Obituaries
• Constance Ethel “Connie” Beebe, 74, formerly of Brattleboro and a resident at Vernon Green Nursing Home for the past three years. Died Dec. 28, 2021 at Vernon Green. She was born in Fort Benning, Ga., on April 5, 1947, the daughter of Robert C. and Helen (Savard) Springer. She was raised and educated in Barre and was a graduate of Spaulding High School. She had been employed as a phlebotomist at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital and previously had worked at Silver Forest in Bellows Falls. Connie also worked on a part-time basis as a bartender at VFW Carl M. Dessaint Post 1034, of which she was a member of the Auxiliary. Connie loved cats, crafts, and time shared with her family. In 1991, she married Joseph H. Beebe, who survives. Besides her husband of 30 years, she leaves two sons, Timothy Owen and his wife, Annie, of Chaplin, S.C., and Rick Owen and his wife, Amy, of Darlington, S.C.; stepdaughter Lisa Breault and her husband, Tom, of Hinsdale, N.H.; stepson Joe Beebe and his wife, Rae, of Cape Canaveral, Fla.; siblings Nancy Hutchinson of Rutland and Robert Springer Jr. of Chelsea, Maine; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by two brothers, Jerome Springer and her twin brother, Frederick Springer; and a daughter, Sonja, who died in childhood. Memorial information: In keeping with Connie's final wishes, there are no formal funeral services planned. Donations to the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To share a memory or send condolences to the family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• James Roger “Jim” Brice, 72, of Williamsville. Died Dec. 15, 2021, in the comfort of his home, following a period of declining health. Jim was born in New Castle, Pa., on June 26, 1949, the son of James C. and Edna (Zeff) Brice. He was raised and educated in New Castle, graduating from New Castle High School. He went on to attend Youngstown State University and graduated with a bachelor's in business administration. Jim eventually relocated to the Brattleboro area, where he was employed as a mental health counselor at The Brattleboro Retreat. He retired in 2014, following 17 years of service. Jim enjoyed hiking, camping, taking road trips throughout the tri-state area, and was a collector of Morse Code keys. He also was a Ham radio operator. Every winter, Jim enjoyed spending time in Chiefland, Fla., returning home in early spring. In 2015, he married Sharon Hemingway, who survives. Besides his wife, Jim leaves a stepdaughter, Jennifer Haskins-Norcia, and a step-granddaughter, Emma Norcia of Brattleboro, as well as several close friends in the West River Valley. Memorial information: In keeping with his final wishes, there are no formal funeral services scheduled. Donations to Newbrook Fire & Rescue, P.O. Box 77, Route 30, Newfane, VT 05345.
• Elizabeth “Betty” Ann (Coughlin) Brown, 89, formerly of Brattleboro. Died Dec. 11, 2021 at SalemHaven Nursing Home in Salem, N.H. Betty was born May 7, 1932 in Jamaica, daughter of John L. Coughlin and Louise M. (Robbins) Gonyer Coughlin. She graduated from Brattleboro High School in 1951 and worked at the Tom Thumb Snack Shop in Brattleboro, where she met her husband, Eugene Brown. Betty and Gene were married in 1953 and made their home in Brattleboro until 1970, when Gene's work took them to St. Johnsbury. In 1980, they relocated to Fairlee. Upon retiring they lived in the communities of Piermont and West Lebanon, N.H. In 2018, they moved to Salem to be closer their children and grandchildren. Betty was a stay-at-home mother, a former member of the St. Johnsbury Emblem Club, and an avid gardener. She enjoyed traveling with Gene, painting, crafting, knitting, reading, cooking and baking, and playing Bingo. Betty is survived by her son Dennis Brown and his wife Sharon of Punta Gordon, Fla.; daughters Darlene Moran of Tifton, Ga., and Wendy Brown of Nashua, N.H.; nephew Timothy Knight and his wife, Denise, of Bellows Falls; and six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Surviving siblings include Beverly Barnes of Hernando, Fla., Louise Stebbins of Townshend, Frank Gonyer of Rockingham, and Everett Gonyer and his wife Linda of Troy, Vt. Betty was predeceased by her husband; a daughter, Susan Jean, sisters Joan Shippee, Dorothy “Dot” Cleveland, and Grace White, and brothers Edward “Eddie” Coughlin, James “Jimmy” Coughlin, John Coughlin Jr., Floyd Gonyer, and Harry Gonyer. Memorial information: A celebration of Betty's life was held Dec. 29 at Calvary Chapel in West Townshend, with burial at the family plot in Riverside Cemetery in Brookline. Donations to Calvary Chapel, 6591 Route 30, West Townshend, VT 05359.
