College news
• Kaie Quigley of West Wardsboro recently participated in the annual Career Readiness Symposium at Lasell University in Newton, Mass. Quigley shared work from the fall semester on behalf of the 1851 Chronicle, Lasell's student-run newspaper. The presentation incorporated the NACE competencies of professionalism, leadership, and career & self-development. Quigley is the paper's editor-in-chief.
• The following local students were honored for academic achievement during the fall 2021 semester at Castleton University. Named to the President's List were Noah Distefano of West Townshend, Jenna Robinson of East Dover, and Jonah Siegel of Brattleboro. Named to the Dean's List were Sally Densmore of Wilmington, Morgen Janovsky of Wilmington, Abigail Joslyn of Bellows Falls, Makenna Milbauer of Grafton, Maria Page of West Halifax, Jairen Sanderson of West Townshend, and Veronica Stevens of Newfane.
• The following local students were named to the President's List for the fall 2021 semester at Southern New Hampshire University: Rebecca Best of Bellows Falls, Marissa Betit of Vernon, Melina Nelson of Brattleboro, Megan Shanks of Westminster, Forrest Brooke-deBock of Brattleboro, and Jubal Hays of Brattleboro.
• Miranda Wilkins of Jamaica graduated in December 2021 with a Master in Social Work degree from the University of New Hampshire.
• Elizabeth Day of Brattleboro and Wyatt Keith of Vernon were named to the Dean's List for the fall 2021 semester at American International College in Springfield, Mass.
• Venus Fu of Brattleboro and Abigail Sargent of Dummerston were named to the Dean's List for the fall 2021 semester at Roger Williams University in Bristol, R.I.
• Marielle Meyer, a health science/pre-physician assistant student from Brattleboro, was named to the Dean's List for the fall 2021 semester at Springfield College.
• Aaron Boles, a member of the Class of 2022 from Wilmington, is among the students named to Emerson College's Dean's List for the fall 2021 semester.
• Sarah Butterfield of Vernon was named to the University of Delaware Dean's List for the fall 2021 semester.
• The following local students were honored for academic achievement during the fall 2021 semester at Connecticut College in New London, Conn.: Gus Williams of Guilford, a member of the Class of 2025, earned Dean's Honors, and Suzanne Allen of Stratton, a member of the Class of 2022, earned Dean's High Honors.
• Haley Covillion from Bellows Falls was named to the fall 2021 Dean's List at Curry College in Milton, Mass.
Transitions
• Wendell Perkins has joined the Grace Cottage Foundation Board of Directors. Perkins attended the University of Warwick in Coventry, England, and graduated with a B.A. from Colby College. He also holds an MBA in Finance from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and earned his Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation from the CFA Institute in 1995. Perkins began his career as an equities trader at an investment firm in Portland, Maine. He then worked as a credit analyst at Westinghouse Credit Corp. in Chicago and as a quantitative analyst for the state of Wisconsin Investment Board. He was the founder and principal owner of Optique Capital Management in Milwaukee from 1997-2011 and advisor to the Johnson Foundation at Wingspread. He was senior managing director and senior portfolio manager at Manulife Investment Management in Boston until his retirement in 2019. Perkins and his husband, Mark O'Meara, a registered nurse at Grace Cottage Hospital, own a farm in Andover, where they tend sheep, poultry, rabbits, and honeybees.
