College news
• Bradie Harris of Bellows Falls has been named to the Dean's List for the fall 2019 semester at Nazareth College in Rochester, N.Y.
• Corey Nystrom, a forestry major from Brookline, and Sean Malloy, a recreation major from Bellows Falls, were both named to the Dean's List at Paul Smith's College for the fall 2019 semester.
School news
• Wesley Capitani of Dover, a senior at Middlesex School in Concord, Mass., was recently awarded the William D. Alexander outstanding football lineman bowl at the school's fall sports awards ceremony. Capitani also received All-NEPSAC honorable mention for the New England Preparatory School Athletic Council's Class B football team. The awards recognized Capitani's work as a starting offensive and defensive lineman for the Zebras' football team. Middlesex football won the Mark Conroy Bowl, defeating Canterbury School to cap off an outstanding 2019 season at 6-2-1. Capitani is a four-year varsity player and letter winner at Middlesex. He is the son of Randy and Vicki Capitani; and grandson of Jim and Mary Lou Raymo, of Dover, and Gilda Dysart, of St. Charles, Ill.
Obituaries
• Katherine Barratt, 76, of Brattleboro. Died peacefully in her sleep on Dec. 23, 2019, at home as she wished. Katherine was a Brattleboro resident for 35 years and spent her vast energy engaging in many volunteer and charitable activities. Her service to the community included many years coordinating the Brattleboro Community Thanksgiving Dinner and she could often be found staffing the Experienced Goods Thrift Shop. An avid horsewoman, cross-country skier, and spirited participant in everything outdoors, she took advantage of everything that Vermont could offer. She devoted her life to education at all levels, from elementary through adult literacy, retiring from Landmark College, but continuing to teach. Katherine was pre-deceased by her parents, Edward G. and Helene R. Barratt, and her brother, Bill. She leaves behind scores of dear friends and her nieces Mary Anna and Kalisa Barratt and nephews Will and Michael Barratt. Memorial information: A memorial service is planned for Feb. 1 at All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church on South Street at a time to be announced at a later date. Donations to All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church, P.O. Box 2297, Brattleboro, VT 05303. To sign an online guestbook with condolences to the family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Eleanor Margaret (Wilson) Chapman, 90, formerly of Glastonbury, Conn. Died Dec. 19, 2019 at Vernon Green Nursing Home in Vernon. She was born on March 3, 1929 in Brattleboro, daughter of the late Richard A. and Jessie (O'Connor) Wilson. She graduated from Brattleboro High School, Class of 1948, and the Henry Putnam Memorial Hospital School of Nursing. She then worked for 10 years as an LPN at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital. Eleanor married Richard Francis Chapman in 1960. She leaves her two sons, Walter Chapman and his wife, Beth, of Alaska, and Paul A. Chapman and his wife, Theresa. of Vermont; three grandchildren, Zane, Neal, and Rebecca; and a brother, Richard A. Wilson and his wife, Jean, of Vermont. She was predeceased by her husband. Memorial information: A memorial service was held on Dec. 28 at Farley-Sullivan Funeral Home in Glastonbury, with burial in Green Cemetery in Glastonbury. Donations to Vernon Green Nursing Home, Activities Fund, 61 Greenway Drive, Vernon, VT 05354.
• Mortan A, Davis III, 67, of Wardsboro. Died Nov. 30, 2019. The eldest son of June and Mortan Davis Jr., he was born on Nov 2, 1952 and grew up in Brattleboro. He attended St. Michael's School and later moved to Chesterfield, N.H., with his family. As one of six children, he learned early to care for and do for others, especially those he loved. He was self-taught at the guitar and at automotive skills, and easily learned with the tutelage of his dad how to run the well drilling machine, backhoe, and dump truck. He loved his country life in Wardsboro. From his back porch of the home he designed and built in the woods, you could often hear him singing “Rhinestone Cowboy” as it echoed off the trees late in the evening. It is there that he wanted his ashes spread, where he always said he was the happiest. Survivors include his three sons, Mortan A Davis IV, Morgan A. Davis, and Marton A Davis; his mother, of Wardsboro; three sisters, Kathryn Brown and her husband, Dale Sr., Carol Mackey, and Nina McCulloch and her husband, Garry; his brother, Verne W. Davis; four grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and many friends and relatives. He was predeceased by his father, and a sister, Elsie Davis. Memorial information: Mortan shared just a bit more of his life by donating his organs. In keeping with his final wishes, there are no formal funeral services scheduled. His ashes to be spread in the springtime.