• Mary Roberta “Robin” Carlson, 80, of West Brattleboro. Died Dec. 16, 2021 at Grace Cottage Hospital in Townshend. Robin was born March 13, 1941 in Washington, D.C., the daughter of the late David Bertil and Mary (Swindlehurst) Carlson. She was welcomed at home by her older brother, David B. Carlson, Jr., who remained her best friend until his death in 2015. The Carlson family moved from Washington to Old Greenwich, Conn, in 1945. She attended Greenwich High School, graduating with the Class of 1959 and received her bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Connecticut. Robin's working career began at Business Week magazine in Boston. This job led her to Falls Church, Va., where she worked at several consulting jobs, eventually being hired by Sprint Telecommunications. She relocated to Mission, Kansas, continuing her work with Sprint as manager for national media relations. After retiring in 2006, Robin decided to move back east to be closer to her family and purchased a home in West Brattleboro, next to her wonderful neighbors, Doug and Billie Stark. In 2018, as Robin began to face several health issues, she decided to sell her home and move to Holton Home in Brattleboro, where she resided until her death. Robin loved the salt water, spending many summers aboard seagoing schooners on Windjammer cruises out of Maine. She was an avid and voracious reader, and her heartthrob was classical singer Alfie Boe. Robin cared for many four-legged friends over the years, owning several cats and dogs. Her claim to fame was dating Peter Tork of The Monkees while in college. Her absolute favorite holiday was Halloween. Several words that would describe Robin would be intelligent, humorous, curious, imaginative, caring, and loving. She will be sorely missed but forever remembered. In addition to her parents and her big brother, Robin was predeceased by nephew Chris Carlson and great-niece Rebecca Harris. Though Robin remained childless during her life, she found great joy in her extended family of nieces and nephews and their children, especially at the many Carlson family gatherings she attended. She is survived by nephews Peter (Roxane) Carlson, of West Townshend and David (Marcel) Carlson of Palm Springs, Calif.; niece Jennifer Harris, of Keene, N.H.; sister-in-law Arabella Martinez, of Berkeley, Calif.; several cousins and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews. Memorial information: A celebration of life service will be held in 2022 on a date to be announced. Donations of time and/or money to your local animal shelter. To send condolences to the family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Mark E. Doane, 61, of Londonderry. Died Dec. 21, 2021 at his home. Mark was born Feb. 29, 1960, in Belleville, Ill., to Peter and Barbara (Brown) Doane, while Peter was stationed at Scott Air Force Base. After moving back to Vermont, Mark graduated from Green Mountain Union High School in 1978. In 1979, he married his high school sweetheart, Val Spaulding. The couple would go on to have two children, Christopher and Brittnay, and live in the Londonderry home that Mark built until their separation in 1999. Mark spent his career as co-owner of Doane Builders Inc. He and brother Mike shared ownership for 28 years, taking over the business from their father, Pete. Together, they serviced the area construction needs from large to small, new construction as well as renovations. Mark took pride in working with his customers to create their dream home, room or customized space. He enjoyed passing along his building knowledge to younger employees and was always quick to point out “another way” to do something. He was an avid Boston sports fan, especially the Red Sox and Celtics. Mark was actively involved in the local Little League for many years, coaching his son's team as well as the traveling All-Star team. He also played a role in rejuvenating the junior high school baseball program at Flood Brook and was able to coach many kids over the years at different levels. Mark spent the last eight years with his “Better Half,” Susie Van Alstyne. He cherished his time with close friends and family, especially time with his grandkids. Mark is survived by his parents, Pete and Barb Doane, of Grand Isle; brothers, Mike (Val) Doane, of Londonderry, and Matt (Jessica) Doane, of Vernon; children, Christopher (Laura) Doane, of Rutland, and Brittnay (Nick) Merrill, of North Springfield, Vt.; ex-wife, Val Record, of Chester; girlfriend, Susie Van Alstyne, of South Londonderry, along with her two children, Reginald (Jen) Paré, of Londonderry, and Brittney (Scotty) Stoughton, of Steamboat, Colo., and seven grandchildren. He was predeceased by his granddaughter, Emma Louise Doane. Memorial information: A celebration of life will be held in the spring. Donations to the Londonderry Rescue Squad at P.O. Box 911, Londonderry, VT 05148.
