Obituaries
• Elizabeth “Bette” Dawson Oot Blackwood, 93, formerly of Westminster. Died Nov. 5, 2021 in Norwood, Mass., surrounded by her children, as she would have wished and commanded. “Joy, joy, joy” and “Welcome in” were the two phrases many would know her by, as she invariably chose happiness over sorrow and never knew a stranger. Bette was blessed to have two great loves in her life, her first husband Albert Powell ("Pete") Oot, Jr., and her second husband, Terence Robinson “Terry” Blackwood. Both loved her back with humbling devotion while she led them on a merry and joyous dance through life. Pete predeceased Bette in 1976 and Terry predeceased her in 2017, two terrible blows to a formidable woman. Bette taught her five children to do all the things she loved: to ski, play tennis and golf, be outdoors regardless of the weather, and to love their children and each other with passion and ferocity. She did not teach them to play bridge, however, as she could not bear to play with amateurs. She pursued this avocation, as she did with all aspects of her life, with a level of intensity and mastery that shamed the rest of her family. Born in Syracuse, N.Y., on May 27, 1928, Bette was the third of four beautiful daughters born to Bernard and Veronica Dawson. She attended Nottingham High School, where she met the first love of her life, Pete Oot. They married in 1950 after Bette's graduation from Vassar College and spent most of their 26 loving years together in Westminster, where they raised their five children. They loved skiing, playing golf, tennis, and bridge, and sailing in the Caribbean with family and friends. Under Bette's edict, the door of the “Oot House” in Westminster was always open, and the table sagged with food for a full house, including a notorious beef stew and an invariable leg of lamb, both served with a generous offering of Gallo's Hearty Burgundy wine. Following her husband's death in 1976, Bette married her second love, Terry Blackwood, in June 1978. They resided in West Hartford, Conn., for eight years before moving to the Blackwood family farm in Centreville, Md., on the state's Eastern Shore. In their 38 years together, he broadened her horizons with flying lessons, Caribbean and Chesapeake sails, European travel, and a host of other adventures, farming not the least of them. He danced her off her feet and sang her many an Irish tune, all while teaching her children and his that second loves can be the most romantic and sustaining of loves. Terry and Bette retired to Centreville, spending their winters at the Ocean Club and Indian River Plantation in Stuart, Fla., before returning to New England in 2005 to be closer to their children and friends. They resided at Duncaster in Bloomfield, Conn., until Terry's death in 2017. Bette cherished the many friends, fellow athletes, sailors, and bridge players she met at the clubs to which she belonged, including the Hooper Golf Club and Brattleboro Tennis Club. She was also a member of the Hartford Symphony Auxiliary and a devoted lover of classical music, which brought her great joy throughout her entire life. Bette is survived by her five children, Martha Van Oot of Orleans, Mass.; Christopher Oot and his wife Sara, of Spofford, N.H.; Peter Dawson Van Oot and his wife Alice, of Orleans, Mass.; Laura Oot-Sheridan and her husband, of Marshfield, Mass.; and Betsy Van Oot of Norwood, Mass. She is also survived by her eleven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, her sister, Mary Veronica ("Ronnie") Rudolph of Portland, Ore., and her sisters-in-law, Miriam Oot Shields of Geneva, N.Y., and Sarah Loftis Oot of Cleveland, Tenn. Her sisters, Barbara Dyke of Syracuse and Alyce Hunt of Minneapolis, predeceased her. Bette also had four stepchildren: Elizabeth Stafford of Exeter, N.H., J. Temple Blackwood of Castine, Maine, Kathleen Hayward of Brooksville, Maine, and Gertrude White of Glastonbury, Conn., as well as 10 step-grandchildren and five step-great-grandchildren. Memorial information: A celebration of Elizabeth Blackwood's life will be held at the convenience of the family in Westminster and Walpole, N.H. Contributions in her memory may be made to CARE World Wide Relief Fund for Children, 151 Ellis Street, NE, Atlanta, GA 30303-2439 and/or to Care Dimensions at www.caredimensions.org.
