Milestones

Obituaries

• James Anthony Eno, 93, of Westminster. Died Dec. 15, 2023 at Springfield (Vt.) Health and Rehabilitation Center, following a short illness. He was born on July 9, 1930 in Bellows Falls to Charlie Eno and Theresa DeNuzzi. James graduated in 1948 from Bellows Falls High School, and married Nora O'Brien on Nov. 27, 1954. James proudly served in the Army during the Korean Conflict, where he held the rank of sergeant first class and earned the Army Commendation, National Defense Service, and United Nations Service medals, plus the Korean Service Medal with three bronze service stars. James worked as a meat manager for First National Stores for more than 50 years, and was a member of the Knights of Columbus and American Legion Post 37, serving as post commander. James was an avid Yankees fan and took part in many a spirited debate with Red Sox fans. James is survived by his children Michael Eno and his wife, Pam, of Ludlow, Timothy Eno and his wife, Brenda, of Bellows Falls, Jane Eno-Oevermann and her husband Dieter of Springfield, and John Eno of West Palm Beach, Florida; grandchildren Christopher, Justin and Keith Eno of Bellows Falls, Meagan LeBlanc of North Carolina, Eric LeBlanc of Greensburg, Pennsylvania, and Elizabeth, Isabella, and Victoria Eno of Florida; and several great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a sister, Jeanette LaFoe of Connecticut. He was predeceased by brothers John, Joe, and Charles Eno. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held on Dec. 20 at St. Charles Church in Bellows Falls.

• Paul L. "Nub" Fisher, 72, of Hinsdale, New Hampshire. Died Dec. 15, 2023 in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his loving family, following a courageous battle with cancer. Paul was born in Brattleboro on Oct. 17, 1951, the son of the late Kenneth and Mary Marie (Cormier) Fisher. He was raised and educated in Guilford, graduating from Brattleboro Union High School with the Class of 1970. A gifted athlete while a student at BUHS, Paul excelled in varsity sports, especially baseball, and was an extraordinarily gifted pitcher known for his knuckleball. The late coach Carl Tenney considered Paul the caliber of player who could be in the major leagues if presented with the opportunity. Paul savored competition and never gave up an opportunity to display that. For 16 years, Paul was employed in the grounds and maintenance department for the Thicket Hill Residential Park. Previously, he had worked for several years in carpentry for Don LaValley Construction. In his early years, Paul assisted his parents who, at the time, owned and operated the Guilford Country Store in Algiers. Paul was an ardent outdoorsman who enjoyed sharing his love for hunting with his son, grandchildren, and sons-in-law. Paul also liked to go fishing, play tennis, and golf, and was a member of the Northfield Country Club. He was also a gifted pool player who frequented the former Joe's Pool Hall on Elliot Street in Brattleboro. On Sept. 7, 1997, in Brattleboro, at a wedding with marriage vows performed by his brother, he was married to Susan Sprague, who survives. Besides his faithful and devoted wife of 34 years, he leaves a son, Andrew Fisher of Hinsdale; three daughters, Jennifer Tuller (Troy) of Hinsdale, Jessica Galdamez (Billy) of Vernon, and Heather Swan (Thad) of Hinsdale; brothers Rev. James E. Fisher (Carol) of Glasgow, Kentucky and Terry Fisher of Greenfield, Massachusetts; and grandchildren, Elliana, Jayden, William, Evan, and Dylan. Additionally, he is survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, a large host of friends, and his beloved Chihuahuas, Brodie and Joyce. Paul was predeceased by his parents, a sister, Jane Kent, and a sister-in-law, Cheryl (Thompson) Fisher. Memorial information: A celebration of his life will be held at the Fraternal Order of Eagles on Chickering Drive on Monday, Jan. 15, from 1 to 4 p.m. Friends are invited to call at Atamaniuk Funeral Home in Brattleboro on Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. Paul's family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to all his friends and multiple communities for the amazing love and support given to Paul and his family throughout the time of his illness. Paul's final wishes were: no matter how busy life gets, make time for family and loved ones. They ask that you remember Paul when taking a walk in the woods or fishing in your favorite spot, but most importantly by giving back to others in need. Donations to the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302; or the Hinsdale Volunteer Fire Department, 13 Depot St., Hinsdale, NH 03451.

