College news
• The following local students recently earned associate degrees from Community College of Vermont at its 2023 spring commencement: Melissa R. French and Laurel Es Salter-Dimma of Bellows Falls, Christina Leigh Howe and Myllasa Riggins of Brattleboro, Denny Ray Hughes of Guilford, Emma Paige Lane of Jamaica, Paige Rohane of Putney, Haley Jean Brown of South Newfane, Tiffany Marie Allen and Emily Ann Maturo of Wardsboro, Alexis Grisales and Hannah Faith Hoffman of West Dover, Zachary Miles Condon of Whitingham, and Melissa Alicia Sutton of Wilmington.
• Hana Kusumi, a government and philosophy major from South Londonderry, received her degree with the Class of 2023 at St. Laurence University in Canton, New York.
• The following local students earned degrees from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York: Elijah Burdo of Brattleboro, B.S. in computer science and Christopher Metcalfe of South Londonderry, B.S. in mechanical engineering.
• Owen Ameden of Jamaica and Arin Bates of West Wardsboro were named to the Dean's List for the spring 2023 semester at Clarkson University in Potsdam, New York.
• Jesse Peter Dykes of West Wardsboro, a sophomore majoring in computer science, was named a Presidential Scholar for the spring 2023 semester at Clarkson University. Presidential Scholars must achieve a minimum 3.80 grade-point average and carry at least 14 credit hours.
• Kaie Quigley of West Wardsboro and Lacy Hudson of Grafton were named to the Dean's List for the spring 2023 semester at Lasell University in Newton, Massachusetts.
• John Peloso of Townshend and Sydney Henry of Brattleboro were named to the Dean's List for the spring 2023 semester at Stonehill College in Easton, Massachusetts.
• Keigan Illingworth, a dance major from Westminster, was named to the Dean's List for the spring 2023 semester at Hofstra University in Hempstead, N.Y.
• Ruby Powers, a media arts and design major from Dummerston, was named to the Dean's List for the spring 2023 semester at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia.
• Emeline L. Stewart of Wilmington was named to the Dean's List for the spring 2023 semester at Fairfield (Conn.) University.
School news
• Hazel Handy of Brattleboro, Sophie Richards of Brattleboro, and Alicia Chechile of Vernon, all members of the Class of 2023, recently graduated from Northfield Mount Hermon in Mount Hermon, Massachusetts.
Obituaries
• John Harvey (Harve) Babbitt, 95, of Putney. Died peacefully due to natural causes on June 7, 2023 at the Arbors Senior Living facility in Bedford, New Hampshire. John was born Feb. 3, 1928 in Brattleboro, the second eldest of 10 children to Kenneth and Ruth Babbitt. As a young boy, they lived in an old farmhouse in Dummerston Center, until the family bought a farm in Westminster West. This was the post-Depression era and times were difficult for all, especially for a family of 12. However, working together they found ways to put food on the table, through hunting, bartering, growing their own crops, and their herd of dairy cows. The work was hard and the days long, and yet they still found time and space for fun and mischief. It was always interesting, at family get-togethers, to hear the stories of their younger years. When he was 17, John joined the Army and proceeded to embark on the next major chapter of his life. It was the end of World War II, and he found himself stationed at the Army base in Wurzburg, Germany, where he met Elisabeth Helena Bekiesch, the person that he was destined to spend the rest of his life with. Liz worked on the base, in the commissary which John frequented. They dated and fell in love. When John was reassigned state-side, he did not want to leave her behind, and applied for an extension to stay for the required one-year wait period for military personnel to marry non-USA citizens. In March 1950, they were married in Wurzburg and, shortly thereafter, they moved to the United States. During the early years of their marriage, they moved around the United States, including Texas, Oklahoma, Massachusetts, and Detroit. In the later years, Liz and the children were based in Brattleboro, while John was stationed overseas. He found his place in the Army, working his way through the ranks, until achieving the rank of major. After 20 years of service, he retired from the military, and they settled in Putney to raise their family. They built a beautiful home together with their own hands, including everything from pouring the foundation to sanding and varnishing the trim. The property had acres of lawns and gardens and a beautiful view of New Hampshire and the Connecticut River Valley. John was very proud of the home that he built and enjoyed