Obituaries
• Michael Joseph Charlonne, 56, of Brattleboro. Died Jan. 10, 2022 at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H., following a period of declining health. Michael was born in Peterborough, N.H., on Jan. 8, 1966, the son of Marcia Jean Charlonne. He was raised and educated in Brattleboro, attending Brattleboro Union High School. For 15 years, he worked as a machine operator for SoundView, Inc., formerly known as Putney Paper. Previously, he worked for Georgia Pacific in Brattleboro. He enjoyed fishing, camping and spending time with his children. Survivors include his son, Kevin Charlonne of Arizona; daughters Sarah Charlonne and Emma Charlonne, both of Brattleboro; his parents, Marcia Charlonne and Scott Haselton of Brattleboro; a sister, Tina LaFarr of Brattleboro; two grandsons, Kaiden and Logan, both of Brattleboro; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and nieces. Michael was predeceased by his brother, Scott Haselton, Jr. Memorial information: In keeping with his final wishes, no formal funeral services are scheduled. For those wishing to make a memorial contribution, a GoFundMe page has been set up in Michael's name. To share a memory or send condolences to the family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Lawrence Henry “Larry” Cook, 90, of East Dummerston. Died Jan. 18, 2022 at his home, following an extended period of declining health. He was born in Winooski on June 15, 1931, the son of Theodore and Lillian (Pratt) Cook. Raised and educated in Winooski, he was a graduate of Winooski High School with the Class of 1949. Mr. Cook went on to proudly serve his country in the Marine Corps during the Korean War with the First Marine Division. He enlisted on Sep. 29, 1950 and was honorably discharged from active service at the rank of Staff Sergeant on Sept. 28, 1953. He was a member of American Legion Post 5 in Brattleboro. Prior to enlisting in the Marines, from 1949 to 1950, he worked for the Vermont Department of Health and, from 1954 to 1964, he was a member of the Vermont State Police, working out of the Wilmington and West Brattleboro barracks. From 1965 through the mid 1980s, Mr. Cook worked as a self-employed builder and later became a licensed realtor, retiring in the early 1990s. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fishing, baseball, and gardening. In 1967, he married Mary Jane Kemp, who survives. Besides his devoted and faithful wife of 54 years, he leaves two sons, David J. Cook and Michael L. Cook and wife, Jeannette; two daughters, Linda Ann Donohue and husband Dan and Heather E. Gibson and husband Brad; a stepson, David A. Clark; one brother, Fulton A. Cook; a sister, Margaret Burke; and five grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a daughter, Heidi, who died in infancy, and a stepson, Rick Clark, who died during childhood. Memorial information: Mr. Cook will be buried later in the springtime in Dummerston Center Cemetery. Donations to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10306; Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302; or Wounded Warrior Project at support.woundedwarriorproject.org. To send condolences, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Mary “Wanda” Godfrey of Vernon. Died peacefully in the early hours of Jan. 19, 2022, with her children by her side, at Vernon Green Nursing Home. Born in Cabin Creek, W.Va., to Albert and Isabel (Arbaugh) Baumgartner, she was raised by her mother, who instilled in her a strong faith, consistent and compassionate nature, and the example of perseverance through life's trials. A lifelong learner, she excelled in academics and went on to graduate from West Virginia University with a master's in Biology and was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. It was at WVU that she met fellow student and future husband, John Townsend Godfrey. They married in June 1953 and began their 57-year adventure until his passing in 2010. Over her long lifetime, she was a lab tech, homemaker, mother, biology teacher at Brattleboro Union High School, volunteer, and a patient listener. She was a member of Centre Congregational Church in Brattleboro and the American Association of University Women. After retirement, she enjoyed many winters in Sebring, Fla., until settling permanently in Vernon. She is survived by her two children, Jim Godfrey and wife Kim of Universal City, Texas, and Mary Gwen Godfrey of Granville, Mass., as well as her two grandsons, John and Tim Short, who brought her much joy. She was predeceased by her oldest son, Johnny, in 1968. Memorial information: Per her wishes, there will be no services. Private burial in Tyler Cemetery will take place in the summer. Donations to Vernon Homes, 61 Greenway Drive, Vernon, VT 05354 or Centre Congregational Church, 193 Main Street, Brattleboro, VT 05301. To send condolences, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Alice Faye Atomanuk Horton, 72, formerly of Brattleboro. Died Jan. 8, 2022 at her home in North Canton, Conn., following a long battle with cancer. Her husband, Greg Horton, and her two surviving children, Karen Reynolds Humphries and Jonathan R. Reynolds, were at her side. Her positive and optimistic spirit sustained her through her illness. Alice was born in Brattleboro on Sept. 28, 1949, the daughter of John and Dorothy (Tenney) Atomanuk. She was raised and educated in Brattleboro, graduating from Brattleboro Union High School with the Class of 1967. During her senior year, she was a Miss Brattleboro contestant in the annual Brattleboro Winter Carnival. Alice has held many professional positions in her lifetime, but her dedication was always first to her children: her daughter, Karen, and her sons, Jonathan and Jeffrey. Alice enjoyed camping at various locations throughout New England. Alice also loved her saltbox colonial home built on a hillside overlooking the Cherry Brook Valley. With her husband, Greg, whom she married in 1980, Alice was a parishioner of St. Patrick's Church in Collinsville, Conn. Besides her husband of nearly 42 years, survivors include her daughter, Karen Humphries and her husband, Christopher, of New Lenox, Ill.; her son, Jonathan Reynolds and his wife, Patti Jo, of Cape Coral, Fla.; her brother, James Atomanuk; her aunt, Bea Tenney; three grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Alice was predeceased by her youngest son, Jeffrey Horton, her brother, Richard Atomanuk, as well as both parents. