College news
• The following local students were named to the University of Vermont Dean’s List for the fall 2022 semester: Allura Cameron of Londonderry, Madeline Prouty of Londonderry, Elijah Ghia of Saxtons River, Ella Bursky of Westminster, Owen James of Brattleboro, Julia Luna of Brattleboro, Jasmine Wegiel of Brattleboro, Westerly Gooley of Brattleboro, Dylan Ray of Brookline, Alexander Urbaska of Newfane, Emmett Dews of East Dummerston, Maxwell Naylor of East Dummerston, Corissa Freeman of West Dover, Justin Fusco of West Wardsboro, Bailey Boyce of Whitingham, Christos Contakos of Whitingham, Molly Wrathall of Whitingham, Jordyn Jager of Landgrove, Rose Summerlin of Brattleboro, Charles Galanes of Brattleboro, Edith Cay of Brattleboro, Nina Singleton-Spencer of Newfane, Chandre Pero of Putney, and Max Tiffen of West Wardsboro.
• The following local students have been named to the Dean’s List for the 2022 fall semester at the University of New England in Biddeford, Maine: Jonathan Terry of Bellows Falls; Nicholas Campbell, Hannah Geno, Mollie Patenaude, Riley Patenaude, and Rachael Rooney of Brattleboro; and Shelby Stoodley of Westminster.
• Keigan Illingworth, a dance major from Westminster, was named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2022 semester at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York.
• Gabrielle Beal of Wilmington was named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2022 semester at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts.
• Avery VanHendrick of Brookline and Emily Hoos of West Wardsboro were both named to the Dean’s List at the University of New Hampshire for the fall 2022 semester. VanHendrick earned High Honors, while Hoos earned Honors status.
• Michelle Marchica of Westminster and Hayden Reed of Jacksonville have been named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2022 semester at Siena College in Loudonville, New York.
Obituaries
• Gerald Bowser, 82, of Rockingham. Died Jan. 7, 2023, at his home. He was born on April 6, 1940 in Warren, Maine, the son of Gordon and Wilma Mellow Bowser. He attended elementary school in Warren, Maine and was a graduate of North Haven (Conn.) High School. Gerald was a lifelong truck driver working for many area trucking companies. Gerald is survived by his son Alan Bowser, his daughter Elizabeth Young, grandchildren Benjamin Lee Roth and Andrea Bowser, and a brother, David Bowser. Memorial information: There will be no services. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to help cover expenses at Paypal.me/Becky91663.
• Donna Ann Daley, 74, of Brattleboro. Died unexpectedly in her home on Jan. 21, 2023. She was born in Hartford, Connecticut, the daughter of John and Margaret (Healy) Daley. She was raised and educated in Manchester, Connecticut. Donna was employed by Olan Mills Studios after graduation, in a position that afforded her the opportunity to travel throughout New England doing portrait photography. She met her husband, Steven Pritchard, while living in Greenfield, Massachusetts and they married in 1969. Although the marriage ended in divorce, they had three beautiful children together. She lived in San Francisco for seven years before returning to Vermont. She worked at Diller’s Deli and Catering Services. Prior to retirement, she most recently worked at World Learning/School for International Training in the Environmental Services Department and was appreciated for decades of hard work, friendliness and smiles. She made many lifelong friends. Donna loved dancing and dining out. She enjoyed summer vacations to the Connecticut coast to visit family. She traveled to see her children and grandchildren in Colorado and New York. Donna is survived by her three children: Jennifer Pritchard of New York City, Lynette Pritchard of Putney, and Joshua Pritchard of Laramie, Wyoming; one sister, Gail Graham of Clinton, Connecticut; and four grandchildren, Kyler Pritchard, Connor Pritchard, Kaitlyn Pritchard and Dallin Wachtelhausen. She also leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by one sister, Joan Marquis. Memorial information: A celebration of life service will be conducted at a future date and time to be announced. Donations to Rescue, Inc., P.O. Box 593, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To share a memory or send the family messages of condolence, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Edward Leroy “Ed” DeCell, 91, died on Jan. 19, 2023, with his family by his side. He was born Dec.17, 1931 at home in Landgrove to Hattie Maude Wilder and Ervin Joseph DeCell. His brothers were Lawrence, Lowell, Carson, Wayne, and Eugene; and his sisters were Elva, Francis, Leone, Clara, Pauline, Carolyn, Sylvia, and Vera. Ed loved his family deeply and was the youngest of 14 children. Edward leaves behind two daughters, Tracy DeCell of Brattleboro