• William Henry "Willie" Gembarowski, 74, of Brattleboro. Died peacefully at his home with his family at his side on Dec. 23, 2023, after living with cancer for several years. Willie was born on May 26, 1949, the oldest son of Zowie and Lorraine (Pichette) Gembarowski. He was a St. Michael's High School graduate in the Class of 1967 and continued his education at New England College of Accounting and Commerce in Manchester, New Hampshire, until he joined the Army in 1969. He married Mary "Midge" Haus in 1970 before leaving to proudly serve his country. He was stationed at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii for three years, during the Vietnam War. Following his honorable discharge from active service, he returned home to Brattleboro with Mary to settle down and start a family. They purchased a home in 1975, where they would raise their family. Willie went to work at The Book Press as a printer and was employed by the company for 25 years, after which he started to pursue an interest in woodworking. In 1996, he purchased another lovely home that he worked on renovating, and that had space for a large wood shop in the garage. Willie loved making things and keeping his workshop and home in perfect order. He later worked for Southeastern Vermont Community Action, for Jancewicz & Son and, well past retirement age, took a job at Hilltop Montessori School that involved planning and building shelving and storage space and being around a lively crowd of children, which he always enjoyed. Willie also enjoyed caring for the yards and gardens around his homes, cooking for others, woodworking, and helping others. He will be remembered for his spirit of friendship and generosity. He cherished time spent with his family, especially his seven grandchildren. Although his illness kept him from doing some things, he continued to spend time with family and friends and orchestrated how to gather the people he loved to spend time together and eat good food. Willie is survived by his ex-wife and best friend of 60 years, Mary Gembarowski of Brattleboro; three daughters; Jessica Justin (Stephen) of Grosse Point Park, Michigan, Katrina Gembarowski of Brattleboro, and Alexa Gembarowski of Brattleboro; grandchildren Amelia Noël, Simon Henry, Eliza Jane, Louisa Claire, Malina Marie, Alice Elizabeth, and Katherine Margaret; siblings Caroline Hammarlund (Erik) of Brattleboro, Daniel Gembarowski (Diane) of Texas, Joseph Gembarowski (Renee) of Brattleboro, Noël Swtzen (Jean-Marc) of France, Rebecca Gembarowski (Tim) of Brattleboro, and his longtime friend and partner, Anne Senni. Additionally, he is survived by an uncle, Albert Pichette of Florida, an aunt, Annette Seaman of New York, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Willie was predeceased by both of his parents and one brother, Zachary Gembarowski. Memorial information: Willie was a communicant of St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church. A funeral Mass and interment with military honors will take place later in the springtime. Donations to Bayada Hospice, 1222 Putney Rd., Brattleboro, VT 05301. To offer condolences. visit atamaniuk.com.

• Pearl Joyce Green, 93, of Whitingham. Died peacefully in her sleep on Dec. 18, 2023. Pearl was born in Whitingham on May 3, 1930, the daughter of the late Truman and Alice (Harvey) Powers. She attended "The Schoolhouse" in Whitingham. Pearl was a seamstress and worked at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital for more than 20 years. She was devout in her Christian Faith and was a member of the Brattleboro Church of Christ. Pearl enjoyed sewing, knitting, and traveling to be with her children. She cherished time spent with her family. Pearl was preceded in death by her husband Robert Green, and daughter-in-law Linda Green. Pearl is survived by her children, Robert Green of Wilmington, Ellen (Mark) Starr of Catskill, New York, Myrna (Phillip) Culver of Addison, Marcia (Daniel) Nelson of Wilmington, Mitchell (Dora) Green of Halifax, Diana (John) Kentfield of Westminster, Jennifer (Scott) Grover of Burlington, Iowa, Beth Green of Whitingham, Brian (Rebekah) Green of Whitingham, and Wanda Green of New Haven, Vermont. She is also survived by 42 grandchildren, 53 great-grandchildren and 2 great great-grandchildren. Memorial information: Funeral services were held Dec. 23 at the Municipal Center in Jacksonville. Donations to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, in care of Covey-Allen & Shea Funeral Home, P.O. Box 528, Wilmington, VT 05363. To send the family personal condolences, visit www.sheafuneralhomes.com.

