Milestones

Milestones

• Adeline Flora “Addy” Barker, 82, of South Londonderry. Died peacefully Feb. 20, 2021 at The Gill Home in Ludlow. She was born July 17, 1938, in Oneida, N.Y., the youngest daughter of Ralph and Ruth (Rowley) Soper. Her father was a Seventh Day Baptist minister and moved the family to Arkansas when Addy was a child. While Addy was attending nursing school in Little Rock, she met the love of her life, Richard Barker from Londonderry, who was in the Air Force. They were married in 1959, and they and their daughter, Andrea, would return to Londonderry. Addy was the first employee (receptionist) of Mountain Valley Medical Clinic, retiring 31 years later in 2006 as office manager. She was a member of the Eastern Star (Jamaica Order) and Londonderry Volunteer Rescue Squad. She was very active with her church family from the First Baptist Church in South Londonderry and had been their beloved organist. Adeline is survived by her two daughters, Andrea Foster of Hardwick and Tammy Sisson of Missouri; two brothers, Harley Soper of Beaumont, Texas, Herbert Soper of Winston-Salem, N.C.; five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Betty Barker; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband and six siblings. Memorial information: There will be a celebration of life at a later date.

• Victor Anthony Blaufox, Jr., 69, of Brattleboro. Died unexpectedly due to natural causes on Feb. 25, 2021 at his home. Victor was born in New Haven, Conn., on Aug. 31, 1951, the son of Victor Anthony and Janice Marie (Masterbone) Blaufox. He was raised and educated in Dobbs Ferry, N.Y., where he attended public schools including Dobbs Ferry High School. He didn't graduate from high school while residing in Dobbs Ferry, but later fulfilled a personal goal of becoming a high school graduate, graduating from Brattleboro Union High School, an accomplishment he was extremely proud of. Victor also received his certificate in the Science of Baking from the American Institute of Baking in February 1999. He worked as an organic baker at Vermont Bread Company in Brattleboro, a position he held for more than 20 years until he retired early. Prior to working at Vermont Bread, he was a Graphic Artist for the Brattleboro Reformer and also worked at The Book Press. He also worked in Brattleboro as a substance use counselor in coordination with the Brattleboro Police Department. Of his leisure time activities, he enjoyed music and attended Woodstock in 1969. He also enjoyed fishing, loved to cook, especially for his two sons, and was an avid New York Giants and Yankees fan. Raised Catholic, Victor was a communicant of St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church. Survivors include his wife, Kathleen G. Stanton, whom he married on July 4, 1993; two sons, Nicholas of East Granby, Conn., and Erik of Brattleboro; his mother, Janice of Hilton Head Island, S.C.; and two sisters, Julie Potter of Hilton Head and Sandra Sheehan and her husband Vito of Danbury, Conn. Additionally, he leaves one niece, Alexis and three nephews, Jason, Brandon and Dylan. Memorial information: A memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church at a later date. Donations to Youth Services of Brattleboro, 32 Walnut St., P.O. Box 6008, Brattleboro, VT 05302-6008. To share a memory or send condolences to the family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.

• Jerome Ronald “Joe” Clement, Sr., 79, of Hinsdale, N.H. Died March 3, 2021 at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital, following a period of declining health. He was born in Rowe, Mass., on Sept. 30, 1941, the son of John and Myrtle (Coolbrith) Clement. He was raised and educated in Rowe, where he attended public schools. He had been employed as a bulk truck driver for Keene Gas, retiring in 2006 following 20 faithful years with the company. Previously, he worked on various construction jobs that included the Bear Swamp Hydroelectric Project in Charlemont, Mass. Joe enjoyed riding his Harley-Davidson as well as four-wheelers and dirt bikes. He loved hunting and fishing and being in the outdoors, as well as playing cards and time shared with his family that included his dog “Ginger” and his parrot “Buddy.” In 1984, he married Judith Irene Styles, who survives. Besides his devoted and faithful wife of 36 years, he leaves a son, Jerome Clement, Jr. of Lebanon, N.H.; six daughters, Tammie Kendall (Mike), Tina Taylor, Martha Clement, and Jodi Lynn Clement (Ken), all of Brattleboro, Maggie Bird (Andy) of Rockingham, and Meghan Olmstead (James) of Hinsdale; a brother, Samuel Clement of Brattleboro; five sisters, Lauria Lake of Brattleboro, Mary Ellen Vivier of Nahunta, Ga., Delores Young of Vernon, Corrine McLean of Orange, Mass., and Marion Priest of St. Augustine, Fla. Additionally, he leaves 23 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren, four great-great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. He was predeceased by brothers John “Skip” and James Clement; sisters Marjorie Clement, Doris Coolbrith, and Barbara Surprise; and one grandson and three great-grandchildren. Memorial information: A memorial service will be conducted at a later date. Donations to Rescue Inc., P.O. Box 593, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To share a memory or send condolences to the family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.