• Valerie Jean Dubiel, 62, of Hinsdale, N.H. Died on her birthday, Dec. 28, 2021, at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H., following an extended period of declining health. Valerie was born in Bellows Falls on Dec. 28, 1959, the daughter of Wendall Deuso and Joanne Matthews. She was raised and educated in both Brattleboro and Hinsdale, attending Hinsdale High School. She was a devoted homemaker whose life centered around her family. Of her pastimes and interests, Valerie enjoyed cooking, reading and time shared with her family, especially her grandchildren. In 1982, she married William A. Dubiel, who survives. Besides her faithful husband of 39 years, she leaves five children: Angela Piquette of Swanzey, N.H., Aryca Dubiel of Winchester, N.H., Frank Dubiel and wife Debi of Winchester, N.H., Jonathan Dubiel and Devin Deuso, both of Hinsdale; her mother, Joanne Matthews of Dummerston; brother Bruce Deuso of Springfield; two sisters, Lynn Cunningham of Sanford, Maine, and Lori Raymond and her husband, Dean, of Brattleboro. She is also survived by 15 grandchildren, five great grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Valerie was predeceased by her father and a brother, Wendall “Jimmy” Deuso, Jr. Memorial information: A memorial service will be held on Jan. 13, at 2 p.m., at Center Church in Winchester, followed by a gathering at the Eagles Club in Brattleboro. Face masks and distancing are required; losing one loved one to COVID is already too many. Donations to Rescue Inc., P.O. Box 593, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To send condolences, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Marie Charlotte (Proehl) Graves, 90, of Putney. Died in her sleep at home on Dec. 12, 2021. She was born at home in Iowa City, Iowa, on Jan. 7, 1931, the sixth of seven children, to Arthur Proehl, a Lutheran pastor, and Margaret Kuhlmann Proehl. Marie attended Iowa City public schools, and earned a B.S. in nursing at Iowa State University in 1953. She met Thomas Graves when they worked as students at the University Hospital for Crippled Children. Marie's father married them in September 1953. Tom's Navy duty took them to Hawaii, where Thomas, Jr., was born, and Silver Spring, Md., where Marie gave birth to Andrew and William. William died of staph pneumonia at age 21 months. Marie worked as a nurse until becoming a mother, and later, briefly, when her children were grown. Sarah was born in New Jersey in 1960, and Edward in Manhattan in 1964. Marie taught Ed, who was severely dyslexic, how to read using Spalding's The Writing Road to Reading. Because of that program, Dalton School in New York City hired Marie, where she taught second grade for two years until the family moved to Weston, Conn., in 1970. There, Marie taught at a school for the handicapped, and worked as a nurse in a rehab hospital. The family also lived in Cheshire and New Haven, Conn., until Tom retired from IBM. Marie and Tom moved to Springfield, N.H., in 1989, and then to Ed's home in Putney in 2016. Later in life, Marie enjoyed elderhostels, many Dartmouth continuing education classes (ILEAD), playing the recorder, and being an active member of the Kearsarge Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in New London, N.H. Marie was a devoted and loving daughter, wife and mother. Friends called her the best cook they ever knew. She was a seamstress, a gardener, and a hiker with a child-like delight in nature. She is survived by her husband, Thomas, four children, seven grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Memorial information: The family plans a Unitarian memorial service at the New London, N.H., First Baptist Church on Saturday, Jan. 8, at 11 a.m.
• Alfred John “Al” Hannett, 90, a longtime resident of Brattleboro. Died Dec. 16, 2021 at Grace Cottage Hospital in Townshend, following a period of declining health. Memorial information: In keeping with his final wishes, there are no formal funeral services scheduled. Arrangements are under the direction of Atamaniuk Funeral Home of Brattleboro.
• Rodney Richard Howe, 75, of Brattleboro. Died Dec. 15, 2021 after a long battle with cancer. Rodney was born Sept. 27, 1946 in Brattleboro, the son of Harold Howe and Mildred Hill. He grew up in Brattleboro, where he attended Brattleboro Union High School. Shortly after graduating high school, he joined the Air Force, where he proudly served his country in Vietnam. He married Nancy E Philbrick in 1981. Rodney was employed for many years at the Town Crier and the Brattleboro Reformer. He also was the bulk mail carrier for the southern Vermont area. Rodney was a very skilled card player and had a deep love for animals. He is survived by his four stepchildren, Andrew Jackson and Ginger Jackson, both of Winchester, N.H., Faith Jobin of Vernon, and Roger Jackson of Keene, N.H. He is also survived by many grandchildren, including Jessie Jobin, Justin Jackson, and Venus Chase and her husband, Rodney Chase Jr. Memorial information: The family will hold a private celebration of his life at a later date.
• Charles Hastings “Charlie” Jones, 76, formerly of Putney. Died in San Francisco, Calif., on Dec. 18, 2021. Charlie was born in Brattleboro, the son of Marjorie C. and Charles W. Jones, and grew up in Putney. After graduation from Marlboro College, he moved to California, and in 1969 began a 31-year career working for Delta Airlines in San Francisco. After retirement from Delta, he was employed part-time by the San Francisco Giants. Charlie is survived by his wife, Audrey Sluiter; his sister, Linda Rothschild, of Putney; two nephews, Wilson and Cooper Rothschild; and many cherished friends. Memorial information: None provided.