• Paul Arthur Grover, 78, of Hinsdale, New Hampshire. Died December 21, 2023 in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his family, following a lengthy period of declining health. Paul was born in Brattleboro on May 10, 1945, the son of Earl and Dorothy (Reid) Grover. A lifelong resident of the area, he attended Brattleboro public schools, including Brattleboro Union High School. He worked all of his career as a truck driver employed by Pride Transport and CR England Transport, both of Salt Lake City, Utah. His last position prior to retiring was with Zaluzny Excavating of Vernon. Paul had an appreciation and love for classic cars and was the proud owner of several classics that included a 1976 Buick Riviera, a 1979 Oldsmobile Cutlass, and a 1951 Ford. He was a longtime member of the Now & Then Car Club. Paul was known for his unique sense of humor. He loved a good joke and enjoyed making people laugh. He was a faithful and devoted husband and a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather as well as a friend to many. He was first married to Ginger Stacy who predeceased him. He later married Bonnie L. Cleveland on May 7, 1988 in Greenfield, Massachusetts, a balcony wedding ceremony for family and close friends. Besides his wife of 35 years, survivors include his four children, Christopher Grover (Tessa) of Swanzey, New Hampshire, Eric Draper of Keene, New Hampshire, Jennifer Bush (Ron) of Keene, and Linda Goodnow of Hinsdale; one sister, Joyce Kane of Rocky Hill, Connecticut; grandchildren Kira, Joshua, Eric, and Landon; a great-grandson, Grayson; many nieces and nephews, and several cousins. Additionally, Paul leaves his beloved Sheltie, Abby, who he adored. He was predeceased by a sister, Gail Gilbeau; a brother, Earl Dewey Grover; and a granddaughter, Kaitlyn Hope Goodnow. Memorial information: In keeping with Paul's final wishes, there are no formal funeral services scheduled. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date with burial of his cremated remains in Meetinghouse Hill Cemetery. Donations to Rescue Inc., P.O. Box 593, Brattleboro, VT 05302; or Monadnock Humane Society, 101 West Swanzey Road, Swanzey, NH 03446. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.

• Wayne Paul Lauden, 77, of Bristol, Vermont, formerly of Putney. Died on Dec. 7, 2023, surrounded by his family, following a rapid advancement of Alzheimer's disease. The son of Elizabeth (Hoffacker) and Ernest Lauser, he was born in Philadelphia on July 30, 1946 and raised in Media, Pennsylvania. A talented musician and inherently creative, Wayne was classically trained in trumpet at Temple University and was devoted to the arts in all forms. He wrote countless tunes and songs (including a full-length opera), played eight instruments, and explored sound design, stagecraft, puppetry, and storytelling. Holding true to his beliefs as a Quaker pacifist, Wayne became an anti-war campaigner, protester and organizer, blockading ports in canoes to disrupt arms shipments to conflict zones and training civil-rights protesters in non-violent resistance. During the Vietnam War, Wayne walked 500 miles to personally return his draft card to the desk of the Secretary of Defense. He was imprisoned as a conscientious objector, and later was given presidential pardon by Jimmy Carter. Wayne then settled in Windham County, where he was a performer, a first responder, and paramedic, in addition to building two houses in Putney where he raised his family. His love for the outdoors inspired him to hand-build a cedar double kayak in which he navigated Vermont's waterways by paddle and homemade sail. Wayne retired to Bristol and quickly found his community of friends by hosting a weekly music jam. Despite the increasing difficulties of Alzheimer's disease, his unique combination of curiosity, musicality, warmth, and grace remained firmly intact. Many blessings unfolded: Wayne became an enthusiastic member of the Project Independence community, where his spirit and interests were nurtured, and his love of kayaking continued through the support of the NDAA Adaptive Kayaking program. Wayne received TLC in his final weeks at Addison Respite Care Home at Helen Porter. Wayne left the world a better (and more interesting) place than he found it, and he lived his final days as he had all others - with a song in his heart. Wayne is survived by the love of his life, Sue Hawkins, his sons Jon and Jesse (Suzie Wyman), granddaughter Anna, daughter-in-law Stephanie, and many well-loved friends. Memorial information: A celebration of Wayne's life will be held at Holley Hall in Bristol on Saturday, Jan. 6, at 1:30 p.m. Refreshments will follow, and musicians are invited to bring an instrument for a concurrent Wayne Fest jam session. Donations in Wayne's honor may be made to Project Independence at www.elderlyservices.org.

