College news
• Seamus Butcher of West Halifax recently received a B.A. in media arts production from Emerson College in Boston.
• The following local full-time students were named to the Southern New Hampshire University President's List for the summer 2022 semester: Kobe Bazin of Westminster, Megan Shanks of Westminster, Samantha Mustain of Brattleboro, Melina Nelson of Brattleboro, and Miranda Blake of Vernon.
• Samantha Mills of Marlboro was named to the spring 2022 semester Dean's List at Simmons University in Boston.
Transitions
• Jon Blouin has joined Brattleboro Savings & Loan as the new branch manager of its main office in Brattleboro. Blouin, a Brattleboro native, brings many years of banking and customer service experience to the job. He began his banking career right out of high school with Vermont National Bank, working in cash management services. After 15 years of working in banks, he moved into IT, working for PC Connection in Keene, N.H., and then for a financial software company. “I liked working in IT, but I missed interacting with people and solving their problems right there and then,” said Blouin, whose his family still lives in Brattleboro.
• Lisa Moulton, a family nurse practitioner, has joined Southwestern Vermont Medical Center's (SVMC) Deerfield Valley Campus in Wilmington. With this appointment, Moulton also rejoins the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Putnam Physicians. Moulton will serve current patients. The practice is not accepting new patients at this time. Most recently, Moulton worked at Rockingham Health Center, a Federally Qualified Health Center, as a hospice nurse and advanced practice RN for hospice at locations throughout the state; and as a provider of diabetes care as a part of an endocrinology practice at Dartmouth Health.
• Dave Steckler has joined The Grammar School in Putney as its new sixth-grade homeroom teacher and fifth- and sixth-grade math and science teacher. Steckler, who grew up in Brattleboro, has more than 20 years of experience in education, most recently at North Country School, where he taught math, science, robotics, and woodcarving and served as director of teaching and learning. He was a place-based education fellow at Island Institute and a science teacher at Hillside School. He holds an M.A. in ecological teaching and learning from Lesley University and a dual B.A. in economics and environmental studies from Hobart and William Smith Colleges.
Obituaries
• Helju K. Batchelder, 90, of Lebanon, N.H., formerly of Brattleboro. Died Sept. 3, 2022 at Wheelock Terrace in Hanover, N.H. She was born in Paide, Estonia on Jan. 27, 1932, the daughter of Evald and Elfrieda Kivimae. Helju, her parents, and her brother, Ain Kivimae, immigrated to the United States in 1948, and resided on a dairy farm, Randers Farm, in Sutton, Vt. Helju attended schools in her native country of Estonia and then Lyndon Institute when her family moved to Sutton. She attended and graduated from Middlebury College (1955), majoring in political science. She then lived in Cambridge, Mass., while she attended the Harvard-Radcliffe Program in Business Administration, earning a certificate in 1956 (a forerunner of women's admission to the Harvard Business School). In 1957, Don (Middlebury College, '56) proposed to Helju. He threatened her with poverty, promised her poetry, and hinted at interesting times. They married in August 1958. In 1959, Helju and Don moved to Brattleboro, where Don accepted a position with The Experiment in International Living. In 1965, Helju's husband accepted a job as Peace Corps director in Espirito Santo, Brazil. Don, Helju, and their two young children lived in Brazil until 1968; then returned to Brattleboro. Don returned to work for The Experiment and Helju devoted her time to staying at home and raising their children. Helju worked as a substitute nursery school teacher at the Brattleboro Nursery School and served as a Representative Town Meeting member. She often participated in her children's school events and community organizations, including Girl Scouts, Planned Parenthood, and Bridges for Peace. She enjoyed working in the kitchen, knitting, sewing, and gardening. Helju and Don were avid readers. From 1977 through 1989, she held several positions working for World Learning/SIT in Brattleboro. In late 1989, Don became Director for Save the Children in Mozambique. They lived in Maputo, Mozambique for three years, during which time Helju worked as a senior analyst for the Agency for International Development. Upon returning from Mozambique in 1992, Helju worked at Norwich University's Brattleboro campus for several years before retiring. Helju enjoyed spending time with her husband, children, and grandchildren. Survivors include Helju's brother, Ain Kivimae, of Wailuku, Hawaii; a son Thomas E. Batchelder of Grantham, N.H.; a daughter, Annie Batchelder Boutin and her husband Andy Boutin of Lebanon; and six grandchildren. Memorial information: There will be a cremation and a private burial in the Batchelder family plot in East Montpelier. Donations to the Alzheimer's Association, or the charity of one's choice.