• Alice Maes, 91, of Putney. Died Nov. 22, 2021 in home hospice care with her family. She was born in Battle Creek, Mich., on Oct. 16, 1930, the daughter of Robert E. Maes, Sr. and Sylvia (Sullivan) Maes. Her father immigrated from Belgium to Canada on his own at age 17 and graduated from Ontario Agricultural College. Her mother was a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Oberlin College. Alice grew up during the Depression on the family farm in Marshall, Mich., where she picked wildflowers by the New York Central railroad tracks and could walk down to the Kalamazoo River. The family did well after her father patented the improved Maes dairy inflation for teat cups, selling them mail order from home. She graduated from Ferry Hall boarding school in Illinois. After a year at McMaster College in Hamilton, Ontario, she returned to Michigan and graduated from Kalamazoo College in 1952 as the only female economics major and with the economics prize. Briefly, she was a “miserable failure” of a secretary before getting a job with General Electric in Philadelphia. She found affordable housing with the Quaker “Friendship Cooperative.” Socially radical, her friend groups included gay men and women, and she dated inter-racially in the 1950s and 1970s. She saved up enough in 1954 to tour Europe and visited her Belgian family in Paris and Meulebeke. They were not willing to show her the site of the family home, which had been destroyed in World War II. Back in America, she followed up a lead on an IBM job. She quickly got a job as a System Service Girl, a mixture of sales and technical service for punch card tabulating equipment. She enjoyed the training as IBM moved more into electronic computers, learning FORTRAN programming when the language was new. By then, her title was System Engineer. She left IBM in 1963, a year after she got married. The New Jersey-situated marriage lasted only seven years, but happily produced daughters Sylvia and Sarah. With her technical background, she quickly found lucrative consulting work in Philadelphia, and was able to travel extensively with her young daughters. In the late 1970s, she joined Movement for a New Society. This sparked personal, political, and environmental work she continued through her life. A founder of New Society Publishers, the business in its early years, was housed in her West Philly basement. In 1983, she moved closer to her daughters who were both in college in the Pioneer Valley. She got a lead on an apartment in the Blue House in Putney; eventually moving down the hill to the Vinegar Lane house, where her daughter Sarah has lived with her since Alice's decline in mid-September. Alice remained connected to Putney and her rentals during her sojourns to Amherst, Mass., in early 2000s and to Sarah's home turf of Maui from 2004 to 2012. She focused her commitment to justice in adoption of sustainable building practices as a local landlady. Her skills in finance, accounting, and doing repairs the “right way, a.k.a., according to Alice” were employed at The Putney Spinnery, Northeast Sustainable Energy Association, Transition Putney, as a Trustee for the First Congregational Church in Amherst and, more recently, for the Congregational Church of Westminster West. Alice, a staunch advocate for nonviolent communication, was a fascinating woman who showed great courage in how she faced her final illness. She will be missed, and will be remembered holding court on the front porch of the Putney General Store. Her only sibling, Robert Maes, Jr, predeceased Alice in 2019. Her daughters, Sylvia Maes and Sarah Maes Melick, survive her, as well as Sylvia's “was-band,” Brian Polan, grandson Dillon Polan, and granddaughter Alena Maes-Polan. Memorial information: A memorial gathering on Zoom will be held Jan. 8. Donations to Westminster West Church.
• Brenda Masure, 72, of Bellows Falls. Died Dec. 16, 2021, after a long struggle with breast cancer. She fought hard against cancer with humor, grace, and dignity in her last months. Brenda was born on Aug. 13, 1949, in St. Johnsbury, the daughter of the late Theda and Conover Masure. She was predeceased by her daughter, Lisa O'dette, and two brothers, Wesley and Calvin Masure. She is survived by her son, Rodney O'dette of North Hatfield, Mass., grandson Zachary Vancor of Bellows Falls, and sisters, Patty Masure of Northampton, Mass., and Erica Steward of Robbinsville, N.C. Memorial information: None provided.
• James M. “Jim” McCaffrey, 77, of Saxtons River. Died Dec. 21, 2021 at Springfield Rivers Nursing Home. Jim was born on Nov. 27, 1944 in Bellows Falls, the oldest son of Martin McCaffrey and Lucille Laferriere McCaffrey of St. Johnsbury. Siblings include Joanne Savoie of Bowdoinham, Maine, Janet Forbush of Bellows Falls, and John McCaffrey of Ferrisburg. Jim is survived by his sons, Geoffrey, and wife Kim, of Charlestown, N.H., and Patrick of Athens, as well as three grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his long-time companion, Deena Ezequelle, of Walpole, N.H. His daughter, Karen, predeceased him in 1994. Jim enjoyed fishing, hunting, skiing and kayaking; and especially enjoyed hiking and camping with his family. One of his fondest childhood memories was spending many hours at the Bellows Falls ski tow, on the ski patrol. Jim also enjoyed music and played the drums. He was a member of the Bellows Falls High School Band and Orchestra, assisted in directing the St. Charles Knights of Columbus Squires Drum & Bugle Corps, and participated in the Bellows Falls Post 37 Pierce Lawton Drum & Bugle Corps, as their lead drummer, for several years. Jim was a graduate of St. Charles School in Bellows Falls and Bellows Falls High School. He earned the “Dramatics” award, upon graduation, for his participation in comedy plays. He went on to attend St. Francis College (now New England College) in Biddeford, Maine. After attending college, Jim became an electronic technician and worked at Jones & Lamson Machine Co. in Springfield for 18 years, where he headed the first robotic machining project for the company. At the decline of the machine tool industry, his position on the board of directors of the company-sponsored credit union at Jones & Lamson inspired him to expand the credit union to a community charter. The move transformed Vermont's second oldest credit union, the J&L Employees' Federal Credit Union, into the J&L Occupational Federal Credit Union. Jim further expanded credit union services by starting the first student-operated credit union branch in Vermont, at the Springfield Technical Center & High School. He further partnered with the Vermont Dept. of Employment & Training by teaching introductory finance courses. While involved with the credit union movement, he campaigned as Chair of the Vermont State Credit Union League Marketing Committee and held a lead role in the merger of two credit unions to form the fifth-largest credit union in the state (River Valley Credit Union, now 802 Credit Union). Jim enjoyed community involvement, mentoring and teaching. He was involved on many boards and served as president of the Springfield Chamber of Commerce, chair of the Business Education Advisory Council at the Springfield Technical Center, the Vermont Department of Employment & Training Advisory Council, local zoning boards and planning commissions, and as a member of the board of directors of Falls Area Community Television. After his credit union tenure, Jim started his own business as a property/home inspector, which he continued until his retirement. Jim was instrumental in the design and implementation of the Home Buyer Education Program for the Windham & Windsor Housing Trust and conducted presentations on the home inspection portion of the program. An avid antique car enthusiast, Jim was a member of the Yesteryears Motorcar Club and the Now-and-Then Car Club for several years, and enjoyed tours and the camaraderie of his fellow club members. Memorial information: A funeral service will be held at St. Charles Church at a later date, to be announced.