a lifetime of maintaining and updating the home and surrounding property. After 20 years in the military, transitioning to post-Army life was a significant change. However, he leveraged his military experience and selected civilian roles that required his unique skills, creating a highly successful civilian career as a parole officer, security guard, deputy sheriff, and security officer for the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant. As always, he excelled at everything that he did. Having been raised in a large family, he loved spending time with family and friends at both small gatherings and big events. He always brought his great sense of humor, quick wit, and ability to be on the receiving end of such exchanges with grace, ensuring that he was the life of the party. He also enjoyed socializing outside of the family. He was an active member of the Putney “Viagra Club” for years, a group of “young” men who met at the general store in the morning to enjoy coffee and exchange stories and long tales. It kept them all young at heart, even though their bodies might decry otherwise. Even after all the years of being overseas with the Army, he was still an avid traveler well into his retirement. He enjoyed cruises through the Panama Canal and viewing the Alaskan glaciers. He traveled through Russia and China, and more locally to the Wisconsin Air Show and the museums in Washington, D.C. He and his cousin “Tiny” Space would venture to the Army/Navy games. He traveled as a tourist on a banana boat to Central America and back, growing a beard that belied his otherwise relatively younger looking appearance. John is survived by his sister Mary Mitchell of Westminster West; his brothers Edward Lowe and Michael Lowe of Westminster; his children, Linda Gavin of Stratham, New Hampshire, Patricia Babbitt, and her husband Allan (Skip) Thurber, of Putney, and Guy Babbitt and his fiancée Lisa Butler of Fort Collins, Colorado; and his grandchildren, R. Charles Gavin of Salt Lake City, Utah, and Mathew Gavin and his husband Tom Bonnar, of Marietta, Georgia. John was predeceased by his wife and his brothers Kenneth Babbitt, Francis Lowe, George Lowe, Richard Lowe, Joseph Lowe, and James Lowe, who died in the Korean War. Memorial information: Calling hours will be Friday, June 16, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., at Atamaniuk Funeral Home, 40 Terrace St., Brattleboro. A graveside service with military honors will take place on Saturday June 17, at 11 a.m., at Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Putney, followed by a gathering of remembrance at noon at The Gleanery in Putney. Feel free to join the family at the Gleanery, whether or not you attend the graveside service. Donations to the Putney Food Shelf at putneyfoodshelf.org, or to support Alzheimer's research at alz.org/donate.
• Lila M. (Grant) Borter, 92, formerly of Brunswick, Maine, and more recently a resident of West Sand Lake, Maine. Died on June 5, 2023, three days short of her 93rd birthday. She was the daughter of the late Elmer and Ann (Levesque) Grant and the wife of the late Donald Borter. She was born in Troy, Maine, and graduated from Lansingburgh (Maine) High School. During her younger years, she attended the Eleanor Miller School of Dance and performed at the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall. Lila worked for many years in clerical positions at the former Montgomery Ward and Co. in Menands and the former Trojan Electronics Co. in Troy, until retiring at 80 years of age. She enjoyed painting, crafting, cooking, gardening, knitting, and crocheting, and most of all, shopping for bargains. It was a life well lived. Lila will be missed by her children, Donna (Richard) Luby of Pittstown, Maine, Robert (Patricia Logue) Borter of Brattleboro, Thomas (Barbara) Borter of Pittstown; grandchildren Rima (Kevin) Brooks of Claremont, New Hampshire, Jeremy (Anastasia) Smith of Arlington, Virginia, Jennifer (Mark) Collins of Brunswick, and Jeffrey (Emily) Borter of Homer, New York; and great-grandchildren Madelynn and Braley Collins, and William, Jane, and Charlie Borter. They all have a new angel watching over them. She is also survived by her lifelong friend and partner in crime, Catherine “Kay” Hagadorn of Pittstown, who provided road trips and travel adventures with lots of laughter, and her neighbor in the Brookside Community, Mary Ann Capece, who is owed a debt of gratitude for her help at any time of day when Lila was having difficulties. Memorial information: After her memorial service, inurnment took place at John's Cemetery in North Troy. For those wishing to remember Lila, please give someone you know a hug in remembrance of her.