• Anne Lee Bolte, 81, formerly of Brattleboro. Died peacefully in Newtown, Pa., on Aug. 13, 2022, after a prolonged battle with Parkinson's Disease. Born on Aug. 31, 1940 in Gloucester, Mass., Anne spent her childhood in Marblehead, Mass. She earned her bachelor's degree from Boston College and her master's from Columbia University. In 1972, Anne moved to Brattleboro, where she raised her son, Robert Bolte, and taught at the former Austine School for the Deaf. Anne was a vibrant, whip-smart, genuine, and caring person who made lasting friendships everywhere she went. She was a voracious reader, a talented quilter, an enthusiastic gardener, a proud Brattleboro Senior Center bridge instructor, and an avid consumer of local ice cream. She valued her Parkinson's support group and truly appreciated the care she received by the nurses at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center. Anne loved her Brattleboro community and was a Vermonter to the core. She enjoyed the local apple orchards, the blueberry patches, and local homemade ice cream shops but, mostly, she loved her friends. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Anne is survived by her beloved son, Robert Bolte of Richboro, Pa., grandsons Jonah and Robert Bolte, daughter-in-law, Lara Bolte, as well as her brother John Webber, sisters Martha Pedersen and Kathleen Hoffman, five nieces and nephews, and many, many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Leland and Eleanor Webber; her sister Mary Jean Luihn; and her brother Lee Webber. Memorial information: A celebration of Anne's life was held Sept. 10 at the Kiwanis Shelter at Living Memorial Park in Brattleboro. Donations may be made to The Parkinson's Foundation at parkinson.org.
• Kenneth “Ken” Boyd Sr, 73, of Hinsdale, N.H. Died peacefully at his home on Aug. 31, 2022. Ken was born March 9, 1949 in Brattleboro, the son of Leon Carrol and Mildred Mae Houle Boyd. Ken worked at Fireside True Value in Brattleboro for more than 30 years before going to work at Runnings in Hinsdale ahead of his retirement. The simplest pleasures in life brought great joy to Ken. He was a hard worker and an avid hunter, and loved watching Westerns, baseball, and football. He loved to spend time in the outdoors, or enjoying a cold Budweiser in his garage while listening to some of his favorite tunes. Time spent with his family, including spending every Memorial Day weekend at Lake George, N.Y., camping and coaster riding with the grandkids, are some of the many memories the family will hold on to. Ken is survived by his son, Kenneth William Jr.; daughters Shannon Yardley and her husband, Darren, and Christina Dematteo and her husband, Anthony; his bonus/stepchildren Ronnie, Michelle, and Ryan Chase, and Shawna Cowan and her husband, Gary; his sister Eleanor Boyd Powers and her husband Howard, and sisters-in-law Brenda Boyd and Nancy Boyd. Ken also leaves behind 25 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Ken was predeceased by his parents; siblings Leon, Jimmy, Kathleen, and Linda; and his granddaughter, Cheyenne. Memorial information: A graveside service and celebration of life will be announced at a later date.
