Obituaries
• Elisabeth “Liz” Babbitt, 92, formerly of Putney. Died of natural causes on March 18, 2023 at Spring Village Assisted Living in Dover, New Hampshire. Liz was born in Ottmuth, Germany in 1930, the daughter of Ignaz and Helena Bekiesch. As a young girl her family owned a shipping company and a successful local restaurant and tavern. She loved helping her family in the restaurant and enjoyed all the events the restaurant would host. As a teenager she and her family left all that behind to escape the advancing Soviet Army as World War II progressed. They eventually found themselves in Wurzburg, Germany. At the end of the war, her parents and her younger sister Herta returned to their home behind the Iron Curtain to try to reclaim what they could, while Liz and her older sister Eleanor remained in Wurzburg. Much to everyone's disappointment, there was nothing left to salvage, and they found themselves trapped in East Germany for many years before they would be able to reunite with Liz and Eleanor. Liz and Eleanor found work in the commissary of the Army Base in Wurzburg, where Liz met the person that she was destined to spend the rest of her life with, Army Sergeant John Babbitt. In March 1950, they were married in Wurzburg and shortly thereafter moved to the United States. Adjusting to postwar life in the United States as a German war bride was not an easy undertaking. However, Liz was strong, independent, and always ready for a good adventure. She approached life with a positive attitude and was always ready to take on whatever was in her path. She adjusted well to the American way of life, learned the English language, learned to drive, and obtained her GED, since she was unable to finish high school in Germany due to the war. During the early years of their marriage, they moved around the United States until John retired from the military, at which point they settled in Putney, Vermont to raise their family. Liz and John built a beautiful home together with their own hands, including everything from pouring the foundation to sanding and varnishing the trim. She lovingly raised their three children in this home while still finding time to work as an extremely talented seamstress and eventually owning her own fabric store and business. She was a very creative artist with fabric and a sewing machine creating masterpieces such as German Dirndl dresses for her daughters and elaborate formal wedding gowns for her clients. Having been raised in the world of food and entertainment she was an avid cook and hostess. She enjoyed making homemade doughnuts and pizza for the family, huge elaborate meals for the holidays, and inspired spreads for parties and events. She loved spending time with family and friends in small gatherings and big events. She would bring to all these gatherings her great sense of humor, quick wit, and her ability to be on the receiving end of such exchanges with grace. Her gatherings were always a joyous affair full of food, love, and laughter. She had a big heart that was always open to those in need, especially during the holidays. The holiday tables were big and plentiful and always included neighbors and friends that would otherwise be spending the holiday at home alone. She enjoyed her outdoor home activities with huge vegetable, herb, and flower gardens. She would freeze and can her harvest each fall and enjoy that harvest during the long winter months. She especially enjoyed the summer evenings relaxing outside at the end of the day, watching her children play tag and chase fireflies. Liz is survived by her husband of 73 years, John Babbitt; her children, Linda Gavin of Stratham, New Hampshire, Patricia Babbitt and her husband Allan (Skip) Thurber of Putney, Guy Babbitt and his fiancée Lisa Butler of Fort Collins, Colorado; and her two grandchildren, R. Charles Gavin of Salt Lake City and Mathew Gavin and his husband Tom Bonnar, of Marietta, Georgia. Memorial information: A celebration of life will take place April 8, at 1 p.m., at the Fraternal Order of Eagles, 54 Chickering Drive, Brattleboro. Donations to Putney Community Cares (putneycommunitycares.org) or the Alzheimer's Association (act.alz.org). To send messages of condolence to the family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Peter Joseph Iovino, 67, of Putney. Died peacefully on Feb 13, 2023. Born March 12, 1955 in Pascagoula, Mississippi, Peter was the middle of three boys and spent his early years with his Air Force family living in Biloxi, Mississippi, Okinawa, California, and Topeka, Kansas. Each new home was a new adventure and a new opportunity for Peter to travel and meet new people, and instilled in him a lifelong love of both. In 1963, his father came home driving a brand-new white and blue four-door Chevy Impala with the stated intention of packing up the entire family and heading West as soon as the school year ended. And so it was, in June 1963, Peter and his family spent the entire summer on the road, visiting the Grand Canyon, Old Tucson, Bryce Canyon, and the canyon lands of Utah, Yellowstone, and the Grand Tetons, Devils Tower and Mount Rushmore, Deadwood, and the Black Hills, and even a short excursion south across the border into Mexico. It was a grand adventure and one which would have a profound effect on Peter and his ability to experience the world outside of his safe suburban predictable life. When Peter's father took a job at Grumman Aerospace in Bethpage, New York to work on the Lunar Module for the Apollo moon landing, Peter once again found himself in the