• Harold R. “Tony” Foltz, 97, of Putney. Died peacefully on Dec. 11, 2019 at Thompson House in Brattleboro. Born in Fulton, Ill., on May 14, 1922, the son of Frank and Rosa (Knight) Foltz, he was raised and educated in Mount Carroll, Ill, and grew up on the family farm during the Great Depression. As a teenager he worked at Noble's Grocery Store in Mount Carroll, many days working from 7 a.m. until midnight. He delivered groceries, mostly on Saturdays, earning a whopping salary of $1.25 a week. Tony's father allowed him use of a small area at their home where he grew popcorn, selling 1-pound bags for 10 cents and fresh eggs for 10 cents a dozen. Tony went on to proudly serve his country as a pilot in the U.S. Marine Corps, serving during both World War II and the Korean Conflict. He was retired from active service at the rank of major in 1963 following 20 years of service. While stationed abroad off the coast of Guam, he witnessed a huge waterspout and recalled surviving two major hurricanes. Tony was an unassuming man, humble in nature and known for his spirit of friendship. In 1946, he married Mary MacRae. His faithful and devoted wife of 66 years predeceased him in 2012. Survivors include his loving daughter, Kimberly “Kim” Foltz of Putney, a grandson, Augustus Hatch; and several nieces. Besides his wife, he was predeceased by a son, David Foltz, and a brother, Everald Foltz. Memorial information: In keeping with his final wishes there are no formal funeral services scheduled. He will be laid to rest next to his beloved wife in Maple Grove Cemetery in Putney. Donations to Gerda's Equine Rescue, P.O. Box 1352, West Townshend, VT 05359. To sign an online guestbook with messages of condolence to the family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Beryl E. (Rounds) Holloway, 94, formerly of Brattleboro. Died Dec. 25, 2019 at Charlene Manor in Greenfield, Mass. She was born April 25, 1925 in Brattleboro to Ray J. and Edna (Wilson) Rounds. She was raised in Brattleboro and married Leonard (Buddy) L. Holloway in 1944. They were together until his death in 2010, and lived on Ashuelot Road in Winchester, N.H., and Northfield, Mass. for 75 years. Beryl worked at the the Holstein Association in Brattleboro, then the family farm until 1967. Then she worked at Mount Hermon School, Eaglebrook School, and Greenfield Community College until her retirement. She earned her associate's degree at 60. Her time at GCC and the many friends she made while there were very special to her. Beryl loved her church, The First Church of Christ, Scientist in Brattleboro, which she attended from childhood. She enjoyed teaching Sunday School and chatting with the members after Sunday service. She is survived by three daughters: Joy Hanrahan (Richard) of Winchester, Susan Garland of Salisbury, Vt., and Gaye Lane (James) of Havelock, N.C.; her son Peter M. Holloway (Loel) of Mendham, N.J.; and 10 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren. Memorial information: A memorial service will be held at a later date at a time to be announced. Donations to First Church of Christ, Scientist, 57 Putney Rd., Brattleboro, VT 05301. Also, given Beryl's desire to help others, an act of kindness to others would be a way of remembering her.
• Daniel J. “Dan” Keefe, 97, of Bellows Falls. Died Dec. 17, 2019. He was born on May 31, 1922, the son of Daniel and Blanche (Davis) Keefe. He was a graduate of Bellows Falls High School Class of 1940. He proudly served in the Army's First Infantry Division under General George S Patton during World War II and was among the first U.S. soldiers to cross the Rhine River into Germany. After his return from the war, he married Josephine Fuller on Jan. 26, 1946, a marriage that lasted for more than 73 years. Dan worked in maintenance at Central Elementary School and as sexton of Immanuel Church where he was known for creating beautiful flower gardens around the church property. He coached the Elks Little League team for six years. Upon retiring from coaching, he became an avid golfer. He was a member of Hooper Country Club for more than 40 years and he developed and maintained the beautiful flower beds around the course. He was also a member of American Legion Post 37. He is survived by his wife, Josephine Keefe; and three sons, Eric (Molly) of North Carolina, and Terry (Ruth) and Kevin (Corrinne), all of Bellows Falls. Also surviving are six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, all whom he loved dearly. Memorial information: There will be a graveside service in the Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Randolph Center, at a later date. Arrangements are in the care of Fenton & Hennessey Funeral Home of Bellows Falls.