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held on Jan. 22 at St. Patrick's Church in Collinsville. Alice will be laid to rest in the Horton family plot at the North Canton Cemetery later in the springtime when the cemetery reopens. To send condolences, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Margaret “Peg” Spence Ketchum, 86, formerly of Brattleboro. Died Dec. 19, 2021 at her home in Cookeville, Tenn., with her family by her side. Peg was born in Cleveland, Ohio on April 5, 1935 to George and Ada (Pierce) Spence. She attended New Haven State Teacher's College, graduating in 1956. In her yearbook she is described thus: 'Sparkling smile, everybody's friend, one of those Diamond girls, vivacious personality, and so handy with a needle.” In 1956, she married Charles Edward Ketchum. They had two children, Debra and Kenneth. Peg had many interests. She was an avid reader. She was a quilter, producing many beautiful works of art, including a quilt for each of her five grandchildren when they graduated high school. She also enjoyed crewel embroidery. Peg loved cooking and was a gourmet cook. She was passionate about flowers and over the years had many beautifully maintained perennial gardens. She and Charlie loved to go antiquing all over New England. Peg was a schoolteacher for many years. When they moved to Vermont, she and Charlie managed a retail store in Putney before buying the Brattleboro Public Market, which they owned for many years. After they sold the Public Market they became manufacturer's representatives for many upscale products, traveling all around New England. Upon retirement, she and Charlie sold their home and bought an RV, splitting their time between the South and Vermont. Peg is survived by her husband; her daughter Deb; a brother, Bob; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Peg's son Ken predeceased her in 2006, as did her brother Gregg in 2019. Memorial information: No services are planned at this time.
• Shirley Ann LaBonte, 80, of Readsboro. Died Jan. 11, 2022 at Vernon Green Nursing Home. Shirley was born in Thompsonville, Conn., on Dec. 24, 1941 the daughter of the late Clifford and Norma (Norris) Richardson and attended local schools. In her earlier years, Shirley worked as a baker at Mount Snow. She then worked at a nursing home in Florida for seven years and then Vermont Circuits for 10 years, retiring in 2010. Shirley loved spending time with her family and friends. She also enjoyed gardening, playing cards, crocheting, painting, dancing and outdoor activities including fishing, hunting and camping. Shirley is survived by her children Normajean Marchegiani (David) of Readsboro, William Patrick LaBonte (Karen) of Grand Isle, and Robert Jutras (Sandra) of Newfane; her sister Judy Applegate of Florida, her sister-in law Carol Richardson of Connecticut, grandchildren Misty-Rose, Lacey, Haley, Jordan, Patrick, Jillian, Cori, and Andrew, nine great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her stepmother Mae Richardson and her brother Bert Richardson. Memorial information: At the request of the family, funeral services will be private. If friends desire, donations may be made to Northern Berkshire EMC, Readsboro Fire and Rescue, or the charity of one's choice, in care of Covey-Allen & Shea Funeral Home, P.O. Box 215, Wilmington, VT 05363. To send the family personal condolences, visit www.sheafuneralhomes.com.
• Robert J. “Bob” Miller Sr., 88, of Vernon. Died Jan. 13, 2022 at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital. The son of Leo and Grace (Vanada) Miller, he attended schools in White Oak, Texas. After graduating high school in 1951, he proudly served in the Navy on the USS Intrepid for four years during the Korean War, then in the Naval Reserve for four more years. In 1958, Bob married Shirley Ann Lyon after a chance meeting at the popular “Bamboo Club” in Deland, Fla. After their marriage, they eventually moved north to Vernon, which was Shirley's hometown. Bob went to work at the tannery in Winchester, N.H., then at American Optical in Brattleboro. Bob received a contract with Montgomery Ward, repairing televisions and installing antennas. He took courses to become an electronic technician and went to work at Garafalo TV Audio & Electronics, where stayed until his retirement in the mid 1990s. For years, Shirley and Bob traveled in their motorhome to visit Bob's family in Texas. He loved building and flying his radio-controlled airplanes. Hunting and fishing, many times accompanied by his wife, was always on his agenda. He loved puttering around his home and could fix anything needing repair. He was a wonderful family man, known for his spirit of friendship and enjoyed striking up a conversation with whomever he met. He was predeceased by his parents; a brother that burned in a barn fire at a young age; his brother Roy and sister Joan; a daughter, Brenda, died in infancy; and a great-grandson, “Ricky May,” in a tragic drowning. Survivors include his sons Robert J, Miller Jr. and his wife, Susan, of Vernon, David A. Miller and his wife. Lisa, of Plano, Texas; daughters Linda Martin of Vernon and Laurie May and her husband, Timothy, of Vernon; and 10 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. Memorial information: A funeral service was held on Jan. 22 at Vernon Advent Christian Church. Kidder Funeral Home of Northfield, Mass., was in charge of arrangements.