• Herbert S. “Herb” Meyer, 88, of Guilford. Died peacefully on Dec. 15, 2021 in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his family. He was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., on June 17, 1933, the son of J. Herbert and Dorothy A. (Lozier) Meyer. At age 8, he and his parents moved to Brattleboro. Herb attended Brattleboro public schools and graduated from Brattleboro High School with the Class of 1951. He went on to serve his country in the Army and was stationed in Korea during the Korean War. Upon his honorable discharge from active service, he enlisted in the Air Force Reserve, where he was stationed in Orange, Mass. He later enlisted in the Vermont Army National Guard and served in the armories in Brattleboro and, later, in Westminster. He retired from the Guard in 1993 at the rank of first sergeant following more than 30 years of military service. Herb also had a distinguished career in law enforcement. Initially hired as a special officer for the Brattleboro Police, he eventually became a full-time officer. In 1978, he was hired by Vernon to be the town's Police Chief, a position he held for 18 years. Following his retirement, he served with the Vermont Department of Corrections for several years. He was a graduate of the Vermont Police Academy in Pittsford and, during his tenure in Vernon, earned his associate's degree in criminal justice from Community College of Vermont. Herb was a longtime member of American Legion Post 5 in Brattleboro, where he served as Sergeant of Arms. For many years, he was commander of the Joint Memorial Honor Guard Unit, which included providing military honors at funerals for veterans. Additionally, he held membership in VFW Carl M. Dessaint Post 1034, was a 32nd Degree Mason in Brattleboro Lodge No. 102, F&AM, and was a member of the Brattleboro Shrine Club. Active civically, he taught hunter safety courses in Windham County for more than 50 years and recently was the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award, the first of its kind, issued by the Vermont Fish & Game Department. Mr. Meyer was a former member of St. Michael's Episcopal Church and, more recently, attended Guilford Community Church adjacent to his home on Bee Barn Road. He enjoyed the outdoors, hunting and spending time in the woods. He also spent time researching the history of narrow-gauge railways of Vermont. In 1957, he married Madolyn Cutting, who predeceased him in 2013. Survivors include sons Jonathan “Jay” Meyer of Putney and Jeffrey Meyer of Rockingham; grandchildren Amy Sawyer, Chelsea Meyer, Matthew Meyer, and Benjamin “Ben” Meyer; four great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Memorial information: A memorial service will be conducted in early May of 2022 at American Legion Post 5 on Linden Street. Burial with full military honors will follow in Meetinghouse Hill Cemetery. Donations to the Vermont Hunter Education Program, 1 National Life Drive, Dewey Building, Montpelier, VT 05620-3208; or Brattleboro Area Hospice, 191 Canal St., Brattleboro, VT 05301. To share a memory or condolences to the family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Col. Henry Goldsborough Moseley, 92, of Grafton. Died peacefully, surrounded by family, on Nov. 22, 2021 at Grace Cottage Hospital in Townshend. He was the eldest son of the late Col. George Van Horn Moseley, Jr., and the late Katharine Payne Moseley. He was born on Oct. 15, 1929, in Plattsburgh, N.Y., and was an Army “brat” throughout his childhood, living at West Point, Forts Benning, Bragg, Jackson, Snelling, and Lewis; as well as in Tientsin, China. He graduated from Kent School in Connecticut. While at Kent, he joined the Kent School Boat Club, and in 1947 their rowing crew won the Thames Challenge Cup at Henley. In 1947, he enlisted in the Army, attended USMA Preparatory School at Stewart Field, N.Y., and entered the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1948. As a cadet, he was on the varsity ski and sailing teams. He graduated from West Point in 1952 and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the infantry. In his early career, Moseley served in various commands and assignments with the 82nd Airborne Division, the 101st Airborne Division, the 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team, the 503rd Airborne Battle Group, and the 173rd Airborne Brigade (separate). His tours of duty were in Korea, Japan, Taiwan and Okinawa. He obtained his Master Parachute Badge and Senior Army Aviator Badge. In 1964, he attended Army Command General Staff College and became an instructor in Airborne Operations at the college. He later served, with distinction, two tours in Vietnam. He was the first company commander of 213th Assault Support Helicopter Company (“Black Cats”) in Phu Loi, Vietnam. During his career, Col. Moseley was awarded the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, four Air Medals, a Bronze Star, and the Meritorious Service Medal. From 1968-1971 he worked at the Pentagon, at the Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff for Force Development. He obtained a master's from American University in 1972, and was Professor of Military Science at St. John's University from 1972-1975. He was a Senior Advisor with Army Reserve Command in New York City. Before retiring in 1980, his last assignment was as Defense Attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Bulgaria. After retirement, he dabbled in sheep farming, writing, computer consulting, flying and sailing - mostly the latter. In 1994, using his Slavic-language skills, he placed himself under fire again as a UNICEF volunteer in Sarajevo. Henry is survived by his wife, Eniko (Eni); by four of his five children: his son, Henry, Jr., (Cynthia), and his three daughters: Helen Hollyday (Erik), Mary Noel and Robin Susanna. He is survived by nine grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, five cousins, numerous relatives and many friends. He was predeceased by his daughter, Katharine; by his brother, George; and by his sister Katharine. Memorial information: A celebration of life service will be held on Sunday, May 29, 2022 at Riverledge Farm in Grafton. Donations to Grafton Rescue Squad, Inc., P.O. Box 54, Grafton, VT 05146, or to Grace Cottage Hospital, 185 Grafton Rd., PO Box 216, Townshend, VT 05353.