and Tammy Mayben of Pawtucket, Rhode Island; grandchildren Hunter Raymond and his fiancée, Swan Perea-Piranha, of Brattleboro, and Adam and Heidi; and great grandchildren Travis, Emma, Brandon, and Serenity. He was predeceased by his son-in-law, Kevin Mayben, and all of his siblings. Edward worked at Mount Snow for 22 years as a heavy equipment mechanic. He went on to become the manager of the former Norway/Gray Ghost Inn. He also worked in housekeeping for the Brattleboro Retreat. Upon his retirement, he took to taking care of his grandson, Hunter Raymond, and they shared a deep bond. Throughout his life, he lived in various places in Vermont and also resided in Summerville, South Carolina and Amarillo, Texas. He had a love for pro wrestling, never missed a Red Sox game, and loved NASCAR and the New England Patriots; all of which included yelling at the TV from time to time. His greatest pastimes were driving back roads and telling stories. Memorial information: Edward wished for no funeral. There will, however, be graveside services held in the spring at Maple Grove Cemetery in Weston, followed by a celebration of his life at the Rod and Gun Club in Weston. Donations to the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To share a memory or send condolences to Edward’s family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Patricia Kiniry “Pat” LaRoche died on Jan. 12, 2023. Patricia was born in Springfield, Vermont to Bernard and Gladys Ward on Nov. 9, 1932. She graduated from Springfield High School in 1951 and attended the University of Vermont for a short time. She met George Kiniry in 1953 and they were married in 1955. After raising their seven children, she went to work at Jones & Lamson for many years as a key punch operator. She also worked at Bryant Grinder when Jones & Lamson closed. Pat enjoyed painting and word search puzzles. Each one of her children were blessed with a painting she painted several years ago. She will always be remembered for her gingerbread cookies. The recipe was handed down to her by her mother and will always be known as “Grammy cookies.” Pat was predeceased by her first husband in 1997. She was blessed to have met George LaRoche in 2001, who survives her. They have been married since 2004. She is survived by her seven children: Teresa Lupien (Cliff) of Winchendon, Massachusetts, Patrick Kiniry (Janet) of North Walpole, New Hampshire, Christine Cook (Ken) of Westminster, George Kiniry, Jr. (Sloan) of Derry, New Hampshire, Mary Jo Clark (Kevin) of Bellows Falls, Kevin Kiniry (April) of Vancouver, Washington, and Kelly Patch (Gary) of Alstead, New Hampshire. She is also survived by 19 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild. Pat also leaves siblings Sylvia Dubanevich, Richard Ward, and James Ward of Winooski, Vermont. She is also survived by George’s children: Michael LaRoche, Edward LaRoche, and Thomas LaRoche. Memorial information: In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her name to the American Red Cross.
• Corrinne (Corky) Menard, 86, of Westminster. Died unexpectedly at her home on Jan. 21, 2023. Corrinne was born September 6, 1936, in Brattleboro to Elmer and Alice Martelle. She received her education in Brattleboro and graduated from Brattleboro Union High School in 1954. She then went on to work for the Holstein Association in Brattleboro. Corrinne later worked, for 30 years, at White Metal Rolling and Stamping in North Walpole, New Hampshire and retired at age 80 from Silver Forest of Vermont. For her whole life, Corrinne was an incredibly hard worker, and she instilled her work ethic in her children. On June 7, 1990, Corrinne married her life partner, Lawrence Menard. Corrinne had many joys in life. She loved to be outside gardening and watching birds at her many bird feeders. She loved to sit at her kitchen table to complete crossword puzzles and play solitaire. Through her life, Corrinne had many cats that she loved dearly. She was a member of the American Legion, the Moose, as well as the Polish-American Club. Her greatest joy in life came from spending time with her grandchildren. Corrinne loved to play board games and dress up games with her grandchildren. She especially loved to attend their concerts, plays, and sporting events. Corrinne was predeceased by her parents, her husband, her brother Clifford Martelle, and her sister Violet Martelle. She is survived by her sister Eleanor Liimatainen; her son Brian Johnson, of Walpole, New Hampshire, and his wife, Paula Johnson; her daughter, Alesia Rainville, of Highgate, and her husband, George Rainville; her son, Lauress Johnson of Hagutar, Guam; and six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Memorial information: A funeral service was held on Jan. 27 at Fenton and Hennessey Funeral Home in Bellows Falls, followed by burial in Westminster Cemetery.