• Jeanne Czuy, 91, of Brattleboro. She was born Aug. 5, 1931 to Coxey E. Strand and Daphne Foubert in Detroit, Mich. She attended Highland Park High School, graduating in 1949. There, she was a member of the rifle team, swim team, intramural basketball team, the concert choir, and the Water Show. She won many shooting trophies, such as the First Place Hearst Rifle Trophy. Jeanne received a B.S. in occupational therapy from Western Michigan University and moved to Connecticut to further her education and experience at the Southbury Training School. From there, she relocated to a cold water flat in Greenwich Village in NYC, where she met Ted Czuy. In 1958, they were married and moved to Pleasantville, N.Y., where they raised their family. Together they bought a summer cottage on a lake in New Hampshire. It became a well-loved retreat for Jeanne and her family. For over 50 years, they spent many care-free summers, enjoying the natural beauty of Stone Pond. Always active in her community, Jeanne was president of the PTA, a Cub Scout den mother, a substitute teacher and the chairperson for Pleasantville's Bicentennial celebration. Always an avid reader, she enjoyed art, culture, and cooking. In 1973, Jeanne began working as a full-time occupational therapist with veterans at the VA Medical Center in Montrose, N.Y. Upon retiring, Jeanne moved to Brattleboro to be closer to the cottage. She continued to be active in her new community as a volunteer at the Senior Center and at Experienced Goods, Brattleboro Area Hospice's thrift store. Jeanne also participated in the League of Women Voters's activities and remained politically active throughout her life. She was an impressive bowler and enjoyed very much being part of the Brattleboro Senior League. She continued to bowl through her 80s and into her 90s, averaging near 120, often scoring 170 and above. As a lifelong blood donor, Jeanne donated more than 100 pints of blood in her lifetime (close to 7 gallons) and was part of the multi-gallon club of the Red Cross. She is survived by her three children, John, Jamie and Sanna, seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Strong in body and mind, and independent until the end, she was amazingly thoughtful and generous with her time and energy. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Memorial information: In lieu of flowers, donations in her honor can be made to Monadnock Kitty Rescue and Adoption in Jaffrey, N.H. (kittyrescuenh.org, because Jeanne loved cats, and always had at least one), Experienced Goods in Brattleboro (www.expgoods.com), or the American Red Cross (redcross.org, to donate money or blood in Jeanne's name). To send the family condolences, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Esther Brooks Fielding, 94, of Guilford. Died peacefully at home, with family by her side, on Aug. 11, 2022. Esther requested that her obituary be “short and sweet,” noting that she saw long obituaries and thought, “good grief!” The following is the family's best attempt to honor her request. Esther was born on a snowy day on March 5, 1928 to William and Ruth Brooks in Utica, N.Y., where she was raised. After high school, she studied art at Pratt Institute in New York City. In 1950, Esther married Norman Fielding, and they went on to have three sons, Will, Peter, and Tony. While raising her children, Esther completed her B.A., and got her M.A. at Rutgers in 1969. She worked as a traveling art teacher in the Trenton, N.J. schools. Esther moved to Butterfield Road in Marlboro in 1980. She was a beloved Kindergarten teacher at Marlboro School for 10 years, including the first few years alone with her young pupils in the Naigle house on Town Hill Road. Esther moved to Guilford in 2014. She was a lifelong artist, who painted and sketched the world around her - sleeping cats, laundry lines, frogs, autumn landscapes on Butterfield Road - and her spirit lives on in her art that she generously shared with friends and family. She was a member of the Jewish community, where she volunteered as a Hebrew school teacher. She had dear friends with whom she played Mahjong, taught Strong Living classes in Marlboro and Guilford, had beloved cats and dogs over the years, and enjoyed Star Island for many summers. She was a devoted grandmother and great grandmother to many. Esther was predeceased by sons Will and Tony. She is survived by Peter, who cared for her in her final months, Trish Sullivan, Paula Fielding, grandchildren Plasha, Tashina and Alia, and 5 great-grandchildren, niece Barbara Brooks, nephew Rex Carner, and dear friends far and near. She also leaves Patty and Kent Webster and family, who loved and cared for her. Memorial information: Graveside services will be held at the Brattleboro Area Jewish Cemetery at Morningside on Monday, Sept. 19, at 11 a.m. Donations to Guilford Cares, whose volunteers so lovingly cared for Esther during her time in Guilford, especially in her final years, at P.O. Box 2517, Brattleboro, VT 05303.