• William A. “Bill” Oates, 85, of Brattleboro. Died Nov. 22, 2021. Bill was born on April 26, 1936, the middle child of William and Lillian Woods Oates. All three sons grew up in Springfield, Mass., and attended Yale University for eight years. His brothers stayed in the academic milieu - John, who died in 2006, as head of the Classics Department at Duke University, and Daniel as physics researcher at MIT's Lincoln Lab in Lexington, Mass. Bill eventually broke away from his academic career, but first interned while still at Yale in his first teaching job at Sterling College in Craftsbury, with his first wife Rosanne “Rosie” Hutchison, whom he had met in New Haven, Conn., and her two children, Zoe and Alex. Bill continued his studies at Yale in Southeast Asian History, and learned to speak Indonesian, Dutch and French. He and Rosie loved to travel, and Oliver Oates was born before they traveled to Indonesia and moved to Amsterdam for his thesis. He had received a prestigious Ford Foundation Grant for their travels and to continue his research. Returning to the U.S., he taught at Yale and Carnegie Mellon University before settling in Greensboro, Vt. They bought a farm where Rosie started sheep farming while Bill taught at Lyndon State College. Adrian Oates was born shortly thereafter in 1966. During the Vietnam era, Bill left academia, moved to Brattleboro, and started the Good Life, a natural food store, selling wholesale products as well imported gourmet wines and cheeses. He became a true “hippie,” embracing alternate ideology and lifestyles. He employed members of Packer Corners, a gathering place and home founded by writers, artists, and activists of the 1960s counterculture, such as Peter Gould. He was a founding member of The Common Ground restaurant, and cooked an Indonesian meal there once a month. Heide Bredfeldt Hiler met Bill at the Good Life, and they would often meet at the Common Ground as well, where Thursday evenings, while Heide attended graduate school, her two children, David and Andrea Hiler would eat and perform their jobs of watering the plants and drying silverware. Heide and Bill spent years enjoying being friends and having lunch together; they finally tied the knot and married in 1980. Not long after marrying Heide, Bill started an inn-consulting business. Heide joined Bill in his practice, at first joining in the seminars for prospective buyers, focusing on the personal side of innkeeping. Heide joined the company full time as business partner after a few years and they traveled extensively advising prospective inn buyers and sellers. They shared a wonderful life together - played tennis, owned properties for over 40 years, on 40 High St., as well as a farm on Sunset Lake. They winterized the farm 11 years ago to live there year-round. Bill was diagnosed with Parkinson's after a spine operation eight years ago. In August 2021, he moved into the Thompson House where he received special, loving care until his death. Bill leaves Heide, his wife of 41 years and is deeply missed by all his family: his children, Oliver and Adrian, David and Andrea, Donald Pleasant and Michael Hernandez (Heide's foster children), Zoe and Alex Hardy, Daniel, his remaining brother and wife Linda, and many wonderful grandchildren, as well as one new great-grand baby Ellis and countless colleagues in the hospitality industry. Memorial information: A memorial gathering is planned for Bill's birthday, April 25, at the River Garden/Market Place on Main Street in Brattleboro. Donations to Brattleboro Area Hospice, Groundworks Collaborative, or any service organization dear to your heart.
• Tina Jean Petrie, 65, of Guilford. Died Dec. 17, 2021 at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital, following an extended period of declining health. Tina was born in Brattleboro on Jan. 18, 1956, the daughter of John and Anna (Bobee) Geer. She attended St. Michael's Parochial School, Vernon Elementary School, and Brattleboro Union High School. She had been employed at the former Warner Mill, then operated Guilford Home Center and, later, worked at the Woodbine Company in Guilford. During her earlier years, she worked at the former AMP Keyboards. Most importantly, Tina was a devoted homemaker where for several years she was a caretaker for several area children. Tina enjoyed gardening and weekends fishing on her family's boat. She loved her animals and enjoyed time spent with her family. She also enjoyed photography. She was married to Richard W. Petrie Jr. who survives. The couple had been together for over 25 years. Besides her husband, survivors include two sons, Robert Geer of Forestville, Calif., and Travis LaFlam of Guilford; two daughters, Shannon Weller and husband Justin of Brattleboro and Tiffany LaFlam of Fitchburg, Mass.; two stepchildren, Brian Petrie and Amie Petrie, both of Greenfield, Mass.; one brother, John Geer, Jr. and wife Karen and their son, David of Anchorage, Alaska; two sisters, Kimberly Geer-Curtis and husband Sumner and their children, Hannah and Jacob of Vernon, and Michaelynn Bouthillier and husband David and their children Josh and Bethany of Hartland, Vt.; and four grandchildren, Forest, Oriana, Clemintine and Savannah. Additionally, she leaves many nieces, nephews and cousins. Memorial information: In keeping with Tina's final wishes, there are no formal funeral services scheduled. Donations to Guilford Volunteer Fire Dept., 108 Guilford Center Rd., Guilford, VT 05301; or to Rescue Inc., P.O. Box 593, Brattleboro, VT 05302.