• Donald Thomas Burns, Jr., 78, of Bellows Falls. Died on May 30, 2023, at the Vermont Veterans' Home in Bennington. D. Thomas - also known as Tom Burns, Tom, and Burnsie - was born Jan. 28, 1945, in Gardner, Massachusetts to the late Donald Thomas Burns, Sr. and Jeanne Lemire Burns. A big man in the small town of Bellows Falls, he was drafted into the Army and sent to Vietnam where he was wounded by shrapnel to the head, causing paralysis to the left side of his body. Upon return from Vietnam, Tom endured rehab and physical therapy, and soon discovered he would no longer be the same young man he was before leaving for war. He did eventually embrace this, accepting his fate and his disabilty without complaining. He would go on to live life to the fullest. Tom enjoyed his friends and fellow veterans at the American Legion, the Polish Club, the Elks Lodge, the Moose, and the VFW. If he wasn't a member, he was an honorary member, of that one was certain. Tom was a man about town, waving to everyone with his raised pointer finger, keeping his hand on the wheel. This wave was mimicked when he allowed people to drive his white Grand Am or Lincoln Continental. It seemed like everyone knew him. The “town tour,” as he liked to call them, were his daily drives through the square, recognizing whose car was parked where, so he knew where his friends were socializing. He was easy to talk to, and he knew it, using “Talk to me, I'll Listen” as his slogan when running for state senate. He was quick to help a person in need, regardless of social status or situation, never looking for a payback or a reason. Often, his advice was simple and from the heart, “this too…shall pass.” Returning to Bellows Falls after his military service, he would earn his bachelors from Windham College, go on to own two well-known bars in the town (Meatland and Doc's Place), co-own a few racehorses (Slippery When Wet and Belligerent), and selling “sleeper beepers” or wireless connectivity before his time. He was successful at owning and operating D. Thomas Burns Realty for more than 15 years. He eventually married Lillian LeBlanc and they bought a house on Kissell Hill. It isn't clear if his neighbors were upset with Tom about bringing five children (four of them boys) to the previously quiet neighborhood, but Tom was an effective politician, keeping as many people as possible happy. Tom was thrilled at the birth of his daughter Jennifer in 1978, adding to the five stepchildren he loved. He was a father to Jennifer and Dad to all of them. He had a special soft spot for Leroy, who was born with Cerebral Palsy and confined to a wheelchair. Tom, Lillian, and Leroy would fight to put elevators and ramps in the Vermont public schools, post offices, and libraries; a beautiful cause that not only the disabled, but the town, would come to embrace. Tom would go on to become the Northeastern representative for the Military Order of the Purple Heart for several years. He worked closely with Vermont politicians to improve veterans' healthcare. Tom was a Selectman for the community, and a frequent speaker at Memorial Day or Veterans Day parades. Tom was also a devout Catholic and sang in church every day, reminding people that “singing is praying twice.” Over time, Tom would come to sing at thousands of weddings, funerals, karaoke competitions, parties, sporting events, and eventually becoming the “Green Mountain Cantor.” With this fame and stardom, he accrued a following of elderly church-going ladies (groupies) who continued to send him cookies and fan mail right up until his death. As Tom's memory began to fade, he would become a resident of the Vermont Veterans' Home, and would sing for other veterans and the staff for their enjoyment. Tom is survived by a brother, Francis “Butch” and (Bette) Burns of Holiday, Florida and a sisters, Carolyn (Michael) Dunn of Seattle, Washington; his children: Terry and (Stacy) Warren of Everett, Washington; Leroy Warren of Worcester, Massachusetts; Larry and (Mary) Warren of Danielson, Connecticut; Charles and (Ana) Warren of Meridian, Idaho; Gale Paige of Providence Forge, Virginia; and Jennifer and (Richard) Johnson of Richmond, Virginia. He is also survived by numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren and his many friends who will miss him greatly. Memorial information: Visitation will take place on Monday, June 19, from 4 to 6 p.m., at Fenton & Hennessey Funeral Home, 55 Westminster St., Bellows Falls. A reception will follow at American Legion Post 37, with a toast that will begin at 7 p.m. for all in attendance, as he buys a round for everyone from the grave (as decreed in his will). A funeral Mass will take place on Tuesday, June 20, at 11 a.m., at St. Charles Church in Bellows Falls. Burial will be at a later date. Donations to the Bellows Falls Alumni Association, c/o Darlene Kelly, P.O. Box 172, Bellows Falls, VT 05101, or to Disabled American Veterans (www.dav.org).