• Jacqueline Wells “Jackie” Kerylow, 81, of Brattleboro. Died peacefully, surrounded by her loved ones, on Dec. 14, 2019. Born Nov. 16, 1938 to Helen and Ernest Wells, she grew up in Brattleboro and graduated from Brattleboro Union High School. She married Francis Kerylow on June 6, 1959. Jackie worked in the medical field for 30 years for various doctors in the Brattleboro area, including Thomas Lewis, John Carmody, and Joe Rosen. She loved life, her family, and especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was a wonderful wife and mother, and a friend to all. Jackie will be dearly missed by all who knew her. She is survived by her husband of 60 years; three sons, Jeffrey and his wife, Nancy, Todd and his wife, Tracy, and Timothy and his wife, Lisa; a daughter, Martha; a brother, Thomas Wells; and eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her parents; three brothers Stuart Wells, Winston (Brud) Wells, and Paul Wells; and a daughter, Andrea, lost at childbirth. Memorial information: At her request, there were no calling hours or funeral. A celebration of her life was held Dec. 29 at the Brattleboro Elks Home.
• Gay Alice Larson, 79, of West Wardsboro. Died Dec. 14, 2019 at her home. She was born in Norwalk, Conn., on July 10, 1940, the daughter of the late Harry and Myrtle (Favreau) Reichardt. Gay loved her home on the mountain and being with her family. She loved all people and would always find the good in everyone. She would open up her home to anyone. Gay loved to cook, and was known for always making sure that no one left hungry, even if you showed up full. She enjoyed her daily phone conversations with friends and loved ones, as well as having her home be her grandson Cody's daily lunch spot. She also enjoyed crocheting, watching the birds on the feeders outside her window (especially the “hummers”), and taking care of everyone around her. Gay was very active in her church, Our Lady of Fatima Roman Catholic Church in Wilmington, and Our Lady of Ephesus House of Prayer in Jamaica. She had a strong connection with her faith and held it close to her, always praying for everyone. Gay will be remembered by her bright smile, contagious laugh, sense of humor, strong will, and ability to bring people together. She is survived by her children, Albert and Linda Larson, of Bend, Ore., and Darryl and Lynn Larson of West Wardsboro; her sister Joyce Dlubac of Wardsboro; and 10 grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Albert Larson, Jr., whom she married in 1959. He died in 1992. She was also preceded in death by her daughter, Mary Gillespy, and her three brothers Chuck, Happy, and Richie Reichardt. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held Dec. 21 at Our Lady of Fatima Roman Catholic Church. Interment will be held later in the spring in the family lot at Gates of Heaven Cemetery in Trumbull, Conn. Donations to the Wardsboro Rescue Squad or Our Lady of Fatima Roman Catholic Church, in care Covey-Allen & Shea Funeral Home, P.O. Box 215, Wilmington, VT 05363.
• Ona Rufus Lyman, 89, formerly of South Londonderry. Died Dec. 13, 2019 at home in Aberdeen, Md. He was born in Jamaica, the son of Ray and Mary Lyman, and grew up in South Londonderry. He graduated from Leland & Gray Seminary in Townshend, Class of 1948, and from the University of Vermont, Class of 1952. He was a working physicist in North Adams, Mass., when he was drafted into the Army in 1954. After his discharge in 1956, he remained at APG in the Ballistics Research Lab until retirement in 1998. He was a member of NARFE, the American Legion, and Swan Creek Country Club. He enjoyed golfing, bowling and traveling through Elder Hostel to Uzbekistan, Japan, Korea and Canada. He had been an active member of Grace United Methodist Church in Aberdeen for more than 40 years. He was chairman of Baker Cemetery and supervised its expansion. He enjoyed Christian and historical studies, debating. and politics. He worked on parish nurturing missions with his present wife, Rose Marie Lyman. Ona enjoyed working at the coffee bar and Wednesday night meals at the church. He was preceded in death by brothers William and David; a sister, Ellen; and his first wife, Doris. In addition to his wife, Rose, he leaves three sons and their families; Donald (Frances), David, and Gordon (Ron). Memorial information: A celebration of his life was held at Grace United Methodist Church on Dec. 19.
