College news
• Cassandra Dunn, a theater major from Brattleboro, was named to the Dean's List for the fall 2021 semester at the University of Evansville (Indiana).
• Sydney Henry of Brattleboro and John Peloso of Townshend were both named to the Dean's List for the fall 2021 semester at Stonehill College in Easton, Mass.
• Jonathan Griffin, a freshman accounting major from West Townshend, was named to the fall 2021 President's List at Bob Jones University in Greensville, S.C.
• Sydney Hescock, a childhood education/special education major from Wardsboro, has been named to the Dean's List for the fall 2021 semester at The College of Saint Rose in Albany, N.Y.
• The following local students were named to the fall 2021 Dean's List at the University of Vermont: Madeline Prouty of Londonderry, Jordyn Jager of Landgrove, Eleanor Guyon of Saxtons River, Madeleine Blanchard of South Londonderry, Ella Bursky of Westminster, Sophia Capy of Brattleboro, Charles Galanes of Brattleboro, Samuel Freitas-Eagan of Guilford, Edith Cay of Brattleboro, Stevie-Tao Roberts of Jamaica, Dylan Ray of Brookline, Emmett Dews of East Dummerston, Samantha Cragin of Putney, Chandre Pero of Putney, Tyler Allembert of East Dummerston, Maris Linder of Townshend, Lucas Newton of Townshend, Emma Allen of Vernon, Mya Petrie of Vernon, Daniel Amidon of Vernon, Christos Contakos of Whitingham, and Kai Ling Boyd of Wilmington.
Transitions
• Juliette Carr, a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), has joined the primary care staff at Grace Cottage Family Health in Townshend. Carr holds a M.S.-FNP degree from Georgetown University and a B.S. in nursing from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She is board certified as an FNP and as a maternal and newborn RN. In addition, she is a registered herbalist with the American Herbalists Guild and holds an LGBTQ+ SafeZone certification. She provides gender-affirming, holistic care to adults and children. In addition to seeing patients for general primary care and family medicine, Carr also has a subspecialty in integrative medicine and is a nationally recognized speaker and writer on holistic medicine. She is co-chair of the American Nurses Association of Vermont's Legislative Advocacy Committee and is a member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society of Nursing.
Obituaries
• Richard Harriss Barr, 89, of Londonderry. Died peacefully on Dec. 30, 2021. Richard received his primary education at St. Andrew's College in Toronto and completed it at the Hun School. As a member of the Class of 1955, he received a B.A. in art history from Dartmouth College. Richard became a designer and importer of woman's fashion and Scottish woolens in New York City. He was passionate about sports, Dartmouth, bagpipes, photography, art, and the Brooklyn Dodgers. He was most passionate about his family. He is survived by his daughters, Sabrina B. Barr, of New York City, Capucine T. Barr and husband William W. Venable, of Londonderry; grandchildren Damarah Barr-Smith, Paisley Barr, and Cameron Barr-Kotzen; great-grandchild Hudson H. Barr; brother John Douglas Barr; many adored nieces and nephews, and his former wife, Nicole Barr. He was preceded in death by his parents, John Barr and Isabel Harriss Aria; and René Kotzen. Memorial information: A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. Donations to the Wounded Warriors Project, in care of Brewster-Shea Funeral Service, P.O. Box 885, Manchester Center, VT 05255.