• Stephen McCabe, 65, of Guilford. Died unexpectedly on Dec. 4, 2023. He was born on Aug. 12, 1958, in Quincy, Massachusetts. Steve attended Pembroke Elementary School, and later graduated from Silver Lake Regional High School in 1977. He enjoyed sports, particularly weightlifting during his younger years. Steve's professional journey began in the printing business in Massachusetts, relocating to The Book Press in Brattleboro. With dedication and skill, he later transitioned to become a Journeyman Electrician with Interstate Electric, where he excelled in his work until his retirement in 2021. Steve, known for his kindness and gentle nature, was a man of deep compassion and generosity. He found solace in the beauty of nature. Whether it was mountain biking, kayaking, skiing, hiking, fishing, or camping, he embraced every moment, especially when accompanied by his cherished grandson, Cole. Steve loved to travel, and was a wonderful companion with an acute sense of direction. He looked forward to more trips and adventures during his retirement. With a sweet tooth and a love for family traditions, Steve took pride in preparing special breakfasts for his loved ones, particularly during the holiday seasons. In the summer months, you could find Steve relaxing on the back deck with an ice cold G&T, surrounded by the beautiful gardens his wife Beth cultivated. Steve is survived by his wife, Beth McCabe, and his four stepchildren, Erin Yudin, Andrea Yudin, Carla Yudin, and Ronald Yudin, whom he loved as his own. He was a doting grandfather to Cole, Remi, and Jackson, their playfulness bringing immeasurable joy to his life. Steve is also survived by his brothers, Barry McCabe (Denise) and Kevin McCabe (Maryellen), his sisters, Kerry McCabe and Lenore McCabe, his niece, Casey McCabe (Andre Dean), and nephews, Matt McCabe (Erin) and Shane Ebanks. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ruth (Smith) and Bernard McCabe. Memorial information: A private service was held to honor and celebrate Steve's life. Donations to the Windham County Humane Society (www.windhamcountyhumane.org/donate), or the Vermont Suicide Prevention Center (www.healthandlearning.org).

•Edith "Ede" Baker Thomas, 92, of Marlboro. Died peacefully, with her family by her side, on Dec. 15, 2023 at Grace Cottage Hospital in Townshend. Born Aug. 20, 1931, in Marinette, Wisconsin to Lester and Ramona Baker, Ede was a graduate of Marinette High School. She attended Northwestern University (1951) where she earned a B.A. in Music and an M.M. in Music Education. Immediately following graduation, she moved to Hartford, Connecticut with a violin, a bicycle, and a promise of a job teaching music in the Hartford Public Schools. While singing with the Simsbury Light Opera Company in a production of Iolanthe by Gilbert and Sullivan, she was cast opposite J.B.C. "Tommy" Thomas, who quickly became her true love on stage and off. They married and lived in Hartford for 40 years, where they raised their two sons and two daughters, spending every summer on Ames Hill in Marlboro. In 1992, after 30 years of teaching elementary-school music and directing children's chorus at the Unitarian Universalist Church, she and Tommy retired to Marlboro. Ede was an accomplished vocalist, pianist, and violinist and was very active in the arts community of Hartford and southern Vermont. As a performer she was a longtime member of the Blanche Moyse Chorale, singing in every performance for over 35 years. She was also a violinist in the Windham Orchestra and was a participant in a number of chamber ensembles over the years. As a volunteer, Ede was the head usher at the Marlboro Music Festival for many years and often housed visiting performers. Never truly retiring, Ede was the Choir Director at All Souls U.U. Church in West Brattleboro for nearly 30 years, where she also served on the Board of Directors and Search Committee. Ede was passionate about teaching children to sing and directed children's choirs every summer at the Marlboro Meeting House. Full of energy and a love of life, Ede was a friend to all and a stranger to none. She laughed generously and had a charming sense of humor. Never idle, there was always a friend to share a smile with, a sewing project to work on, a piece of furniture to refurbish, a watercolor to paint, a flower arrangement to make, a jigsaw puzzle to assemble, homemade crackers or a pie to bake, a game of Scrabble to play, or songs to sing. She accepted every opportunity to help those around her with her overflowing generosity. She will be greatly missed by her family, friends, and community. Ede was preceded in death by her parents and husband; a son, Burr Thomas; and a sister, Ramona Baker Anderson. She is survived by her sister, Elizabeth Baker Stackhouse of Minnetonka, Minnesota; daughter Martha Thompson (Norman) of Louisville, Colorado and grandchildren Norman Anderson and Ellen Thompson; daughter Ellen Gawler (John) of Belgrade, Maine and granddaughters Molly (Lao Gillam), Edith, and Elsie Gawler; and son Newell Thomas (Danni Cauley) of Barrington, Rhode Island and grandsons Casey (Rebekah) and Ian (Gretchen) Thomas, and William and Patrick Cauley; and great-grandsons, Caspian and Mica Gawler. Memorial information: A memorial service will be held at All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church in West Brattleboro on Monday, Jan. 8, at 1 p.m. Donations to Blanche Moyse Chorale, 72 Blanche Moyse Way, Brattleboro, VT 05301, or Marlboro Cares, Marlboro Alliance, P.O. Box 165, Marlboro, VT 05344.