• Joan Ann Nelson, 81, formerly of Brattleboro. Died peacefully Jan. 15, 2022 at Cheshire Medical Center in Keene, N.H. Joan was born at home in Brattleboro on Dec. 7, 1940 to William and Marion Decker. She was a graduate of Brattleboro Union High School in 1958, a Silver B recipient, and a finalist in the Queen's pageant in the Brattleboro Winter Carnival. Joan's career began in the mortgage department of Vermont Savings Bank in Brattleboro. In 1959, Joan married Ronald Nelson. The couple moved from Guilford to Perkinsville, Vt., in 1963. Joan spent many years as the office manager and bookkeeper for Ron's business (Nelson Electric), as well as being the treasurer for the Perkinsville Community Church. In 1999, the family moved to Keene, where Joan worked at Antioch New England Graduate School as their accounts payable manager. Joan started Country Calico, where she created a multitude of handmade crafts for the Weathersfield Craft Tour. Joan's passions included baking, reading, bird watching, genealogy, gardening, snowmobiling, and kayaking at the family camp on Sunset Lake in Marlboro. Joan leaves behind her husband of 62 years; two daughters, Brenda Kelly and her husband Kevin of Watertown, Mass., and Jennifer Johnson and her husband, Brian, of Swanzey, N.H.; grandchildren Kaeghan and Khyra Kelly, and Jillian, Zachary and Nathan Johnson; sisters Jean Newell and husband, Harold, of Dummerston, and Jane Perham of Fort Myers, Fla.; as well as many nieces and nephews. Joan was predeceased by grandson, Patrick Kelly. Memorial information: Calling hours will be held Wednesday, Jan. 26, from 4 to 6 p.m., at Atamaniuk Funeral Home, 40 Terrace St., Brattleboro. A graveside service will take place in the spring at Christ Church Cemetery in Guilford. Donations to the Weathersfield Historical Society, P.O. Box 126, Perkinsville, VT 05151.
• Nathan L. “Nate” Olmstead, 42, of Dummerston. Died Jan. 11, 2022 at his home, after a brief period of declining health. Nathan was born to Doris E. (Cross) and Craig N. Olmstead on Nov. 15, 1979 in Brattleboro. He was educated at Wilmington High School and went on to earn his LPN and RN degrees at Vermont Technical College He then earned a B.S. in Nursing at the University of Massachusetts, along with an MBA at Champlain College. In 2003, Nathan married the love of his life and best friend, Rebecca J. Sbardella. Nathan began his career in human resources prior to obtaining his nursing license. He loved nursing and had a passion for taking care of people. He most loved his time working in the emergency department. Nathan had many different interests including traveling, cooking, skiing, and collecting shoes. Nathan loved taking pictures to capture all of his favorite things. His children were his world. They were often the subject of his photography. His favorite memory was a trip to London and Paris with his daughter Zadie a few years ago. Nathan is survived by his parents, his wife, Rebecca J. Olmstead, and his two children Zadie B. and Christian E. Olmstead of Dummerston. He is also survived by his two sisters, Jennifer M. Speulstra and her husband Owen of Rexford, N.Y., and Megan R. Wheeler and husband John of Gill, Mass.; his grandmother, Rose-Marie Olmstead of Lacanto, Fla., as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Nate also had many dear friends who were like family to him. Memorial information: Education was so important to Nathan. In his honor, donations may be made to Zadie and Christian Olmstead for their future education and can be sent via Venmo to @Rebecca-Olmstead-7 or can be mailed to Faith Church, Attention: Megan Wheeler, 331 Silver St. Greenfield, MA 01301.