• Casey Nelson Bozetarnik, 71, of Brattleboro. Died Dec. 30, 2021, in the comfort of his home with his wife, Pat, at his side, following an extended period of failing health due to kidney disease. Casey was born in Holyoke, Mass., on Aug. 10, 1950, the son of Casimir and Jean (Langue) Bozetarnik. He was raised and educated in Brattleboro, attending St. Michael's Parochial School and was a graduate of St. Michael's High School, Class of 1968. He earned his associate's degree in business from St. Joseph's College in Bennington, his bachelor's from Johnson State College, and his M.Ed. from Norwich University. He began his career in education at Guilford Central School, where he taught middle sschool for 19 years. While in Guilford, he also coached basketball and worked with his students on countless fundraisers for their class trips. Casey cared deeply for all the kids he worked with, but discovered he had a special talent working with those who were struggling in school. This led Casey to his next role at the Meadows School at the Brattleboro Retreat where he served as teacher, guidance counselor, and principal. After 14 years at the Meadows School, he took the position as principal of St. Michael's School. Casey finished his career in education at Vermont Adult Learning, where he helped young adults find a path to reach their goals when traditional environments didn't meet their needs. A well-respected teacher and principal, many of his former students kept in communication with him. Casey had a positive impact and long-standing influence on many of his students and colleagues due to his teaching style and genuine interest in their success. For several years, he was actively involved in the Greater Brattleboro Men's softball and basketball leagues. He was an avid reader, enjoyed watching all sports and, most of all, enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. A special joy was vacationing to Sandbridge Beach, VA with family and friends. Casey was a communicant of St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church. In 1979, he married Patricia “Patty” MacLean, who survives. Besides his faithful and devoted wife of 42 years he leaves a son, Gregory Montgomery of Brattleboro; a sister, Marcia Hanson (Jeff) of Sacramento, Calif.; three brothers, Martin and Barry, both of Brattleboro, and David of Dubai, UAE; sisters-in-law, Debra Bozetarnik of Putney, Gerry Hines of Jacksonville, Fla., Janice D'alia of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Judith Wisell (Gordon) of Brattleboro, and Jean MacLean of Brattleboro; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Additionally, he leaves his beloved Springer Spaniel, Hershey. Casey was predeceased by his parents and several aunts and uncles. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held Jan. 8 at St. Michael's Catholic Church. Donations to Northern Vermont University, Development Office, NVU-Johnson, 337 College Hill, Johnson, VT 05656; or Dartmouth Hitchcock/Geisel Office of Development, One Medical Center Drive, HB 7070, Lebanon, NH 03756-0001. To share a memory or send condolences to the family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Thomas “Tim” Sheffield Cowles, 74, of Westminster West. Died Jan. 4, 2022, after years of struggle against cancer.. He was born on Sept. 17, 1947, prematurely, with his identical twin brother in Boston, one of six children born to William Sheffield Cowles Jr. and Virginia Fleming Lloyd-Smith. They grew up on the shores of Lake Champlain, where the family owned and operated an apple orchard. His many interests grew from the breadth of his family's experiences, which included attending a neighborhood school started by his parents and a number of trips to Europe where he was first introduced to flying and the French world. He went to Marvelwood School, graduating in 1965, spending that summer after graduation, first, at Hurricane Island Outward Bound which expanded and deepened his interest and skills in sailing and then, selling hot dogs on Long Island, before attending Lake Forest College where he majored in French and art history. Another summer, he and his brother Evan took a road trip to Alaska where Tim ended up fighting forest fires. He was always up for new adventures and brought a spirit of playfulness and curiosity to people and travel. After graduating college in 1971, he attended Pratt Institute in New York before deciding to take an interpreting position with an American architect in Paris. His love of all things Francophile blossomed, especially his language and cultural fluency and unique fashion. Paris was also where he learned about the Experiment in International Living and its School for International Training (SIT) in Brattleboro. After living in Paris, he attended the Master's in International Administration program focusing on intercultural management, primarily in not-for-profit organizations. While there, he developed a model for intercultural identity within an intercultural training course, which he taught with his lifelong friend, Claude Pepin, at Coker College, as part of the internship requirement for SIT. After completing the SIT program, he worked for a short time at a multicultural learning center in Montreal before deciding to settle in Southeastern Vermont. He taught experience-based learning at Community College of Vermont while also volunteering at Hotline, an emergency service organization. He was then asked to direct