• Richard W. Tenney, 89, of Clermont, Florida, husband of Virginia (Worden) Tenney, died Dec. 28, 2023 in Clermont. A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, Jan. 6, at noon, at St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church in Brattleboro, with interment to follow in Taft Cemetery in Dummerston. Friends are invited to call at the Atamaniuk Funeral Home in Brattleboro from 10 to 11:30 a.m., before Mass. A full obituary will appear in a future edition of The Commons.

• Michael A. "Tiddy" Tidd, 75, of Rockingham. Died on Dec. 8, 2023, at the home of his brother and sister-in-law, Kevin and Tina, in Walpole, New Hampshire, where he spent the last week of his life in the company of many close friends and family. He was born August 21, 1948, in Bellows Falls, the son of James Anthony Jr and Margaret (Clapper) Tidd. Mike attended schools in Bellows Falls, including St. Charles School, and graduated from Bellows Falls High School with the Class of 1966. After graduation, he enlisted in the Marines and served in Vietnam. On his return to the area, he worked in carpentry and was a bartender at Meatland and, later, American Legion Post 67 in Chester, and Pioneer House, as well as other local establishments. He was also a member of Post 67. Michael was an avid outdoorsman and deer hunter and loved to share his passion of hunting with others. He enjoyed every aspect of being outside and preferred it to being in a building: everything from weed whacking and mowing the lawn to snowshoeing, biking, fishing, and canoeing or just a stroll with Sadie. Everyone knew Tiddy because he never drove. He hitchhiked most everywhere or rode his bike for shorter treks. While hitchhiking, Tiddy acquainted himself with a lot of people and he could make short work of getting many miles away, once he got to Route 103. Tiddy truly enjoyed an outdoor adventure, often with a fire and a beverage with his many friends, and later spent countless weekends camping with his nieces and nephews and his brothers. Mike is survived by one sister, M. Ellen Jones, and one brother, Kevin Tidd; stepsisters Joanne Condosta and Nancy Swain; and stepbrother, John (Butch) Davis. One of Michael's favorite titles in life was that of uncle, and he had many nieces and nephews by which he will be greatly missed, and his forever friend, Gail. Michael was predeceased by his parents and younger sister, Sharon T. Singleton. Memorial information: Following cremation, there will be a celebration of his life, with military honors, at American Legion Post 67 in Chester on Jan. 6 from 1 to 5 p.m. Michael planned every aspect of his final arrangements and would love for all his friends and family to come together for one final celebration in his honor. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the DAV or any organization of your choice that helps children of fallen veterans. Although Michael didn't have any children of his own, he loved them all.