• Virginia Mae (Lambert) “Jinny” Enola of Brattleboro. Died peacefully with her family by her side on March 5, 2021 at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital after complications due to a stroke. Virginia was born in Johnson, Vt., the youngest and only daughter of Joseph Lambert and Minnie (Winchester) Lambert. Jinny graduated from Johnson High, where she served as class president, sang in a sextet group, and performed at various functions, including on the radio. She then graduated from Burdett College in Boston. After graduating, she worked as a private secretary in spot sales for NBC in Boston, which was then affiliated with WBZ. Deciding to move on, Jinny drove to California with her cousin, Dot, and a friend. They settled in Sacramento, where she worked for the federal government. After realizing that office work wasn't for her, she then traveled back to Vermont and enrolled at Johnson State College to pursue a degree in education. In her senior year, she was president of her class and was voted Winter Carnival Queen. While at JSC, she met the love of her life and future husband, Ilmari (John) Enola. They both graduated from Johnson State in 1953 and got married the week after graduation. They were happily married for 65 years until John's death in 2019. While John was serving in the Army from 1953 to 1956 and, later, pursuing his master's degree at UVM, Jinny waitressed at Indian Head in the White Mountains for six summers, to pay for school and travel. Her first teaching position was in Hinesburg and later taught in Anchorage, Alaska, while John was stationed there. They moved to Brattleboro in 1959, where they spent the rest of their lives. Jinny taught at the newly-opened Francis Hicks School, where she finally found her perfect fit. She loved everything about the school, especially the children. For four summers, the family traveled to Michigan so that Jinny and John could continue their education at Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti. Jinny graduated in 1970 with a master's in special education. Jinny retired in 1987, right when her first granddaughter was born, after 31 years of teaching. Jinny had the “gift of gab” and everywhere she went, she always knew someone or found someone from Vermont. She always said she had the perfect childhood. She enjoyed traveling with her family and friends, to every state besides one and to over 17 countries, yet still had a “bucket list.” She loved to play cards with her family and friends, especially her favorite card game, Hand and Foot. She was ready for a card game every day. From early on, Jinny loved the opera, going in person and later attending the “Met on HD” showings at the Latchis with her daughter and friends. One of her favorite pastimes was being a “GiGi” to her two great-granddaughters and spending time with them. Jinny lived independently, the way she wanted, right up until the day she died with help from her family and amazing neighbors, Jim and Kate Anderson and John and Kathy Gurney. Jinny was a member of the “251” Club, Board of Retired Teachers, West Bees, and was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Brattleboro. Virginia is survived by her daughter, Heidi Enola-Hinson (Steve) of Worcester, Mass., two granddaughters Ashley Rucinski (Milosz) of Dudley, Mass., and Brittany Hinson (Chris Lach) of Dudley, Mass., and two great-granddaughters whom she adored, Sienna Mae Rucinski and Aria Rose Lach. She leaves cousins Dot Thompson and Evelyn Donati of Manchester, N.H., along with many nieces, nephews, and other close relatives. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her her parents, Joseph and Minnie Lambert, two brothers, Claude (Arlie) and Arthur (Greta), and her niece, Judy Beliveau. Memorial information: A celebration of Jinny's life was held March 13 at First United Methodist Church. Donations to Living Memorial Park Snow Sports, Inc., P.O. Box 1945, Brattleboro, VT 05302, www.brattski.org. To send condolences, visit www.atamaniuk.com.