the same local Hotline, which he did for a number of years, compassionately responding to the needs of callers and training volunteers. This led him to be asked to join the Diversion Board in Brattleboro, where he served up until his death. Throughout these experiences, Tim was always known for his thoughtfulness and compassion. After returning to Vermont, he started painting again, pursuing his interest in painting and becoming well known for his cloudscapes, many of which hang in the offices of organizations in town. His interest in art also led him into film making and he attended Boston University Film School where his MFA thesis was a documentary on “Gordie,” a learning-disabled man who was known to everyone in Putney. Only someone with Tim's compassionate manner could have gained Gordie's trust and that of his family enough to produce such a film. In 1987 Tim married “Waew” Rawiwan Kasetrevatin, another aspiring filmmaker, whom he met while she was working in one of SIT's overseas training programs. They settled in Westminster West, building an energy-efficient underground house that Tim designed and which Waew helped furnish to reflect their artistic and southeast Asian aesthetics. The house reflected their sensibilities long before most people were conscious of our planet's vulnerability. Tim was known for his many interests and passions: bicycling, painting, airplanes, sailing, quiet philanthropy, architecture, energy efficiency, French language and culture, and for his panache with respect to his wardrobe and transportation choices. He was in the forefront of people who drove all-electric cars and was fascinated with science's ability to solve large human problems. He loved words and languages and once said, “The word 'no' in Thai means 'not yes.' People don't want to say 'no.' The world is such a wonderful place, the way humans figure things out.” Waew and Tim had one son, Dee-Jai, with whom they returned to Thailand on a number of occasions so that DeeJai could fully embrace his bi-cultural identity. They lived several years there while DeeJai attended elementary school. Waew died after a long battle with cancer in 2012. Since her death, Tim continued his painting, philanthropy, and bike riding. Whether in France, Thailand, or Putney, Tim was always known for his belief in the bicycle as a means of transportation and as a form of exercise. An avid reader, with broad interests, he was a great conversationalist and, until the end, relished time with friends and discussions of a wide range of topics. He was especially delighted in recent years by his relationship with Eleanor Morse, with whom he traveled and communicated regularly. Tim was predeceased by his wife; his identical twin brother, Robert; and his oldest sister, Cedar. He is survived by his sister Tory (Victoria) and brothers, Nick and Evan, and their wives children and grandchildren and by his son Dee-Jai and his wife, Julia Bianconi; by his cherished sweetheart, Eleanor Morse, and many many friends. Memorial information: A celebration of his life will be held in the spring. He was beloved locally and abroad, and in his memory, the hope is for those who who knew him will continue to figure things out, love each other, and be filled with the large and small wonders of this world.
• Trevor Michael Gottardi, 30, of Wilmington, formerly of Readsboro. Died Jan. 4, 2022 at Albany (N.Y.) Medical Center from injuries he sustained in an automobile accident in Readsboro. Trevor was born in North Adams, Mass., on March 22, 1991, one of two sons born to Robert Gottardi Jr. and Deborah (Pellerin) Gottardi. Trevor grew up in Readsboro, where he attended Readsboro Elementary School, and completed his education at Twin Valley High School. Throughout his life, he had worked in the landscaping and construction industry. Trevor was athletic, excelling in snowboarding, skateboarding, and riding motorcycles to the extreme. He had no fear and no jump was too big for him. A talented artist, he used his gift in drawings that captured incredible detail in all that he did. As an outdoorsman, he enjoyed fishing and hunting. Trevor was devoted to his two children, Jaxson and Mickenna, and will be remembered as a devoted, loving father to both of them. He leaves his mother and step-father Deborah Gottardi and Dale Marchegiani of Readsboro; father Robert Gottardi Jr. of Readsboro; his companion of 13 years and mother of his children, Amanda Tatro of Wilmington; their children Mickenna and Jaxson Gottardi, brother Joshua Gottardi of Wilmington, grandparents James Pellerin Sr. and his wife Mary of Wilmington, and Marie Hyytinen of Charlemont, Mass., and several aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was predeceased by his grandparents Robert Gottardi Sr. and Brenda Gottardi, and uncles Duane and Layne Gottardi. Memorial information: The family will receive friends for a time of visitation at the Covey Allen & Shea Funeral Home on Wednesday, Jan. 12, from 4 to 6 p.m. A celebration of Trevor's life will be held in the spring and will be announced when scheduled. He will be buried in the Village Cemetery in Readsboro. Memorial gifts may be made to Trevor's family (payable to Amanda Tatro) to assist with expenses and his children's education, in care of Covey Allen & Shea Funeral Home, P.O. Box 215, Wilmington, VT 05363 or through a Go Fund Me page in his name. To send personal condolences to his family, visit www.sheafuneralhomes.com.