• Amber Gail Monty, 42, of Burlington, formerly of Bellows Falls. Died unexpectedly at her home on Jan. 8, 2023. Amber was born in Bellows Falls on April 12, 1980, the daughter of Raymond and Jean Monty and the first of their seven children. Amber embraced her role as the “leader of the pack,” and was a fierce protector who always stood up for those she loved. Amber lived in and attended school in Bellows Falls before relocating to Burlington. Amber loved country music, rides on back dirt roads, spending time with her children, sunflowers, Fireball whiskey, buying new stationery supplies, and being surrounded by friends. Amber had so many friends and found her calling being a mentor to younger women in need. Amber was involved actively with Mercy Connections in Burlington and helped organize community events such as coat drives and harvest dinners. Amber’s personality was one you will never be able to forget. She was loud and outspoken (some would even say a bit feisty). Amber loved with all she had and that love will live on with those who survived her. Amber is survived by her children, Lucy Burns of Keene, New Hampshire and Joel Chickering Jr. of Walpole, New Hampshire; her parents Raymond Monty of Alstead, New Hampshire and Jean Vancor of Cambridgeport; siblings Heidi Monty of Bellows Falls, Jessica Monty (Jay) of Langdon, New Hampshire, Raymond Monty (Krista) III, Jed Monty, and Alicia Monty all of Bellows Falls, and Cody Monty of Charlestown, New Hampshire; and several uncles, aunts, nieces, and nephews. Memorial information: Donations in Amber’s memory may be sent to Mercy Connections, 255 South Champlain St. #8, Burlington, VT 05401.
• Gary Smith, 64, of Walpole, New Hampshire. Died at home from cancer on Jan. 16, 2023. Born on March 28, 1958 in Newport, Rhode Island, Gary was set on his life’s path during a matinee showing of The Sound of Music at the Starcase Cinema in Middletown, Rhode Island. He was seven years old. “I learned that music could beat Nazis. That’s when I knew,” Gary said several weeks before his death. Music, art, beauty, and community as bulwarks against the darker forces of the world and the human condition — this was the indelible thread that ran through Gary’s life. Born to the late Michael and Marie Pinto Smith in Newport, Gary honed his musical chops in high school rock bands and sharpened his fine mind as a student of philosophy at Colby College, where he built his first recording studio, a pair of four-track machines set up in a glorified broom closet. Following his Wanderjahre in France, Gary moved to Boston, determined to work for the celebrated architect Moshe Safdie, whose ideals of timelessness, connection to nature, and creating meaningful spaces for community resonated deeply. Gary arrived at Safdie’s Faneuil Hall office each morning for weeks until the office manager finally hired him to run errands. Walking the streets, absorbing the rhythms of the city, he wrote songs in his head. Before long, he formed the band Lifeboat, which toured the country and received accolades in the national press. While Gary was an accomplished guitarist and songwriter, he found his calling outside the spotlight at Fort Apache, a scrappy recording studio that he built into a clubhouse for young musicians and a global force in alternative rock. Gary’s ears were impeccable. His work ethic, matchless. His deal-making was the stuff of major-label dreams. As a producer and manager, Gary shepherded the careers of some of the most influential artists of the 1980s and 1990s, among them The Pixies, Throwing Muses, Tanya Donelly, Juliana Hatfield, and Natalie Merchant. But his impact transcended the realm of records and contracts. Gary brought people together, cultivating a sense of family that sustained him and the many outsiders, misfits, and dreamers fortunate enough to travel in his orbit. In 2001, Gary moved into an antique farmhouse at the end of a country road in New Hampshire. Inspired by a profound affinity with the Shakers — their dedication to hard work and craftsmanship, their embrace of song as a spiritual gift — he filled his home with simple, sturdy furniture and musical instruments. He built