• Elizabeth M. “Betty” Fedora, 73, of Putney. Died peacefully on March 8, 2021 at her home, surrounded by family. Betty was born in Westfield, Mass., on Sept. 8, 1947, the daughter of Louis and Eleanor (Desautels) Fedora. She was raised and educated in Westfield, graduating from Westfield High School with the Class of 1965. She went on to attend Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in Springfield, receiving her RN diploma in 1968. That year, she was married to Leighton Cleverly, who is now deceased. She worked at Mercy Hospital in Springfield from 1968 to 1972, before moving to Vermont and working at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital from 1972 until 2010. A devout Catholic and steadfast in her walk of faith, Betty was a communicant of Our Lady of Mercy Parish in Putney, where she served as a lector. Betty enjoyed helping others and had been an active volunteer with Putney Cares and the Putney Community Center. She enjoyed nature and the outdoors, especially walking and keeping a garden every season. Survivors include three sons, Scot Cleverly of Putney, Eric Cleverly of Laconia, N.H., and Christopher Cleverly of Williamsville; four granddaughters, Aiden Pachette, Lokota Cleverly, Francesca Cleverly, and Sophia Cleverly; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by one sister, Patricia Gogol; a brother, William Fedora; and a close personal friend, Joseph Geiger. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held on March 13 at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church in Putney, with committal rites and burial in West Hill Cemetery in Putney. Donations to Our Lady of Mercy Parish, 123 Main St., Putney, VT 05346. To send messages of condolence, visit www.atamaniuk.com.

• Madelyn Victoria (Martinson) Howard, 90, of Brattleboro. Died peacefully at home on March 1, 2021, in the loving arms of her husband of nearly 71 years, after a long and courageous battle with vascular disease. She was born on June 1, 1930 in Brattleboro, the daughter of Victor J. and Beatrice E. (Ring) Martinson. Madelyn was baptized in the former Swedish Congregational Church in the historic Swedeville section of Brattleboro. As a child, she lost both of her parents to tuberculosis and was raised by her aunt and uncle, Helen and Raymond Livingston. After attending a one-room schoolhouse in Marlboro, she moved to Brattleboro, attended local schools and graduated from Brattleboro High School in 1948. In 1950, Madelyn married Wendell Irving Howard, and they raised four children in what was Wendell's childhood home. She was a loving mother and wife, providing the quintessential family life of the 1950s and 1960s with a focus on family, wonderful meals and holiday gatherings, beautifully-sewn clothing and show tunes sung around the piano. As a parent, she was generally unflappable and never quick to meddle, giving her children room for independence even after discovering them sliding from the top of the nearby barn roof. With the typical childhood challenges, occasional broken windows or minor explosions, her only responses were typically, “Well, what are you going to do about that?” or “You had better get that cleaned up before your father gets home.” She welcomed the impromptu carnivals, creative performances, and large groups of children playing in the yard. She was a favorite “Kool-Aid Mom” and medic for skinned knees. Neighborhood children were welcomed in to play long after her own had grown. Madelyn was a favorite “mom” at Canal Street School where she was the first in-school librarian, an active volunteer, and member of the PTA as well as a Cub and Girl Scout leader. Parents and children alike could count on her for her quick smile and “Zen-like” calm. Madelyn was known for her quick wit and her Yankee pragmatism. She embodied hospitality to the core. Always ready with a warm greeting and a big smile, she remembered your last conversation, the name of your grandchildren, or your latest worry, Madelyn believed in showing up and giving back. She participated in many local community organizations including the Rebekah Lodge, the Women's Evening Club and the Reformer Christmas Stocking. A volunteer for many years at the Brattleboro Memorial Hospital, Madelyn worked in the Development Office but may be best remembered for her friendly smile and warm welcome at the gift shop and front desk. After her youngest started school, Madelyn worked for many years as an office assistant at Dr. David Neumeister's dental office, later called Dental Health. He called her one of his mentors and credited her with helping to create a healthy, supportive family environment that allowed the team to prosper and grow. An active congregant of St. Michael's Episcopal Church, Madelyn was the longest, but not the oldest member (as she was quick to remind us) at the time of her death. She participated in many activities including leadership, tag sales, suppers and the Altar Guild. Here again, she practiced her strong faith through hospitality; often the first to welcome a visitor or newcomer, making a call, sending cards or dropping off a meal to someone in need. Madelyn was an avid reader, who enjoyed current events (local and national), gardening, ballroom and square dancing, attending craft fairs, local music and theatrical performances and trips around New England. Many benefited from her surprise gifts of flower arrangements, baked goods, or pies. Several of her grandchildren appreciated her recognition that they might not be getting enough sweets from their parents. Her humble life was much appreciated and fully lived. She believed in always doing your best, moving on from adversity, staying out of the spotlight and laughing whenever possible. While reflecting on her 90th birthday and 70 years of marriage, Madelyn could not believe how quickly the time had passed and that there was still much to enjoy. In addition to her husband Wendell, Madelyn is survived by her son, Douglas Howard of Brattleboro, daughter Judith McBean (Alan) of Dummerston, son Gregory Howard (Donna) of Brattleboro, and daughter-in-law Sandra Howard of Hinsdale, N.H.; grandchildren Joel Howard (Renee) of Hinsdale, Jessica Howard of Brattleboro, Marta McBean of Brattleboro and Ian McBean (Anna) of Greenfield, Mass.; and great-grandchildren Gregory and Reese Howard of Hinsdale. She was predeceased by her parents, sister Karthrun, and eldest son Jeffrey. Memorial information: All are welcome to a Service of Thanksgiving for Madelyn's life, hosted by St. Micheal's Episcopal Church on Zoom on March 20, at 1 p.m. The Zoom Link can be found at www.stmichaelsvermont.org or by emailing [email protected] . A committal service will be held later this spring. Donations to St. Michael's Episcopal Church or a charity of your own choosing. To honor Madelyn's spirit of hospitality, call someone who you haven't seen, welcome someone new into your home or workplace, drop a meal off to someone who is hurting, or remember a friend with a card. To send condolences to Madelyn's family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.