• Paul Ernest Boyce Sr., 71, of Vernon. Died unexpectedly Nov. 15, 2021 at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital, following a period of declining health. Paul was born in Brattleboro on July 27, 1950, the son of Herbert “Herbie” and Rita (Bergeron) Boyce. He attended Brattleboro public schools, including Brattleboro Union High School. He worked most of his career as an auto mechanic, and was employed for more than 30 years by his father-in-law, Dick Thomas. Following his retirement, he operated a small salvage business in Vernon. During his earlier years, Paul had been employed at Cersosimo Lumber Co. Of his leisure time activities, he enjoyed riding his Harley-Davidson, hunting, fishing, and boating. He had a soft spot in his heart for small animals, and took great pride in taking care of his pet turkey. A quiet, unassuming man, Paul was known for his spirit of friendship and generosity, always willing to assist anyone in need. In 1992, he married Barbara Thomas, who survives. The couple had been together for 46 years and married for 29 years. Besides his wife, survivors include two sons, Paul E. Boyce, Jr. of Brattleboro and Eric Boyce of Florida; one sister, Anita Kirkwood of West Brattleboro; two grandchildren, Marriah and Eduard Boyce; a great grandson, Orion Boyce; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a sister, Patricia, who died in infancy; a brother, Richard who died in childhood; and a grandson, Colby Boyce. Memorial information: Graveside committal services were conducted Nov. 20 in North Cemetery in Vernon. Donations to the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To share a memory or send condolences, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Daniel Viera Guadalupe, 66, of Brattleboro. Born Feb. 26, 1955, passed peacefully at home into the loving and welcoming arms of our Lord on Nov. 15, 2021. Dan (Danny) attended high school at Ramon Villa Mayo High School in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Dan then attended Lyndon State to pursue his degree and made many dear friends. He settled in Brattleboro and began his lifelong career in mental health. Dan went on to receive his Master's degree in education from Cambridge College. He worked at the Brattleboro Retreat, MSPCC, Bay State Medical, and United Counseling service in Bennington, where he ran the SARC and a group home. He was deeply loved by his church community and all the people he touched, which were many. Dan was a proud board member of the First Baptist Church and the Brattleboro Historical Society. Dan had a passion for the history of Brattleboro and managed the Brattleboro Historical Society's history center and museum. Dan was a passionate Christian, had a great sense of humor and was a great cook of Puerto Rican cuisine. He was an individual with many interests including politics, antique music boxes, hats, and Jolly Ranchers. Dan is survived by his husband of over 29 years, James Guadalupe Stacy, and his three children Naomi Guadalupe Stacy, David Bradford Guadalupe, and Braxton Guadalupe Stacy. He is also survived by his loving pets Misty and Ginger and his many friends. Quote from pets: “We will miss you so, you were our beloved human.” Memorial information: To be announced.
• Joanne M. Holbrook, 88, of Brattleboro. Died Nov. 11, 2021 at Thompson House nursing home, following an extended period of declining health. Joanne was born in Utica, N.Y., on Aug. 26, 1933, the daughter of William and Mary (Preston) Manch. Moving to Brattleboro at a young age, she attended Brattleboro public schools graduating from Brattleboro High School with the Class of 1951. In 1956, she married William Holbrook, who predeceased her in 2010. Most of Joanne's life was spent as a devoted homemaker for her family. During her earlier years, she worked at Brattleboro Union High School and for the Holstein-Friesian Association. A devout Catholic, Joanne was a communicant of St. Michael's Catholic Church. She was also a member of the Brattleboro Women's Evening Club. Joanne enjoyed spending time with her friends and making crafts with her women's craft group. She also loved taking family vacations to the ocean. Most of all, she enjoyed her family and always had an infectious laugh and beautiful smile when she walked into a room. Joanne is survived by her twin sons, Robert Holbrook and William Holbrook, both of Keene, N.H.; three daughters, Lisa Daniell and her partner Nadina Anderson of Wells, Maine, Lori Brunelle and her husband John of Dummerston, and Lynn Galanes and her husband Matthew of Keene; 11 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. Besides her husband, she was predeceased by her brother, Anthony “Tony” Manch, and a sister, Marie Gomez. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held Nov. 18 at St. Michael's Catholic Church, followed by burial in St. Michael's Parish Cemetery, where she was laid to rest beside her husband. Donations to Brattleboro Area Hospice, 191 Canal St., Brattleboro, VT 05301. To send condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Kevin Joseph Mack, 66, of Athens. Died Nov. 4, 2021, with hiswife and sons by his side, from a cardiac arrest he suffered on Oct. 19. He was born Feb. 28, 1955 in Townshend to Merna (LaMarche) and Floyd K. Mack. He graduated from Bellows Falls Union High School in 1974. After high school he attended the University of Vermont and Castleton State College, graduating from Keene State College with a degree in English. On May 2, 1981, he married Debbie Waryas. They enjoyed 40 years of marriage together and raised two wonderful sons. He worked at various machine shops throughout Vermont and New Hampshire and performed various other jobs. In Athens, he served on the planning commission and as a volunteer firefighter. Kevin loved fishing, hunting and camping. He would reminisce often about how much he enjoyed going camping with his family, aunts, uncles and cousins, when he was younger. He also liked snowmobiling and visiting his Aunt Doris and Uncle Dwight Hitchcock in Athens. He enjoyed fishing on Athens Pond in the canoe with his oldest son Christopher as well as hunting in Athens with his youngest son, Kyle. Kevin was a big Patriots football fan and loved watching football with his father, mother, and sons every week until the 2013 passing of his father, whom he has missed immensely. Kevin was always very close to both of his parents. For over 25 years he looked forward to going on his annual fishing trip to Lake Champlain in May with his cousin Jeff and over the years with friends Tim and Mike and, later, Chris, Louie, Jay and Danny, along with his sons. He was fortunate enough to go to Old Saybrook with the guys to do some ocean fishing. Halloween was Kevin's favorite time of year. His Mother made popcorn balls every Halloween, which he loved. Halloween was so special to him; he proposed to his wife on All Hallows Eve. He was interested in genealogy, history, supernatural phenomena, and the afterlife. Kevin was great with people and would often strike up conversations with strangers. He had a thirst for knowledge and was an avid reader. He loved to travel and always wanted to go to Scotland, where his ancestors were from. Kevin loved his grandchildren, who made him proud and brought him smiles. He also loved his dog Buttons. He is survived by his wife Debbie and two sons: Christopher and his wife Katie and grandchildren, Connor, Natalie, Jacob, son Kyle and his wife Miranda, and grandchildren, Cason, Kensley, and Aubree. Sisters Michele (Coombs) Powlison, Merrilee Harlow-Ficken. Nephew Jason Coombs, niece Jennifer Coombs, Aunt Jane (Mack) Coles, Uncle Harold “Mitch” Mitchell, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, aunts, uncles and some cousins, as well as favorite dogs Spicket, Sadie, Ranger, and Mya, and favorite cats Bogie, Monty, Pippin, and Possum. Memorial information: Per Kevin's wishes, there will not be a service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made a charity of one's choice. A burial of his ashes will take place in the spring of 2022.