• Frederick B. “Fred” Pike, 63, formerly of Shelburne Falls, Mass. Died Dec. 11, 2021. Fred was born in Greenfield, Mass., on Aug. 8, 1958, son of the late Harold Pike and Beryl Thayer (Graves). He attended local schools and was a graduate of Mohawk Trail High School, Class of 1977. Fred enjoyed his high school years. He played on Mohawk's football team, where his teammates referred to him as “The Animal.” Following high school, Fred attended culinary school in North Adams, Mass. Fred worked for D.B. Cable, J.S. Rae and, for seven years, at Greg's Trucking in South Deerfield, Mass., where he appreciated all his co-workers and held a special place in heart for Brooke and Greg. He enjoyed driving his dump truck, referring to it as “Good Ol' Mack.” He was on the Buckland/Shelburne Falls Volunteer Fire Department for many years. He enjoyed hunting, working, talking with “the guys,” gatherings with family and friends, and especially enjoyed time spent with his son, Ethan. Fred leaves behind his son, Ethan Pike, and his girlfriend Brandie Soulia of Turners Falls, Mass.; a brother, Allen Pike and girlfriend, Donna Ditchkus, of Brattleboro; stepdaughters Sabrina Tatro and fiancé Jeff Rumgay, Jennifer Tatro and boyfriend Nate Young; step-grandchildren Makayla, Logan and Jeffrey, all of Charlemont, Mass.; his long-time friend and mother to Ethan, Brenda Tatro of Greenfield; and many others whose hearts Fred has touched. Memorial information: Calling hours will be held at Smith-Kelleher Funeral Home, 40 Church St., Shelburne Falls, on Saturday, Jan. 8, at 1 p.m. An outdoor celebration of his life will be held in the spring of 2022.
• John Robert Reed, 73, of Dover. Died Dec. 17, 2021. John was born on Sept. 28, 1948 in Fitchburg, Mass., the only child of George and Helen Read (McMinimen). He grew up in Leominster, Mass., and graduated from Leominster High School in 1966. John also attended Worcester Junior College and finished his education at Lowell Technological Institute in civil engineering. In 1970, John married the love of his life, Virginia (Ginny) Marie Rose Civita Read. They recently celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary. A year later, they welcomed their first and only child, John Jacob Read, into this world. After many years of visiting the Mount Snow area, the family decided to move to Vermont in 1972 and has called it home ever since. John and Ginny traveled extensively throughout the Caribbean, with Tortola in the British Virgin Islands being their favorite. They visited there many times and were deemed as “locals.” John was an avid and rabid Red Sox fan and was fortunate enough to have attended several of their games during his lifetime. He was truly amazed to see the Sox win four World Series in this century, after decades of heartbreak. John began his career in Vermont as a surveyor for Dufresne, but traveled extensively for work throughout New England and was the superintendent on many multi-million dollar projects. Tired of traveling and being away from home, John transitioned into residential housing projects, including Units #17 to #40 at Spyglass at the Haystack Golf Course, and the Tara and Mountain View Townhouses. In 1988, John started his own construction company called John Read Building and Home Design, Inc., and built many upscale homes in southern Vermont. John retired in 2014 after working many years with his son John J., who now owns his own company, John J. Read Construction and Excavating Inc., based in Stratton. John leaves his loving and devoted wife and his only son and his wife, beloved daughter in-law, Sian Morse Read, who presented John with his beloved grandson, Matthew John Read, in 2007, whom John adored. When John died, he had a picture of his grandson lying upon his chest. John also leaves who he always called his second son, Christopher Eckert and his wife, Taryn, and their children who John considered to be his grandchildren, Christopher, Jr., Kalin, Hunter and Brooklyn. John also considered Tyler Smith from Newfane as a friend, kind soul and very helpful to John and his family. John wanted to thank them all for their love, kindness, and thoughtfulness from the bottom of his heart. Memorial information: A funeral service was held Dec. 23 at Our Lady of Fatima Church in Wilmington.