• Ellen Darrow, 89, of South Newfane. Died at home, surrounded by her family, during the “Storm of the Century” on March 13, 2023. She always said she would not go quietly, and with a storm that dropped 36 inches of snow, she fulfilled her promise. An artist, writer, a lover of words, fashion, and great food, Ellen will be best remembered as an artist with a wicked sense of humor. Her talents were expressed in many mediums including clay carvings of metaphorical scenes, collages made from unfinished drawings, and Pysanky, the art of painting finite designs on hollowed-out eggshells. No matter the medium, her art often had political overtones and was an opportunity for her to express her humor. Ellen loved literature and language and could tell anyone who cared to ask the Latin root of any obscure word. She loved politics and was an ardent consumer of news, frequently using her love of words to scathe politicians who didn't align with her sense of justice and compassion. She was a voracious reader and immersed herself in history, especially politics and World War II. As her eyesight began to fail, she consumed books on tape from all genres. She was a serious writer as well and won several awards for her short stories. Ellen kept a large vegetable and herb garden that included heirloom tomatoes, Japanese eggplants, and a variety of hot and sweet peppers. Her favorite garden staple was garlic, which she used liberally in all of her dishes. Her favorite meals were boisterous, shared with family and friends and often included fresh mussels with loads of garlic and leeks, freshly baked bread, and a bottle of white wine. Her righteous sense of justice and fastidious attention to detail led her to serve on the Newfane Selectboard in the 1980s and 1990s, where she was steadfast in her protection of the environment. Ellen lived in South Newfane for 61 years and will be dearly missed by her family and friends. She was predeceased in 2003 by her husband of 47 years, Dan. She is survived by her children, Chris of South Newfane, Jenny (Dave) of Peterborough New Hampshire, and Heikki (Michelle) of Virginia Beach, Virginia; grandchildren Ashley McDowell, Quinn Darrow, Anwyn Darrow, Trey Darrow, Kianna Darrow, and Bennett Saxe; and her great-grandson, Amos Darrow. Memorial information: This year's Rock River Artists tour is dedicated to Ellen's memory, with a retrospective exhibition of her artwork to be shown at Olallie Daylily Gardens on Saturday, July 15. More information can be found at rockriverartists.com.
• Sandra J. Pechillo, 84, of West Brattleboro. Died on June 5, 2023 at the home of her daughter in Windsor, Vermont. Sandy was born on May 18, 1939 to John and Lillian (Fraser) Plisko in Danbury, Connecticut. She graduated from Harding High School in Bridgeport, Connecticut in 1957. She worked in a variety of clerical and hospitality jobs. Locally, she worked for the Country Kitchen, The Book Press, Newton Business Machines, and TD Bank. She retired at age 72 from People's United Bank's mortgage department. Sandy lived at Westgate in West Brattleboro for more than 50 years and was very involved in the Westgate Housing Board and her community. Sandy loved spending time with her family and friends. She loved any celebration or holiday and gift-giving was her love language; she often gave her gifts early due to her excitement. One of her favorite activities was shopping and lunch with an ice cream sundae for dessert. Sandy had a strong faith in the Lord and was an active member of Agape Christian Fellowship in Brattleboro. She enjoyed her time with her Women's Bible Study, Children's Ministry, and other outreach programs. She enjoyed reading, crafts and baking. She had a great love for her cats over the years; especially her Josh. Sandy is survived by her daughter Pamela Pechillo Rice and her favorite son-in-law Michael. She cherished her granddaughters Kacey Anderson and Erin Rice, and was lucky to be a “Great Grammie” to Aayla Anderson as they shared a love of sparkly dresses and dessert. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews and dear friends. She was predeceased by her parents, siblings Lillian (Plisko) Zarr and Robert Plisko. Memorial information: A celebration of life service was held June 12 at Agape Christian Fellowship, followed by burial at Friedsam Cemetery in Chesterfield, New Hampshire. Donations to Bayada Foundation. P.O. Box 1590, Norwich, VT 05055.