• Hugh Silbaugh, 61, of Putney. Died Jan. 9, 2022. He was a teacher, educational leader and mentor, telemark skier, mountain biker, outdoorsman, reader, winner of games and solver of puzzles, devoted husband and father, a brother, uncle, and cousin, and a friend and role model to the many lives he shaped. Teaching for Hugh started as an act of rebellion, turned into an act of love, and became an act of faith. Hugh was a lifelong independent school teacher and administrator, notably at Crossroads School in Santa Monica, Calif., The Putney School, Milton Academy and, since 2007, Northfield Mount Hermon School. Hugh was one of the founding program directors in 2012 of the Independent School Teaching Residency (ISTAR) Master's Program at the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education, also known as the Penn Fellows Program. Hugh was a member of the ISTAR faculty for 10 years, where he taught and mentored hundreds of Penn Fellows as they launched their teaching careers. This work reflected his deep commitment to mentoring new teachers. He earned his bachelor's degree in English at Amherst College, a master's degree in education from UCLA, and a second master's degree from the Harvard School of Education He was the loving husband of Cor Trowbridge, devoted father of Jay and Harry Silbaugh, faithful brother of Kate Silbaugh, trusted brother-in-law of Daniel Jurayj, Jamie and Laura Trowbridge, Bea Trowbridge Sanders, Phil Trowbridge and Laura Bonk, and Dylan Sanders, and the uncle-who-has-the-most-fun to 10 loving nieces and nephews. He was the beloved son of the late Jane and Hugh Silbaugh and brother of the late Harriet Silbaugh. Hugh is survived by an adoring extended family and countless students and teachers at schools across the country who were influenced by his passion for the craft of teaching, his love of Shakespeare, poetry, experiential education, and singing, and his belief in the people around him and their goodness. Memorial information: There will be a service to celebrate Hugh's life in early summer of 2022. Donations in Hugh's memory may be made to support financial aid at the Independent School Teaching Residency Master's Program at the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education at givingpages.upenn.edu/celebratingHughSilbaugh.
• Marion Elizabeth “Marty” Watson, 87, formerly of Vernon. Died peacefully in her sleep on Jan. 19, 2022, in the comfort of her son's home in Ballston Spa, N.Y. She had made her home with her son Eric and family since 2018. Mrs. Watson was born in North Adams, Mass., on Jan. 23, 1934, the daughter of George and Sarah (Turner) Martin. At the age of two, she came to Brattleboro, where she was raised by her aunt and uncle, Edward and Sylvia Gagnon. She was raised in Brattleboro and was a graduate of Brattleboro High School, Class of 1952. Mrs. Watson had been employed as an operator for AT&T, working in the downtown Brattleboro office, which she retired from as a supervisor following 31 faithful years with the company. She was a member of Telephone Pioneers of America. She also worked for the Vernon Town Library and the Vernon Elementary School Library, overseeing vast improvements there. In her retirement, she continued to be busy serving as librarian at the Guilford Free Library. She also worked part-time for Clair Unwin at Whispering Hope Gift Shop in Brattleboro, and was a volunteer with the Drop-in Center and Brattleboro Memorial Hospital Diabetic Support Group. Steadfast in her walk of faith, she attended Guilford Community Church and later, with her husband, became a member of Vernon Union Church, serving as historian for both churches. She was a collector of owls, both figurine and stuffed toys, and enjoyed genealogy and time spent with her family. Perhaps her favorite pastime was being a grandmother. She was also an avid reader. In 1952, she married Byron M. Watson Jr., who predeceased her in 2018. Survivors include: two sons, Randall D. Watson of Brewster, Mass., and Eric C. Watson and his wife, Lisa (Lascore) of Ballston Spa; one daughter, Dianne E. LaValley and her husband, David, of Vernon; one brother, Norman Martin of Rotterdam, N.Y.; and beloved friend and sister-in-law, Mrs. Robert (Ginny) Bragg of East Montpelier. Additionally, she leaves grandchildren Caeri L. Watson (and partner Peter Bailie) and Lucas R. Watson (and partner Nicole Burba), and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by four brothers, Bernard, Edward, and Leon Martin, and Robert Gagnon, and two sisters, Beverly Martin and Sylvia Brooks. Memorial information: Funeral services at Vernon Union Church will be held in the springtime at a date and time to be announced by the funeral home. Donations to Rescue Inc. P.O. Box 593, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To send condolences, visit www.atamaniuk.com.