• Gary Clifford “Duke” Wilson, 58, of Guilford. Died unexpectedly on Nov. 6, 2021, doing what he was best known for, helping a friend. Gary was born on Feb. 10, 1963 in Marlborough, Mass., to Francis Arthur Sr and Carolyn Wills (Page) Wilson. He attended schools in Whitingham and Brattleboro, and graduated from Brattleboro Union High School in 1981 and from Wyoming Technical Institute in 1982. He worked for several years as a diesel mechanic with Southworth Milton in Henniker, N.H. Upon returning to Vermont, he worked with C&S Wholesale Grocers and Lynde Well Drilling. The last several years he worked as a nuclear technician with ROV Technologies (now Westinghouse International). Aside from his friendships, Duke's greatest joy came from his children and grandchildren, with whom he enjoyed fishing and riding his Harley. Gary was predeceased by his parents, his eldest brother Francis Jr, and his nephew Jarrod Bills. He will be greatly missed and long mourned by his daughter Sara, her husband Andrew Kirkaldy, and their children Archie and Jamie, his son Paul Wilson and his love Hannah Kochinskas, his brothers Rick Wilson and wife Shirley, Allen Wilson and wife Karla, sisters Susan Wilson and Wendy Wilson, and several dear nieces and nephews. Memorial information: A celebration of his life will be held at a time to be determined in the near future. Donations to the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Trust Fund (vtfishandwildlife.com/donate). To view Gary's online tribute, or send condolences to the family, visit www.CSNH.com.
• Francis Stanley Wisell, 86, of West Chesterfield, N.H. Died peacefully on Nov. 14, 2021 in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his family, following an extended period of declining health. Mr. Wisell was born at home in Brattleboro on Jan. 14, 1935, the son of Floyd and Grace (Cross) Wisell. He was raised and educated in Brattleboro, attending public schools, and later serving his country in the Vermont Army National Guard for 6 ½ years. During his earlier years he worked for a short time as a cab driver at Brattleboro Taxi, and eventually went to work at the Book Press on Putney Road. He retired from the Book Press in the mid-1990's after 40 years of faithful service with the publisher. An accomplished woodworker, he enjoyed working in his shop at his home during his retirement and, over the years, produced beautiful pieces of furniture and other miscellaneous items for his family and friends. Active civically, for many years he was an active volunteer with the West Chesterfield Volunteer Fire Department. On the weekends, he loved to square dance with his wife, holding membership in the Green Mountain Squares. Francis loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping with his family. Additionally, he enjoyed playing cards, listening to county music, and he was always up for a game of checkers. First and foremost, he was a devoted family man who cherished time with his family, especially his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He also had a special place in his heart for his beloved dogs. Francis was well known for his sense of humor, joy of singing and dancing. He was quick witted with his comebacks with one of his favorites being, “When I'm good, I'm good, when I'm bad, I'm terrific!” In 1959, he married Shirley Cross, who survives. Besides his wife of 62 years, he leaves four daughters, Cindy Leclair of Holland, Vt., Lisa Ogden and husband Charles of Guilford, Brenda Best and husband Mark of Bradford, and Jane Marshall and husband Leo of Hinsdale, N.H.; and two brothers, Stuart Wisell of Florida and Gordon Wisell of Brattleboro. Additionally, he is survived by seven grandchildren, four great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by six siblings, Maurice, Howard, David, Carolyn, Irene and Marion, and a son-in-law, Mark LeClair. Memorial information: Graveside committal services will be conducted in the late spring of 2022 in Meetinghouse Hill Cemetery in Brattleboro, with a celebration of life following at a day and time to be announced. Donations to the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302; or to the Chesterfield Volunteer Fire Dept., 490 Route 63, Chesterfield, NH 03466. To send condolences, visit www.atamaniuk.com.