• John Edward Ross, 71, of Westminster. Died, May 23, 2023 after a brief illness. He was born on Dec. 20, 1951 in Concord, Massachusetts, the son of Theresa (Curra) and the late Gilbert Ross. John graduated from Fall Mountain High School and, from there, he worked for Paul Galloway, where he built homes. John also worked as an auto mechanic around the area before opening up his own business, Ross' Tire and Auto in Bellows Falls in 1979. He was a pillar in the community for years. In his early years, John enjoyed building performance motors and driving fast cars. John did some driving in the Sportsman and Modified divisions at Monadnock and Claremont speedways. He was also a crew chief and mechanic for his son in the Pro-Quad mini stock division, where they had great success at the Canaan and Claremont speedways. He enjoyed his family and many great customers he met at the business throughout the years. In his later years, he enjoyed working on his classic vehicles and doing different projects around the house. He also loved spending time with his wife, Priscilla (Merrill), who survives, and his rescued animals, especially “Earl the Pig.” He will be honored and remembered in many ways by family and friends. John is also survived by his son and his longtime partner Linda Hood of Walpole, New Hampshire; his daughter Angela Kissell and her husband Francis of Ludlow; a brother Jesse Ross and his wife Amy of Westmoreland, New Hampshire; sisters Karen Harper and her husband Lloyd of Nashua, New Hampshire, Judith St. Laurent and her husband Gary of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and Pamela Wentzel and her husband Willie of Springvale, Maine. Memorial information: There will be no services at this time. Because of his love for animals, donations in John's memory can be made the animal shelter of one's choice.
• Jerry F. Rounds, 83, of Brattleboro. Died June 3, 2023 at Grace Cottage Hospital in Townshend, with family at his side, after a period of declining health. He was born in Hinsdale, New Hampshire on Nov. 8, 1939, the son of the late Guy and Marjorie Fowler Rounds. He was raised and educated in Brattleboro public schools and graduated from Brattleboro Union High School with the Class of 1957, after which he entered the Air Force and served until his honorable discharge in 1962. In November 1959, while home from the service, Jerry met Alma Chandler of Springfield, who was in town visiting her sister. They would be wed in 1960 and together they shared more than 62 years of marriage until his death. Alma often said that Jerry “was the only man who ever kissed me.” Jerry and Alma started their family in Brattleboro where he began his working career as a Brattleboro Police officer. The family moved to Barre when he became an insurance adjuster for Union Mutual Fire Insurance Company, his occupation for nearly 35 years before retiring in 2001. The family returned to Brattleboro from Barre in 1977. Jerry was an avid baseball fan devoted solely to the Boston Red Sox, traits that were passed on to his children. He was also a voracious reader and enjoyed old television shows as well as his large DVD movie collection. Most important to Jerry, however, was his family, all of whom meant a great deal to him. Surviving are his wife Alma, his children Michael Rounds (Margie) and Kimberly Ebbighausen (Jay), both of Hinsdale; grandchildren Tyler Ebbighausen of Brattleboro, Kaitlyn Leonard (Andrew) of Hinsdale, Meghan Rounds of Portland, Maine, and Mikaela Rounds of Brattleboro; great-grandchildren Heidi, Adeline, and Ronnie Ebbighausen, Danny and Ryan Leonard, and Addison Rounds; and several nieces and nephews. Jerry was predeceased by his parents, and a younger brother, Douglas. Memorial information: A graveside service will be held on Saturday, July 1, at 11 a.m., at Meetinghouse Hill Cemetery on Orchard Street in Brattleboro. All are welcome to attend. Donations to your local youth sports organization or the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302.
• Winona Stone, 75, of Bellows Falls. Died peacefully on May 9, 2023 in Brattleboro. She was born June 6, 1947 in Bellows Falls to Charles and Leona (Michaud) Bain, and graduated from Bellows Falls High School in 1965. She married Roger Stone in February 1972. Winona was one of the original majorettes for the St. Charles Knights of Columbus Drum and Bugle Corps. Winona worked many years for Freedom Publications and various area stores, “always” counting the customers' change. She was an avid reader of James Patterson novels and enjoyed completing complicated puzzles. Winona is survived by her children Dawn and Jeremy (Marina), granddaughters Kayla, Kiki, and Jasmine, and great-granddaughter Everly. Winona is also survived by her sisters Denise (Dennis) Labby of Westminster, Charlene Farnsworth of Saxtons River, and Berdina (Deena) Ezequelle of Walpole, New Hampshire, and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, sister Sandy (Dave) Chesley, brothers-in-law, Clayton Ezequelle Jr. and Frank Farnsworth, nephew Ryan Williams, and friend Gary Hartnett. Memorial information: There will be no services at Winona's request.