• Iris Evelyn Nye, 84, of Putney. Died March 5, 2021, in the comfort of the home of her son, Todd, and surrounded by her four sons, following a long and courageous battle with cancer. Mrs. Nye was born in Vernon on Feb. 15, 1937, the daughter of Carl and Evelyn (Stanclift) Derrig. She was raised and educated in Putney, graduating from Brattleboro Union High School with the Class of 1955. She had been a sales associate at the Basket Barn in Bedford, N.H., which she retired from after working at the shop for 15 years. Previously, she worked at Santa's Land in Putney as a tree decorator. Iris was artistically talented and enjoyed writing poetry, songs, and painting with water colors. She also loved music and singing. She was a devoted homemaker whose life centered around her family. She was first married to Francis Ellis in 1955. She later married Winston C. Nye in 1987. Mr. Nye died in 1995 and Mr. Ellis in 2003. Survivors include: her four sons, Torrey Ellis (Sheila) of Milo, Maine. Todd Ellis (Irene) of Swanzey, N.H.; Turk Ellis and partner, Deb Bailey, of Brattleboro; and Timothy Ellis (Wendy) of Fontana, Calif.; an “adopted son,” David Washburn (Rennie) of West Chesterfield, N.H.; seven step-children, 17 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. She was predeceased by one sister, Elizabeth “Tudie” Underwood, and two brothers, Gordon and Ellis Derrig. Memorial information: Graveside committal services in Tyler Cemetery in Vernon will be conducted later in the springtime. Donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959. To send condolences to the family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.

• Kai Field Tadlock, 43, of Wilmington. Died at home on March 4, 2021. Born July 7, 1977, he began his life in Putney with his mother Maureen. They became a traveling team, crisscrossing the continent several times on the Canadian rails before he entered school. He lived his early life in Vermont, with the exception of a couple of years in Eugene, Ore. He attended various schools in Windham County, including Brattleboro Area Middle School and Brattleboro Union High School. At 21, he moved to Maui, Hawaii, which seemed destined since his name in Hawaiian means “ocean.” There, he worked as a waiter in various restaurants and moonlighted as a DJ, something for which he had an amazing talent. Two years later, he moved to Boulder, Colo., for a short time and then Anchorage, Alaska, where he would live for the next four years. In 2005, Kai yearned to return home to Vermont, which he did. Soon after, he met and married Phoebe Crompton and they had a daughter, Lila, in 2007. She became the shining light of his life. Because Kai suffered from mental illness, which included addiction issues, he experienced many losses and failures, one of which was his marriage. But despite his struggles over the many years, he remained a sensitive, big-hearted guy who would do anything for those he loved and even those he didn't. Kai was always searching for a sense of home and belonging and, in doing so, he had a way of making everyone family. He loved deeply and was loved deeply. Many people made a real effort to help Kai and those efforts were not in vain, for it is what made his life so very rich. In the end, he succumbed to his illness. He is survived by his beloved daughter, Lila Tadlock; his sister, Julia Tadlock; his mother, Maureen Tadlock and her significant other, Eddie Charbonneau; his “brother,” Michael Baker and his significant other, Mikki Fitzpatrick, and their children who provided love and that badly-needed sense of home and belonging for several years. He is also survived by the love of his life, Jenna Kroll, who remained ever steadfastly devoted to him. Memorial information: A few small family gatherings are planned for later this summer.