a swimming pond, planted a garden, and lovingly tended his sheep and donkey. The farm was heaven. For Gary, a near-constant stream of friends and musicians, who often stayed for days, made the place yet more heavenly. Whether entertaining a field full of revelers or laying a perfect table for an intimate meal, Gary was the consummate host. His parties were nothing short of legendary. Leaving the fast-paced city life slowed neither the flow of Gary’s ideas nor his boundless energy for making things happen. He relocated Fort Apache from Massachusetts to Bellows Falls, opening the recording studio and a live performance venue in the former Hotel Windham. Over the next two decades, Gary’s local imprint grew. He was a founder of WOOL-FM in Bellows Falls, a community radio station, launched a regional events magazine, and with investment support from friends near and far he opened Popolo, an Italian-inspired, farm-to-table restaurant. When Gary received a cancer diagnosis in September of 2022, his chief concern was how to get done everything he wanted to accomplish. The list, as ever, was long. He worked, quite literally, to his dying day. Gary leaves behind a hole that cannot be filled. But his vision and integrity, prodigious intelligence and marvelous sense of humor, his steadfast care for people and community will continue to inspire the legion of comrades mourning his loss. Memorial information: According to his wishes, Gary’s body was cremated and there will be no funeral service. Plans are being made for a gathering to celebrate his life. Donations can be made to WOOL-FM at blacksheepradio.org.
• Jeffery D. Tallman, 55, of Bellows Falls. Died suddenly on Jan. 17, 2023 at his home. Jeff was a graduate of Bellows Falls Union High School and a member of the Polish-American Club, the American Legion, the Moose, and the Elks, all in Bellows Falls. Jeff was known for helping other people, volunteering at the clubs, singing karaoke, playing horseshoes, doing word puzzles, playing guitar, and playing with the family cats. Jeff leaves his father, David Tallman, and mother, Jennifer Wright Tallman; siblings Katrina Tallman (Neal Whitcomb), Kara Tallman and her children, Desmond and Saoirse Chiu, Chris Tallman (Haley) and their children, Avery and Eden. He is also survived by aunts and uncles, many cousins, and friends. Memorial information: Donations to Moose Heart or the Moose Haven Fund.
• Lorraine Maybelle Walker, 87, of Dummerston. Died Dec. 22, 2022 at her home, surrounded by her children, after a lengthy illness. She was born on June 27, 1935 in Plymouth, Vermont, the daughter of Kedric Hall and Helen (Bramwell) Hall. She was happily married for 67 years to Le Roy Harold Walker, who died in March 2020. They were married in Ludlow on July 3, 1953. She attended high school in Charlestown, New Hampshire while staying with her aunt. She held various jobs over the years in addition to being a full-time mother to her five children. She worked for several years as a chambermaid at the Holly Motel and the Stone Fence Inn. She was also employed at Lawton Dry Cleaners for many years and her last job was as a quality control inspector for VerMed. She enjoyed making quilts and baby blankets for members of her family as well as reading fiction and watching her soaps. She liked solving Sudoku puzzles and baking bread, apple pies and many other delicious foods. She especially enjoyed hosting family game nights complete with homemade popcorn, macaroni and cheese, and drinks all around. She loved spending time with her five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren who knew her as “Nanna.” She lovingly cared for many animals in her lifetime including cats, dogs, numerous ferrets and her pig, Suki. She is predeceased by one brother, James Hall, and two sisters, Gloria Saari and Joy Blood. She is survived by three sons and two daughters and several siblings, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Memorial information: Services will be held privately at the convenience of the family. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date. Donations to the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302.