• Sheila (Kendall) McClure, 67, of North, S.C., formerly of Bellows Falls. Died Dec. 18, 2019, after a short battle with cancer. She was born in Bellows Falls on April 3, 1952, to Beatrice M (Stowell) and the late Frederick W. Kendall Sr. She is survived by her loving husband of 22 years, Thomas (Mac) McClure; her mother, and her four children, Kenneth Boyd Jr. of Halifax, Shannon (Boyd) Yardley and her husband, Darren of Hinsdale, N.H., Christina (Boyd) Dematteo and her husband, Anthony, of Dummerston, Tonya (McClure) Davis and her husband, Ryan, of Clover, N.C., She is also survived by nine siblings, 12 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren. She was an avid collector of porcelain dolls and enjoyed classical and country music. Memorial information: Graveside services will be held in Brattleboro in the spring.
• Christine S. “Chris” Noel, 79, of Brattleboro, Died at home, surrounded by her family, on Dec. 15, 2019. Chris was born May 2, 1940 in Manistique, Mich., to Walter and Rose (Rubique) Sube. She graduated from St. Mary's Academy in Little Falls, N.Y., in 1958 and from Central City Business Institute in Syracuse, N.Y., in 1960. Chris worked for several years as an executive secretary at the former Sprague Electric Company in North Adams, Mass. Later, she worked as an airline hostess for United Airlines, based in Chicago. In April 1964, she married Richard L. Noel and they had two daughters and a son. In 1972, she and her family moved to Rutland where she became an active volunteer at the Vermont Achievement Center and started VAC's first Girl Scout troop. She also established a Catholic youth group to support missionary work in a poverty-stricken area in Bangladesh. In 1977, Chris and her family moved to Brattleboro, where Chris eventually worked as a paraprofessional at Academy School until her retirement. She was also an active volunteer at St. Michael's Catholic Church, where she gathered together a group of disabled young adults and oversaw their activities. Chris was a devoted wife of 55 years to her husband, Richard, and a devoted mother to her two daughters and her son, and a devoted grandmother to her two grandsons. She gave every part of her heart and soul to raising her children and insuring they would become the very best they could be. The same could be said for the love of her two grandsons. Family was everything to her. Chris was an avid reader of fiction and read the majority of the local library's mysteries. She also loved arguing about major national political issues with friends and family. Chris was predeceased by her parents, Walter and Rose Sube of Fredericksburg, Va., and her brother, Michael Sube of Governor, N.Y. Survivors include: her husband, of Brattleboro; her daughters, Suzette Noel and Renee Noel LaFarr, both of Brattleboro; her son, Richard C. Noel of Balston Lake, N.Y.; grandsons Ricky and Billy Noel; her son-in-law, Bradley LaFarr of Brattleboro; and several nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her sister, Becky Heufner of Monroe, Maine and her brother, De Sube, of Virginia Beach, Va. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held on Dec. 21 at St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church. Donations to St. Brigid's Kitchen, 38 Walnut St., Brattleboro, VT 05301. To sign an online guestbook with messages of condolence, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Susan Richards Shaw, 69, of Rutland Town, formerly of Brattleboro. Died at her home on Oct. 25, 2019 after a yearlong, toe-to-toe battle with lung cancer, surrounded by her immediate family that she loved infinitely. She was born in Brattleboro on Nov. 11, 1949, the youngest of three children born to the late Edward and Barbara (Walker) Richards. She graduated from Brattleboro Union High School in 1967 and pursued her undergraduate studies at Syracuse University and the University of Vermont. She met Quincy Shaw, and after taking an opportunity to travel to Europe, they married and eventually moved to Ethel, La. Throughout the rest of her life, Susan spoke glowingly of her six years spent in Louisiana, where she established and nurtured lifelong friendships in the course of supporting Quincy during his time at LSU School of Veterinary Medicine. In 1980, Susan, Quincy, and their two-year-old son Cody returned to Vermont, settling in Pittsford and jumping headlong into operating a large animal veterinary practice out of their home. Susan's second