• Vera von Krusenstiern, 93, formerly of Brattleboro. Died peacefully, with her family by her side, on November 14, 2023, in Vernon. Vera was born in Bonn, Germany on April 4, 1930, the daughter of Ernst Dohany, a newspaper publisher, and Elisabeth (von Bruchhausen) Dohany. She spent her early years in the small village of Buchheim outside the Black Forest city of Freiburg im Breisgau. After attending the University of Freiburg, Vera began working as a newspaper reporter. On June 15, 1956 in Frankfurt, Germany, she married fellow reporter Alfred von Krusenstiern, a Baltic German whose parents had fled from the Bolshevik Revolution. Together, they moved frequently during the early years of their marriage as Alfred took reporting assignments in Frankfurt, Berlin, London, Washington, D.C., and New York. In 1965, the couple and their three young sons took the transatlantic ocean liner S.S. Bremen from Bremerhaven to New York. Leaving post-war Europe behind, Vera and her husband adopted America as their new home, and thereafter only returned to Germany and Europe for visits. After three years in Arlington, Virginia, Vera and the family moved to Hastings-on-Hudson, New York. Then, following twenty-five years in New York, they retired to Whidbey Island, Washington. One year after celebrating their 50th anniversary, Alfred died in 2007. Vera later moved to Brattleboro, where her youngest son and his family reside. As was typical during the 1960's and 1970's, Vera left her own career behind and assumed the role of mother and homemaker. She embraced that role as her duty but did so with fierce independence and unbreakable strength. While shy by nature, Vera enjoyed both social banter and intellectual discussion. A voracious reader, she retreated to her books in the evenings after preparing extraordinary meals for her family and frequent guests. As a mother, and as a friend, Vera was unsentimental and no-nonsense. Yet her steadfast nature was giving and generous. She expressed love and friendship not with demonstrative words but with quiet deeds. She was also known for her sardonic humor that was always singularly funny. Vera and Alfred's time in Hastings-on-Hudson gave rise to a legacy that still resonates. Together they created an impromptu salon-like atmosphere in their home. Guests, young and old, European and American, floated in and out, some stayed for tea, others stayed for a meal and still others stayed overnight for a day, a week, and extraordinarily, some actually even stayed for months. An unusual blend of American informality and old European hospitality gave rise to a "Gemütlichkeit" that left a lasting impression on all who visited them. Vera is survived by her three sons, Friedrich (Lenore) of Brookline, Massachusetts, Johann Adam (Elizabeth) of Bellingham, Washington, and Konstantin of Brattleboro. Her legacy extends through eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, and through nieces and nephews in Germany, Italy and France. She was preceded in death by her husband of over 50 years, Alfred von Krusenstiern. Memorial information: In celebrating Vera's life, memorial contributions in Vera's name may be made to Latchis Theater, 50 Main St., Brattleboro, VT 05301 or online at www.latchisarts.org. Vera admired and supported this historic art deco theater where she went to see live performances, films, and Metropolitan Opera simulcasts. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.

• James L. "Jim" Wood, 99, of Brattleboro. Died Dec. 8, 2023 at the home of his daughter in Bartlett, Tennessee. Jim was born in Brattleboro on Jan. 7, 1924, the son of Joseph and Louise (Phillips) Wood. He was raised and educated in Brattleboro, attending local schools including Brattleboro High School. He went on to proudly serve his country in the Navy during World War II, stationed in both the European and Pacific Theaters of operation. Following his honorable discharge, Jim returned home to Brattleboro. For 22 years, he had been employed at the former American Optical Company and the former American Stratford, both in Brattleboro. For a number of years, he owned and operated the former Kingsley Market at the corner of lower South Main and Canal Street. Jim was a member of American Legion Post 5, VFW Carl M. Dessaint Post 1034, and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Brattleboro Lodge 1499. For several years, he was a volunteer driver for the DAV, taking area veterans to their medical appointments at the VA Medical Center in White River Junction. A man of faith, Jim was a communicant of St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church. Jim will be remembered for his easygoing, pleasant personality and spirit of friendship. He enjoyed fishing, gardening, and taking afternoon rides and day trips. He especially enjoyed visits to the coast of Maine. Most of all, Jim enjoyed time spent with his family, both in New England and Orange Beach, Alabama. On April 17, 1948, in Ashuelot, New Hampshire, he was married to Florence Grzelecki, who predeceased him on Dec. 12, 2000. Survivors include two daughters, Sandra Vallon (Richard) and Deborah Henrikson, both of Bartlett; one son, James E. "Chip" Wood (Susan) of Rochester, New York; and eight grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. He was predeceased by brothers Robert, Joseph, and Donald; sisters Barbara Perkins, Dorothy Warwick, and Shirley Hayes; and a son-in-law, William Henrikson. Memorial information: Graveside committal rites and burial with military honors will be conducted in the springtime in Evergreen Cemetery in Winchester, New Hampshire, where he will be laid next to his beloved wife. Donations to Rescue Inc., P.O. Box 593, Brattleboro, VT 05302; or St. Michael's School, 48 Walnut St., Brattleboro, VT 05301. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.

This Milestones item was submitted to The Commons.