back seat of the Impala, this time heading East from the plains of Kansas to the bustling suburbs of eastern Long Island, where Peter would spend the next 35 years of his life, graduating from Smithtown High School in 1974 and marrying Ann Nazzaro, his wife of 20 years. He settled into work and life, always surrounded by and close to his parents, brothers, and extended family. When Peter's wife died unexpectedly in 1999, Peter made the decision to travel once again, this time to the wilds of Vermont to live with his brother Anthony. Peter took to Vermont living immediately, quickly adapting to his new life and environs, and soon mastering the two essentials of rural Vermont life: stacking firewood and stir-frying tofu. Peter truly thrived in his new life in Putney and soon took a new job at Landmark College, where he spent the last 19 years of his life working in the kitchen, helping to feed thousands of hungry students and entertaining his co-workers with his oversized sense of humor and insight. Outside of work, Peter soon discovered a passion for fishing, and spent countless hours riding the bus with tackle and rods from Putney to Brattleboro where he would spend the day at the Retreat Meadows, always hopeful for the big catch. Peter also continued his love of travel throughout his life, taking cruises with his parents in the Caribbean, camping and canoeing in the Green Mountains with his brother, and making many trips on the Port Jefferaon ferry back to Long Island to see his mother and father. Wherever he traveled, Peter's open-hearted kindness and generosity touched everyone he met; he had always possessed a unusual depth of empathy, compassion, caring and love, and giving to others seemed to be his greatest reward in life. Peter loved people, cats, small dogs, big fish, professional wrestling, and The Weather Channel, and he loved coffee, candy, and clam chowder. Most of all, he loved his family, and always wanted them to feel close and connected. He possessed the biggest heart and even though, in the end, his heart stopped beating, the trail of memories and love he left behind will never leave all who knew him. Peter is survived by his mother, Mary Jo Iovino of Canton, Georgia, brothers Ralph of Tampa, Florida, and Anthony of Putney. Peter was predeceased by his father, Anthony Iovino Sr., and his beloved wife Ann, both of Long Island. Memorial information: None provided.
• John A. Krieger, 93, formerly of Brattleboro. Died on March 12, 2023 after a brief illness. John was born on Feb. 7, 1930, in Brooklyn, New York to Arthur and Blanche Krieger. He moved from Brooklyn to Wyckoff, New Jersey. John served in the Navy from 1951 to 1953 during the Korean War. In 1963, he married the love of his life, Patricia. John and Patricia moved from New Jersey to Dummerston in 1973. John was an avid Red Sox fan and enjoyed his daily ride to see his friends at Hannaford's on Putney Road. John leaves behind his daughter Kathleen and son-in-law Wayne of Enfield, New Hampshire; his son John of Nashua, New Hampshire; granddaughter Lyndsey, her husband Nino, and John's great-grandchildren Ariana and Kylan, all of Bloomington, Indiana; his grandson Wayne and partner Audra of Philadelphia; granddaughter Mandie and partner Ben of Putney, and several nieces and nephews. His sister Barbara and wife Patricia predeceased John. Memorial information: There will be no services. Interment will be in the spring in St. Michael's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lake Sunapee Region VNA & Hospice.
• Sheila Joan Lawrence, 77, of Dummerston. Died peacefully, surrounded by her family, on March 22, 2023 at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital following a short, courageous battle with cancer. Sheila was born at home in Westminster on August 24, 1945, the daughter of Ronald and Martha (Chowanec) King. She attended Putney Central School and graduated from Brattleboro Union High School, Class of 1963. On October 15, 1963 in North Walpole, New Hampshire, she married Glenn Hutchins, who predeceased her in 1999. They were married 35 years. She had been employed as a paraprofessional for special needs students at BUHS and previously worked for many years as a secretary/office manager at Learning Skills, Inc., a private learning center located in Dummerston. Sheila also worked for Families First and in other secretarial positions. She enjoyed flower gardening, feeding her birds, knitting, quilting, and time spent on the coast of Maine and in Heathrow, Florida. Her most favorite thing of all was spending time with her family and friends. Her kind, generous love and taking care of others was the glue that held her family together. On July 17, 2001, in Bellows Falls, she was married to Bernard L. Lawrence, who survives. Other survivors include her five children: Sherry Ames and husband Brian of Putney, Shelly Hain and husband Bob of Heathrow, Stephanie Powell and husband Ray of Groton, Connecticut, Johnny Hutchins and wife April of Brandon, and Gregory Hutchins of Dummerston; sisters Cheryl Aplin, Dolores Sylvester, Norma Ives ,and Frances Brochu; brothers, Alton and Randy King; and 14 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Additionally, she leaves many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and several cousins. She was predeceased by sibling Darlene Hutchins, Joyce Keeler, Clarice Short, and Raymond, Reginald, Dennis, and Fred King. Memorial information: A private graveside service will be held on Friday, March 31, at 11 a.m., for family and extended family