• Gisela Robeck, 92, of West Brattleboro. Died peacefully at home, with her family at her side, on Dec. 14, 2021. Gisela was born in Leipzig, Germany in 1929. After training as a kindergarten teacher, she immigrated to the United States in 1952. As she raised her four children, the family lived in Chicago, Phoenix, Florida, and the Boston area. In her 40s, Gisela went back to college and earned a degree in computer science and, later, a master's degree in finance. She worked as a financial analyst for John Hancock Life Insurance in Boston until 1992, when she retired to Hilo on the Big Island of Hawaii, enjoying the warm weather, the beautiful flowers, and the many visitors who basked in her hospitality. In 2011, Gisela moved to Brattleboro. She became an active member of Centre Congregational Church, serving on the Member Care and Fundraising committees, among others. She was a key member of the Centre Church Quilt Club, whose members make quilts for all the baptized babies in the church and for every new baby attending The Center for Children. Gisela greatly enjoyed watching the parents' delight as they picked a quilt for their child. With the club, she also made quilts, cards, bags, and ornaments for the Holiday Bazaar. Gisela is survived by her three daughters and a granddaughter: Katrina Robeck and her husband, Rolf Grandstaff, of Garner, N.C., and their daughter Erika, of Lawrence, Kansas; Diana Todd and her husband, Lee, of Halifax; and Linda Fuhrman and her husband, Don, of Marlboro. Her son Frank predeceased her. She is also survived by her sister, Gunda Sadoine, of Marseille, France, and a niece and nephews in Germany, France, and China. Memorial information: A memorial service will be held at Centre Congregational Church sometime in the spring. To send condolences to the family, visit www.phaneuf.net.
• Edgar Charles Simpson, 49, of Bellows Falls. Died unexpectedly on Dec. 24, 2021 at Springfield Hospital. Edgar was the son of the late Steven and Georgina (Simpson) Thomas Sr. of Bellows Falls. Edgar graduated from Bellows Falls Union High School in 1991 and went on to pursue a career in trucking. He drove for Whitney Trucking, C&S, and Bazin Brothers. Edgar was a part of many organizations in Bellows Falls, including the Elks, the Moose, and the American Legion. He was known for being very social and was always the life of the party. Edgar is survived by three brothers, Chad Simpson of Springfield, Steven Thomas Jr. of Bellows Falls, and Todd Thomas of Bellows Falls. He is also survived by two sisters, Melissa Simpson of Unity, N.H., and Tracy Smith of Belmont, N.H., and many nieces and nephews. Memorial information: A service will be held on Jan. 7, at 6 p.m., at Fenton & Hennessey Funeral Home, 55 Westminster St,, Bellows Falls. A reception will follow at the Moose Lodge next door.
• Ralph Welch, 92, of Huntington, Mass. Died Dec. 19, 2021. He was born in New Hampshire in 1929. As a young man, he spent eight years in the Army. Ralph worked in various trades as a slate roofer, sawmill operator, and repairman at an Allis-Chalmers dealership. He married Audrey Center in 1965. He retired from Lane Construction, then delivered newspapers for the Springfield Republican for 14 years. His interests included rebuilding farm equipment and antique tractors, which he proudly displayed at many local fairs. Ralph's antique vehicles won many awards over the years; his tractors were frequently “Oldest of the Show.” To the delight of many, his 1936 Chevrolet farm truck, fully decked with a huge Christmas tree would be parked outside the Red Lion Inn at the Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas festival every year. He leaves behind Audrey, his wife of 56 years, and his son, Mark. Memorial information: He was buried in Bellows Falls on Dec. 27.
• Marion “Hannah” Wilder, 87, of Westminster. Died peacefully Dec. 23, 2021 at her son's home in St. Albans. She was born May 29, 1934 in Bellows Falls, the daughter of the late Richard and Lottie (Davis) Campbell. Hannah attended schools in Langdon and Alstead, N.H. She was a telephone operator for several years and, later, was employed as an LNA and Activities Department aide at the Maplewood Nursing Home in Westmoreland, N.H. Upon her retirement, she continued to volunteer her services at the nursing home. Hannah was a talented artist and enjoyed oil painting, which she often displayed at local businesses in the Bellows Falls area. She enjoyed spending much time in her arts and crafts room, making various items for patients at the nursing home and her family. She was a member of the First Congregational Church of Westminster, the Red Hat Society, and the North American Family Campers Association. Hannah especially enjoyed touring the countryside with her husband, Bill, in their RV where they met several new friends. After Bill's death, Hannah purchased a small RV and continued with her camping expeditions with her little sidekick “Tuffy,” a Shih Tzu whom she adored and loved. Hannah spent the last three years living with her son John and his wife, Patricia, on the shores of Lake Champlain, where she spent many days gazing over the lake and beautiful sunsets. On the shore stands a large maple tree which she named the “Tree of Life,” because of the abundance of wildlife. It often saw squirrels, many species of birds, and a fox that slept at its base. Hannah especially enjoyed watching all the activity in her Tree of Life. Hannah was predeceased by her husband, William Wilder; a daughter, Carol Lee Wilder; and a sister, Muriel Rice. She is survived by three sons, John and his wife, Patricia, of St. Albans, William Jr. of Westminster, and Timothy Wilder and his wife, Tara of Westminster; and her brother, Warren Campbell of Keene, N.H. Hannah is also survived by eight grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Memorial information: Funeral services will be held on Jan. 7, at 2 p.m., at Fenton & Hennessey Funeral Home in Bellows Falls, with burial to follow in Westminster Cemetery. Donations to your local Humane Society.