son, Kitt, was born in 1984. She was integral to the success of the vet practice, and upon retiring, she became a licensed massage therapist and pursued her interest in homeopathic medicine and nutritional education. Susan and her soulmate of 20 years, Lenny Montuori, had just opened a new restaurant venture in Rutland before her diagnosis. Lenny put the business on hold to become her full-time caregiver and constant companion. Their devotion to each other was deep and spiritual and they shared a passion for Vermont. Their shared love of music revealed Susan's proficient talent to play both piano and guitar. Susan found beauty in everything - birds, butterflies, frogs, bugs, full moons, sunrises and sunsets, and all the wonders and colors of nature, especially her favorite color, purple. She was a true wordsmith, a movie buff, and an avid reader. Susan was kind, generous, and witty; she was deeply committed to family, fairness, sharing, and friends, and a courageous supporter of principles and people. Above all, she was truly grateful for all that she had in her life. She leaves her devoted partner, Lenny Montuori; sons Cody Shaw and his wife, Olga Derevyashkina, of Westford, and Kitt Shaw of Pittsford; beloved grandchildren Nikolai and Evan; brother Mark Richards of Dummerston; sister Melinda Richards Taggard of Brattleboro; and many adored nieces and nephews. Memorial information: In accordance with Susan's wishes, a celebration of her life will take place in summer 2020, allowing family and friends to experience her and Lenny's cherished home in full bloom. A specific date and time will be announced in the spring. Donations to VNA & Hospice of the Southwest Region, 7 Albert Cree Drive, Rutland, VT 05701; the Foley Cancer Center, Rutland Regional Medical Center, 160 Allen St., Rutland, VT 05701; or the Vermont Land Trust, 8 Bailey Ave., Montpelier, VT 05602.
• Leo F. Sprague, 87, of Saxtons River. Died Dec. 20, 2019. Born in Holyoke, Mass., on March 22, 1932, he served in the Navy during the Korean War and worked at the Bellows Falls Creamery, Rouse Trucking, and Webster Trucking. Leo enjoyed watching the New England Patriots and the Boston Red Sox, and especially liked watching his son, grandson, and great grandson play football for the Bellows Falls Terriers. In 1952, he married Barbara (Simonds), who predeceased him. Surviving are his sons Richard and Michael Sprague; and his daughters Christine Riendeau and Deborah Colgan. He is predeceased by his son Jonathan Sprague and grandson Daniel Riendeau. Memorial information: There will be a celebration of Leo's life on Jan. 4, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at American Legion Post 37 in Bellows Falls. Burial will take place at a later date. Arrangements are in the care of Fenton & Hennessey Funeral Home.
• Michael Christian Edward Vose, 5, of Brattleboro. Died Dec. 17, 2019, after more than a year-long battle with cancer. Michael was born to Lisa (Everett) and Matthew Vose on Dec. 7, 2014 in Brattleboro. On June 7, 2015, he was dedicated to Christ by his parents at Agape Christian Fellowship, where he worshiped with his family. He will be remembered by all who knew him for his brilliant smile and the irrepressible enthusiasm that brightened everyone as he entered the church. Michael brought so much joy into the lives of his parents. With them, he enjoyed many events, activities, and vacations. Michael loved water and passed level one swim lessons at age 3 1/2 and became an honorary lifeguard the next fall. He was able to attend preschool at West Bee Nursery School for nine days this fall where he made friends, learned all their names, and played outside on the playground and in the forest. Michael also enjoyed attending Kid's Church at Agape and Vacation Bible School at West Brattleboro Baptist Church. Michael is survived by his parents, his grandparents Mema Joy and Grandpa Dart Everett, and Nini Karen and Poppy Myron (Mike) Vose. He will also be forever loved by all his aunts and uncles and cousins and missed by friends far and wide who have been holding him in prayer for the past year. Memorial information: A memorial service was held at Centre Congregational Church on Dec. 21. Donations to Children's Hospital at Dartmouth (CHaD), 1 Medical Center Drive, HB 7070, Lebanon, NH 03766, or Ronald McDonald House Boston Harbor, 250 1st Ave., Charlestown, MA 02129. To sign an online guestbook with messages of condolence, visit www.atamaniuk.com.