at Meeting House Hill Cemetary in Brattleboro, followed by a celebration of life for family and friends at the VFW on 40 Black Mountain Road at 1 p.m. Donations to Rescue Inc., P.O. Box 593, Brattleboro, VT 05302, or to West Dummerston Volunteer Fire & Rescue, P.O. Box 40, West Dummerston, VT 05357. To send condolences, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Louis Edgar Maxfield, 94, of Hartland. Died on March 17, 2023, in Fort Pierce, Florida.Born to Lesle and Marguerite (Dodge) Maxfield on May 22, 1928, in Tunbridge, the second of their seven children, Louis lived his early life on the family farm there. In 1945, the Maxfield family made the big move to a river bottom-land farm in North Hartland which they would come to name Lemax Farm. Louis completed his high school education in nearby White River Junction, graduating with the Class of 1946 of Hartford High School. He then returned to the family farm to work, joining forces with his parents to build a herd of registered Holstein-Friesian cows. He met the woman who would become his wife, Margaret 'Peggy' Mayhew, in 1947. They married in October, 1949, and were joined by sons Lowell and Cecil in 1952 and 1954. Peggy predeceased Louis in November 2002. After Peggy's death, Louis would go on to marry Bennie Hendrix of Fort Pierce, Florida, who survives him. Louis was a farmer, first and foremost. In a profession which could be viewed as endless drudgery, Louis found contentment and a certain spiritual quality to the husbanding of land and animals. In addition to his farm work, Louis was a 33rd degree Mason, Selectman for the Town of Hartland, Moderator of the Hartland Town Meeting for some years, President of the Vermont and New England Holstein Associations, and a lay minister with the United Methodist Church. Louis also enjoyed judging cattle, especially with young members of 4-H, with whom he hoped to pass along his knowledge of good cattle confirmation. In his late-in-life retirement, Louis enjoyed a good game of billiards, horseshoes, and golf. He and Bennie shared seasonal homes in both Vermont and Florida, but his heart was always in his beloved Vermont. Louis was predeceased by his brothers, Dick and Bob, and sister Betty. He is survived by his sisters Lorna, Marjorie, and Bunny, as well as his children, Lowell (wife Carol) and Cecil (husband Stephen Lloyd). Memorial information: A graveside memorial service will be held on May 22 at the Brick Church in Hartland Three Corners, Vermont.
• Sonya Majdak Searles, 87, formerly of Brattleboro. Died surrounded by loving family and friends on March 20, 2022. An inurnment service will be held in Brattleboro at St. Michael's Cemetery on Saturday, April 15, at 11 a.m., where Sonya will be laid to rest alongside her beloved husband “Gene” Eugene Searles. A celebration of life luncheon will follow at American Legion Post 5 on Linden Street in Brattleboro. Family and friends are kindly invited to attend.
• Roger Wayne Sweet, 82, a former resident of Fairfield, Vermont, and more recently of Readsboro. Died peacefully on March 19, 2023 at Pine Heights Nursing Home in Brattleboro. Roger was born in St. Albans on Jan. 30, 1941, the son of Homer and Elva (Montgomery) Sweet. He was raised and educated in Fairfield and graduating from Bellows Free Academy in St. Albans. While attending high school, he was active in the Future Farmers of America Program, (FFA). At the age of 50, Roger enrolled in the Adult Learning Program in St. Albans, and attended meetings with the Senate in Washington, D.C., with his fellow classmates, something he was very proud of accomplishing. Roger worked the majority of his career as a self-employed logger. An ardent outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and being in the woods. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great grandsons. Roger leaves one daughter, Jessica Tatro and her partner Karl Twitchell of Whitingham; grandchildren Dylan Tatro, Courtney Tatro, Hailey Twitchell, and Zachary Vigneau; great-grandson Bradley and Austin; his extended family Phil, Val, Marie, Sam, and Jeff ;and many nieces and nephews. Additionally, he is survived by his loyal and beloved poodle, “Goofy.” Memorial information: In keeping with his final wishes, there are no formal funeral services scheduled. His cremated remains will be scattered on the family farm in Fairfield later in the springtime. An informal gathering of family and close friends will take place at a future date. To send condolences, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Diana James Waterfield, 78, of Putney. Died on March 17 2023. She was the daughter of Maynard and Leslie Waterfield, and was a recent resident at Pine Heights Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Brattleboro. She is survived by her brother David, sister-in-law Darlene, and two nieces and one nephew. Diana was born in Washington D.C. and grew up in Arlington, Virginia. She graduated from University of North Carolina at Greensboro with a degree in interior design and worked in that field in Arlington. She moved to Massachusetts in 1968 and had several careers and later worked as an executive assistant for a venture capital company. She had a great sense of humor and was an avid animal lover, including her cats and dog Rufus. She will be missed by her family and her many friends. Memorial information: A graveside service will be held at a later time in Virginia. Donations can be made in her memory to the Alzheimer's Association (www.alz.org). To send condolences, visit www.atamaniuk.com.