• Gregory Mark “Greggy” Hecht, 32, of Brattleboro. Died Sept. 2, 2022, surrounded by his family. Gregory was born on Aug. 8, 1990 in Toms River, N.J., to Valli (Winchester) Hecht and Mark Hecht. Gregory was always a part of the family business, Rod's Towing & Repair in Putney, working numerous positions all through grade school and high school before deciding to move on to C&S Wholesale Grocers in Brattleboro, where he would work the remainder of his days. Greggy attended many schools growing up, one of which was the Milton Hershey School in Pennsylvania. While there, he learned to really enjoy watching and playing ice hockey. However, his heart always belonged to basketball. He ultimately graduated from Brattleboro Union High School, Class of 2009. He enjoyed summer vacations in Maine, playing basketball with his cousins on the family farm, hours of shooting hoop in the gym of the Putney School, watching the Food Network, four-wheeling, paintball on the farm, and going to the movies. He would never be out-pranked. He loved the Lakers, but was most loyal to whatever team Lebron James played for. In his mid 20s, he would become the father to four beautiful children that he simply adored. He is survived by those children - Nadia, Nieko, Nova, and Nalani - and their mother, Samantha Chiu; his father, Mark Hecht (Tammy) of Rutland; his mother, Valli Hecht (Roy) of Brattleboro; his brothers Chris Hecht of Galloway, N.J., and Tyler “TJ” Hecht (Kayla) of Townshend; his grandmother Edna Hecht of Bayville, N.J.; his grandfather, Rodney Winchester of Brattleboro; along with aunts and uncles, nephews and nieces, and many cousins, including his namesake, Gregory Winchester of Putney. He was predeceased by his sister Amber DiBona and his maternal grandmother, Doreen Winchester. Memorial information: A service is planned for Saturday, Sept. 17, at 1 p.m., at Grace Community Evangelical Free Church, 49 Old Swanzey Rd., Spofford, N.H. To leave a message of condolence, visit www.rickerfuneralhome.com.
• Hazel L. LaValley, 70, of Webster, Fla., formerly of Brattleboro. Died Aug. 31, 2022, surrounded by family, after a long courageous battle with various health issues. The loving mother of four children and the devoted wife to James G. LaValley, she born on May 14, 1952 in Groton, Vt. Hazel and her family lived in northern Vermont until they moved to Brattleboro in 1967. Hazel married the love of her life on Sept. 4, 1971 and had four children: Mark L. LaValley of Brattleboro, Peggy A. Winchester of Hinsdale, N.H., Melissa J. Butts of South Carolina, and James H. LaValley of Florida. She was an amazing, doting grandmother to her nine grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. She had the biggest heart and was always worried about everyone else before herself. Hazel worked at the Holstein Association in Brattleboro for 25 years and retired in 2012. She is predeceased by her parents Bernard Achilles and Mildred Achilles Chamberlin; her stepfather, Robert Chamberlin; siblings Bernard, Roy, and Paul Achilles, and Mildred Green and brother-in-law Cecil Green. She is survived by her husband; brother George Achilles and his wife, Linda; sisters-in-law Auralie Achilles and Elizabeth Achilles; sons Mark and James LaValley; and daughters Peggy Winchester and her husband, Derek, and Melissa Butts and husband, Bryan. Memorial information: A celebration of her life will be held Saturday, Sept, 17, at American Legion Post 5, 32 Linden St., Brattleboro, from noon to 4 p.m. Donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Services
• A celebration of life for Roger E. Maynard will take place at the Valley Town Church in Wilmington on Oct. 1, at 1 p.m., followed by burial with military honors in Riverview Cemetery in Wilmington. Mr. Maynard, 94, a lifelong resident of Wilmington, died on May 21, 2022.