• Douglas A. “Doug” Gray, Jr., 75, of Hinsdale, N.H. Died Dec. 30, 2021 at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H., following an extended period of failing health. Doug was born at home in Waterbury, Vt., on Feb. 15, 1946, the son of Douglas and Yvonne Rose (Therrien) Gray. He attended schools in St. Johnsbury and Keene, N.H., graduating from Keene High School with the Class of 1964. He went on to proudly serve his country in the Army. He was stationed stateside during the Vietnam War and, following his honorable discharge from active duty, continued his service in the Army Reserve. Doug worked as a machinist employed at the former Kingsbury Machine Tool Corporation in Keene. He retired in 2008, following 29 years of faithful service. Of his pastimes and interests, he enjoyed classic cars, riding his Harley-Davidson, puttering around his home, and fixing anything that needed to be repaired. He was known for his spirit of friendship and enjoyed striking up a conversation with whoever he met. He liked wedding cake. Survivors include his children: Douglas, III and wife Teresa of Hinsdale; Cindy Connors and husband Terry of Surry, N.H.; Paula (Gray) Sarringer of Guilford; son Dana of Hinsdale; and stepdaughter, Patti (Bills) Champagne of Fairfield, Maine; and12 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. Doug was predeceased by a sister, Carol Phippard, and his two beloved dogs, Spike and Snoopy. Memorial information: A memorial service will be held in the spring at a date to be announced by Atamaniuk Funeral Home. He will be buried in West Brattleboro Cemetery on Mather Road. Donations to the Monadnock Humane Society Shelter, 101 West Swanzey Rd., Swanzey, NH 03446.
• Ida “Judy” Hannum, 87, of Putney. Died Dec. 18, 2021, at her most recent home of Ocean View, Del. Judy was born Julia Idanel Below in June of 1934 to the late Clayton and Willie (Pride) Below of Bordley, Ky. She was one of 11 children of whose close-knit family had regular reunions since 1977 to show their “Below Pride.” Judy graduated from Kentucky's Morganfield High School and Western Kentucky State College, the latter with a degree in elementary education. During her final year of college she met and married Army officer David B. Hannum, Jr., and spent the next 30 years living across the United States, Germany and Japan until finally settling in her husband's hometown of Putney, where she lived until 2020. In addition to being a loving mother and Army wife, Judy was a teacher, Girl Scout leader, den mother, Red Cross volunteer, justice of the peace and, most recently, school secretary at the Putney Central School for nearly 20 years. Judy is survived by her five children, David Keith Hannum and his wife Wendy of Stewartstown, Pa., Karen Hannum Jayne and her husband David of South Bethany, Del., Kerri Hannum Smyth and her husband Robert of Monkton, Md., Kraig Below Hannum and his wife Michele of Ocean View, Del., and Lt. Col. Kelly Mikal Hannum and his wife Amy, currently stationed in Osan, South Korea; three sisters, Dorothy Hohmann of Texas, Virginia Below of Arizona and Helen Mills of Kentucky; a brother, John Below of California; 11 grandchildren, Joshua Jayne, Matthew Jayne, Andrew Jayne, Leigh Smyth, Robert Eaton, Schuyler Hannum, Everett Hannum, Analiese Hannum, Caralynn Hannum, Oliver Hannum, and Phineas Hannum; and seven great-grandchildren, Hannah Jayne, Sophie Jayne, Abigail Jayne, Tessa Jayne, Hayden Higgs, Greyson Jayne and Isabella Eaton. Memorial information: Judy will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery with her husband of 54 years. Details of the service will be announced at a later date. Arrangements are under the care of Melson Funeral Services in Ocean View, Del. Contributions can be made to the Parkinson's Foundation at www.Parkinson.org/ways-to-give.
• Mary Adams Harrington, 88, of Swanton, Md. Died peacefully on Dec. 20, 2021, at in her niece's home in Swanton. Born Dec. 16, 1933 in Concord, Mass., Mary had been a long time resident of the Brattleboro area prior to moving to Maryland in 2021. Mary was the daughter of Ralph and Laura Adams, and was predeceased by her husband, Walt Harrington, her parents, and older brother, Ralph “Skip” Adams. She is survived by her younger brother, Peter Adams of Grantsville, Md., and sister-in-law Bobbie Adams of Houston, Texas. Mary is a graduate of Northfield Mount Hermon School and Colby College. After graduating from Colby, she worked for a time in Pittsburgh, Pa., before returning to Northfield, Mass., as an administrative assistant. Eventually, Mary's career path led her to Brattleboro, where she worked many years at The Experiment in International Living. When Mary married Walt, she lovingly “inherited” his grown sons, Lance (Diana) and Scott (Irene), and became the most devoted “Grand Mary” to their children - Scotty, Christine, and Katie. Mary led her life by the saying which hung on her bathroom mirror: “Be somebody who makes everybody feel like a somebody!” She led a very active life filled with gardening, traveling with Walt to Maine, listening to the Red Sox, and her volunteer positions that included the Windham County Humane Society, Brattleboro Memorial Hospital, and Holton Home. Her most important role was serving as “the rock” for many family members. She was always available to lend support and guidance. Memorial information: Mary will be buried in the Adams family plot in Arlington, Mass., at a later date. Donations can be made to Hospice of Garrett County, Inc., P.O. Box 271, Oakland, MD 21550.
