Grammies Little Girl,” Calista. She also leaves behind several nieces and nephews and many aunts and uncles. She was predeceased by her father and a nephew, Jessie Lucy. Memorial information: There will be no services at this time. Later in the year, the family will have a celebration of her life. Donations to the Monadnock Humane Society, 101 West Swanzey Rd., Swanzey, NH 03446. To share a memory of Michelle, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• The Rev. Philip Noe “Phil” Nelson, 99, of Vernon. Died peacefully on May 30, 2020, from complications from lung cancer. Phil was born in Woodbridge, N.J., on Dec. 14, 1920, the third son and child of the late Frederick A. and Henrietta Noe Nelson. He was predeceased by two brothers, Frederick N. Nelson and Louis N. Nelson. He graduated from Woodbridge schools and from Tusculum College (now Tusculum University) in Greeneville, Tenn. He served as a Naval officer during World War II, stationed in the Pacific Theater. As a wave guide, he led Marines in landing craft to their appointed beaches, surviving five different invasions. He went on to receive his M.A. from Columbia University. He married Florence Mundy of Metuchen, N.J., in 1947, and enjoyed 55 years of marriage with his beloved Florence, who predeceased him in 2003. After a career in personnel administration with DuPont, International Telephone and Telegraph, and Babcock & Wilcox, he left the business world to enter the Christian ministry. He graduated from Andover-Newton Theological Seminary in 1968, and was ordained in the United Church of Christ (UCC). He served UCC churches in Amesbury and Northfield, Mass. After his retirement from full-time ministry, he served as interim minister to churches in Vermont and New Hampshire. He also was a frequent guest preacher at many local churches. Phil loved to read and was fascinated by local, world, and family history. He was an enthusiastic gardener and an avid stamp and coin collector. He was a longtime Mason and a member of the Ionic Lodge #31 in Newport, Del. He lived at Vernon Homesfor the past 23 years, where he made many friends. He was active in the community as a member of the Vernon Historical Society, the Vernon Seniors, and the First Congregational Church (UCC) of West Brattleboro. He volunteered for many years in the Vernon Town Clerk's office, and Brattleboro Memorial Hospital, the Vernon Public Library, and in his retirement community. He worked every Election Day in Vernon until he was 98 and, at age 99, he was still signing up his fellow residents for absentee ballots for the 2020 Vermont primary election. He is survived by his three children and their spouses: Doris (Nelson) and Herbert (Bart) Noyes of Kingston, N.H.; Janet (Nelson) and Mark Stephens of Ambler, Pa.; and Phil and Marilyn Nelson of Vestal, N.Y.; as well as 10 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; one nephew, Frederick R. Nelson of Washington, D. C.; and several cousins. Memorial information: A celebration of Phil's life will be held at a later time, to be determined, at the First Congregational Church of West Brattleboro. Donations to Vernon Homes, 61 Greenway Drive, Vernon, VT, 05354; or to the First Congregational Church of West Brattleboro, P.O. Box 2389, Brattleboro, VT, 05303.
• Constance “Connie” O'Masta, 87, of Vernon. Died May 27, 2020. Daughter of the late Lester I. Howard and Myra I. Brown, she was born Nov. 19, 1932 in Brattleboro, Vermont. She attended Brattleboro schools and graduated from Brattleboro High School. She retired from the Book Press and moved to Edgewater, Fla., for a number of years ,where she enjoyed working the flea markets and yard sales. She leaves four children; Bonnie Bean, Jerry Hanson, Russell Hanson, and Sheri Smith, several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and a sister, Sonya Shippee. Memorial information: Interment will be at Meetinghouse Hill Cemetery in Brattleboro. There are no services.
• Pearl M. (Fales) Reinikainen, 89, of Vernon. Died peacefully June 3, 2020 at Vernon Green Nursing Home, after an illness. Born in Gardner, Mass., on January 25, 1931, she was the daughter of the late Darwin and Hulda (Johnson) Fales. She was a graduate of Gardner High School with the Class of 1949. Pearl was an assembler and inspector employed by Simplex Time Recorder of Gardner for 31 years until her retirement in 1991. She was a member of the Templeton Women's Club. Pearl loved to work on arts and crafts, reading a good book, going on trips to different places, and golfing. She is survived by her husband of 12 years, Joseph A. Drouin of Gardner; a daughter, Katherine L. Hebert and her husband, Normand, of Vernon; and several cousins. Memorial information: Graveside Services will be held at Wildwood Cemetery in Gardner at a later date. Donations to a charity of the donor's choice.