• Elizabeth “Sissi” Loftin, 76, of Brattleboro. Died peacefully at home on Dec. 25, 2021, after years of illness, surrounded by Janet Brocklehurst, her beloved wife of 37 years, and her dear creature-kin Teazel, Darley, Tappy, Mackie, and Muffin. Sissi was born in Monroe, La., on Feb. 10, 1945, daughter of John C. and Elizabeth Cudd Loftin. As a young girl, Sissi loved sports and would have pursued competitive athletics had Title IX been available to open that path to her. Instead she became an avid sports fan, particularly of college football and women's basketball. Sissi had a wonderful mind, and growing in knowledge and wisdom was important to her. She graduated from Neville High School in Monroe and received a B.A. from Randolph-Macon College in Lynchburg, Va., where she made many lifelong friends. She continued to acquire advanced degrees in sociology and social work at Mississippi State (M.A.) and the University of Texas at Austin (Ph.D. and MSW). Sissi was employed as a social worker for Easter Seals in Austin, and later worked in Child Protective Services in Derbyshire, England, rising to lead the Child Protection Training Team. When she and Janet returned to Austin, she served as a victims' services counselor with the Austin Police Department. In 2003, she accepted a position as diversity coordinator at the School for International Training in Brattleboro. Then, taking a completely new direction, in 2010 Sissi and Janet launched their own business: Sweet Harmony Jewelry Design, integrating the couple's many talents. Together. they traveled the country to Episcopal Church Conferences offering Janet's beautiful fused glass crosses and earrings. Sissi especially relished making gifts of the crosses to clergy in various states. The great social and political movements of the past 60 years had a tremendous impact on Sissi's life. The women's movement spurred her to work on the campaigns of dynamic women candidates such as Frances “Sissy” Fahrenthold and Ann Richards in Texas. She was an ardent defender of the Equal Rights Amendment and was involved in the National Womens' Political Caucus. With the surge of creativity in women's music in the 1970s, Sissi stepped up to help promote Olivia Records and knew well the icons of that music such as Meg Christian and Holly Near. During the early 1970s, Sissi became engaged in Direct Action, a peace activist group in Austin which studied Gandhian principles of nonviolence and participated in nonviolent demonstrations against the Vietnam War. Furthering her practice, she attended a summer workshop at the Institute for the Study of Nonviolence in Palo Alto, California formed by Joan Baez and Ira Sandperl. A fusion of this work and her counseling skills led her and Janet to undertake training with the Compassionate Listening Project and, from 2002 to 2008, to join several delegations to Israel and Palestine to listen to all sides of the conflict. The Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s kindled a fire for racial and economic justice that never died. Advocating for racial equality, voting rights and, more recently, Black Lives Matter, Sissi's voice was never silent when it came to injustice. Continuing her own transformational anti-racist work - and facilitating that of others - she was a group leader for the Sacred Ground curriculum (created by the Episcopal Church) at St. Michael's in Brattleboro. Additionally, being involved in the work of Compassionate Brattleboro put her beliefs into action in the community. LGBTQIA rights were a very personal issue to Sissi. As an international couple, despite a Civil Union and being legally married in Vermont, she and Janet struggled for 30 years to live together in the United States until a 2013 U.S. Supreme Court decision gave Janet the right to have a green card. They also witnessed transgender challenges and oppression through Erik, a transman who lived with them for many years. St. Michael's was Sissi and Janet's spiritual home and a place to offer their gifts to others. Sissi served a term on the Vestry and the search committee for a new rector, and regularly attended social justice forums. Moreover, she and Janet organized and hosted Christmas Day meals for years and did community outreach to those suffering from the impact of Tropical Storm Irene. For all her seriousness of purpose, Sissi had a light spirit; she was good humored and quick to laugh and share a jest. She and Janet