• Kristine Sargent, 71, formerly of Putney. Died at home from breast cancer in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, on May 28, 2020. She was born Jan. 21, 1949, to Aarne Kauppi and Louise Thibault Kauppi. Kristine's family moved several times around the New York City area and the surrounding suburbs throughout her childhood. Kristine was always close to extended family and enjoyed growing up with her cousins, aunts and uncles. She cherished their love and support. Sadly, Kristine's father died in 1963. She never fully recovered from this loss. Kristine graduated from Matawan (N.J.) High School in 1967 and Springfield College in 1971, where she received a degree in elementary education, developed an interest in dance, and made loving friendships that enriched her entire life. Kristine knew she wanted to be a teacher in Kindergarten. As her career progressed, she loved teaching and the children more and more. She taught in several schools around New England and specialized in teaching emergent readers in preschool, kindergarten, and at the primary grade level. She was also a paraprofessional for children with special needs. In 1980 Kristine married Edward C. Sargent Jr. in their house he built in Putney. Kristine and Ted were fortunate to share an adventurous lifestyle and a deep passionate love. Kristine embraced their back-to-nature lifestyle, off the grid, complete with solar collectors, kerosene lanterns, and wood burning stoves. She enjoyed the wood-burning sauna, cross-country skiing and the many dear friends she shared her life with. But then the ocean called, and they lived for several years in Nova Scotia and on the Maine seacoast. In 2013, Ted and Kristine returned to Vermont, and then back to Maine to complete their full circle of life together. Kristine was predeceased by her parents, aunts and uncles, her dearly loved niece, Jessi Pearce Storino; and cousins Sandra Dunn, and Tommy and James Franzese. She is survived by her devoted husband, and her sister Arlene Pearce. Memorial information: There will be no services at this time.
• Edith Serke, 90, of Windham. Died of natural causes on May 20, 2020 in Newtown, Conn. She and her husband, Stephen T. Serke, lived in Monroe, Conn., for more than 40 years and retired to their home in Windham in 2000, where Edith served her community as Town Auditor, and as the representative to the Windham Regional Commission. She also served as a board member and president of the Council on Aging of Southeastern Vermont, on the State Department of Aging and Disabilities Advisory Board, and as a board member and secretary of Valley Cares, Inc. Edith was a resident at Valley Cares in Townshend from 2014 until 2017. She was predeceased by her husband of 52 years, in 2005, and her youngest son, Thomas Serke, in 2017. She is survived by her daughter, Annette Starkey; her son, Robert Serke and daughter-in-law Karen Serke; daughter Susan Serke, and son Kenneth Serke and daughter-in-law Nancy Cardinale. She is also survived by nine grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, her sister Hildegard Balog, and brother Otto Patzelt. Memorial information: Edith will be laid to rest beside her husband and son in Windham, Vermont with a private family ceremony. A memorial in her honor will be held at a later date in Connecticut.
• Kenneth Carl Tracy, 78, of Vernon. Died at home, surrounded by his loving family, on June 1, 2020. He was born in Wilmington on June 15, 1941 to the late Harold and Flora (Harvey) Tracy. He was educated in local schools and spent his working career in a paper mill until retirement. In his earlier years, he was an avid hunter, and he spent his years of retirement tending to his two special homes. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 61 years Janice (Bly) Tracy of Vernon; son Parish (Tad) Tracy of Swanzey, N.H.; his daughters Tina M. Tracy of Brattleboro and Temple D. Amidon of Vernon; brother Peter Tracy of Guilford; sisters Carol Smith of Greenfield, Mass., and Lynette Thomas of Brattleboro; and four grandchildren, one great-grandson, and several nieces and nephews. Memorial information: No formal services will be held at this time.