loved making up silly songs - often about their animals - and singing them together on road trips or whenever delight bubbled up within. In her last months, Sissi knew the ministering grace of devoted caregivers Chris and Renee and the blessed pastoral presence of Revs. Jean Smith and Mary Lindquist. For this tender mercy, Janet is most grateful. Sissi was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers, John G. and William MacDonald Loftin. Survivors in Sissi's family of origin include her sister Lila, nephew Ned (Ashley) and family, sister-in-law Sylvia, nephews Johnny (Mitch), Jim (Rachel) and family, Robert (LeAnn) and family and, in the U.K., Jo, George, and Harry and Isobel, Gordon and Aiden. Sissi is also survived by a large group of treasured friends, including Pat, Barbara, Sue, Cynthia, Erik, Mokhtar, Jamila, Dottie, Daydon, a host of sisters from the Randolph Macon Class of 1967 (who still meet via Zoom) and so many others. Memorial information: A memorial service will be held at St. Michael's Episcopal Church on Feb. 5, at 11 a.m. It will also be live-streamed. Donations may be made to St. Michael's Episcopal Church, 16 Bradley Ave., Brattleboro, VT 05301 or The Root Social Justice Center, 28 Williams St., Brattleboro VT 05301.
• Griffin Alexander White, 23, of Hinsdale, N.H. Died Jan. 4, 2022. He was born on Dec. 6, 1998. Griffin was absolutely cherished and treasured by his family and was doted on by his aunt and his grandparents. Always a shy fellow, he still had charisma in spades. His time her was terribly brief, but his impact on those he loved was immense. Always interested in Viking history and mythology, Griffin enjoyed reading and learning about that culture. He admired the spirit and tenacity of Viking warriors and enjoyed playing video games and watching movies depicting the Viking culture. Griffin was tenacious and stubborn with a warrior's spirit, much like the Vikings he admired. Griffin was a gentle giant with a heart of gold and could make anyone laugh. Griffin had a tender heart and was always there when you needed him. Astronomy, drawing, weaponry, fishing, target shooting, and cars were just a few of the many hobbies and interests Griffin enjoyed. He had a love of music, from classical to heavy metal. His first concert was Korn and Slipknot at the age of 16. Griffin had a great love of animals and over the years welcomed many into his home and heart. Surviving are his father, Raymond White; his mother, Kari Chapin; stepfather, Jack Chapin; stepbrother, Brandon Chapin; grandparents, Steve and Max Vigneau and Bryan and Arlene White; uncle Don Schooner; and aunts Renea Vigneau, Rebecca White-Schooner, and Jenny White. Griffin also had many cousins, friends, and family that will miss him as well. Memorial information: Friends may call at Atamaniuk Funeral Home in Brattleboro on Thursday, Jan. 13, from 4 to 6 p.m. Donations to Monadnock Humane Society, 101 W. Swanzey Road, Swanzey, NH 03446. To send condolences to Griffin's family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Thelma Faye Zak, 87, of Walpole, N.H., and formerly of Grafton, and Bryan, Texas. Died peacefully at her home on Dec. 17, 2021. Born April 22, 1934, in Tulsa, Okla., to Faye and Arthur Hurley, Thelma was the oldest of six children. She graduated from Bryan High School in 1952 and soon after, married the love of her life, Albin Joseph Zak Jr. They spent more than 58 happy years together before Albin died in 2010, enjoying what they described as life's “great adventure.” A lover of history, Thelma developed a passion for antiques and began collecting when she lived with her young family in France in the 1960s. In 1991, she opened Sylvan Hill Antiques in Grafton, where she offered a premier collection of fine early English furniture and collectibles. She became known across the United States as an expert in early English oak furniture and her shop, located on her property at Sylvan Hill Farm, became a destination for collectors. Thelma is survived by her four children, Albin, Liza, Andrew, and Susannah; and their spouses, Victoria, Steven Witt, Maria and Andrew Figura; seven grandchildren, one great-granddaughter; her sisters, Jean and Janey, and brother, Lewis; and her brother- and sister-in-law, Michael Zak and Janice Haesler. Memorial information: A memorial service will be held at a later date. Donations to River Valley Seniors at Home, 82 North Rd., Walpole, NH 03608.