Obituaries
• Doris M. "Dottie" Alamed, 66, of Gageville. Died on April 14, 2025, at her home after a long cancer battle. Dottie was born on March 5, 1959, in Middlebury, the daughter of John Porter and Sylvia (Currier) Porter. Dottie worked at Hannaford supermarket in the deli department for many years. Dottie loved coloring, she loved to travel and, most importantly, she adored her family and they were her greatest love. Dottie is survived by her two children, Cynthia (Jay) Fraser and James Kinne; grandchildren Trinity, Isaac, and Braden; and many friends. She is also survived by her best friend of over 50 years, Debbie Perron. Memorial information: Calling hours will be held on Thursday, April 24, from 3 to 5 p.m., at Fenton & Hennessey Funeral Home, 55 Westminster St., Bellows Falls. Donations to the Norris Cotton Cancer Center, One Medical Center Drive, Lebanon, NH 03756-0001.
• Mary Jane "MJ" Bibeau, 87, of Brattleboro. Died peacefully on April 14, 2025, at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital, after a richly lived life of service and kindness. MJ was born on Jan. 26, 1938, to George and Frances (Smith) Deneault in Brattleboro. She attended St. Michael's Catholic School and graduated from St. Michael's High School with the Class of 1955. She married Jim Rabideau on Dec. 27, 1958, and together they had three children: Brian, Jodi, and Todd. Many years after Jim's passing, she married Bob Bibeau in September 1980. Her employment included work as an administrative assistant for Larry Cooke Realty, in human resources at the former Vermont National Bank, and in bookkeeping at Hotel Pharmacy. MJ, as she was known, always greeted her co-workers with a smile and a cheerful good morning song upon entering the workplace. She faced the many challenges in her life with grit, guts, and grace. Left with three young children after the loss of her first husband, she worked tirelessly to provide a warm and loving home. When her children became interested in skiing, she took lessons herself so she could join them on the slopes of Vermont. She introduced them to summer camping on Cape Cod and brought them on road trips to the South, exploring historic landmarks and sandy beaches during spring breaks. She adored and delighted in her grandchildren and great-grandson. She also maintained a warm and loving relationship with her four sisters and one brother, sharing many treasured "sisters trips" each autumn over the years. MJ loved antique shopping, decorating her home, reading, gardening, and taking day trips to charming New England towns. She is survived by her daughter, Jodi Harrison, and son-in-law Robbie Harrison; her two grandchildren, Aimee Harrison of Saco, Maine, and Adam Harrison and his wife, Cassie, of Boston; and her great-grandson, Brody Harrison of Saco. She also leaves behind three sisters: Chris Wilson of Sturbridge, Massachusetts; Elaine Millerick and husband, Bill, of Contoocook, New Hampshire; and Kaye Cassidy of Brattleboro - as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. Memorial information: Graveside rites and burial will take place at the family plot in St. Michael's Parish Cemetery at a future date to be announced. Donations to the Brattleboro Fire Department, 103 Elliot St., Brattleboro, VT 05301. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Ursula Dalem, 97, of West Brattleboro. Died peacefully on Jan. 30, 2025, after a period of declining health. She was born on April 28, 1927, to Paul and Hedwig (Czeofski) Golda in Katowice in the region of Silesia, the area where eastern Germany borders Poland that has alternately been part of each country. Ursula recalled that in the years leading up to World War II, there were after-school practices where the girls would line up to march and to salute Hitler. She was so grateful that her "Papa was able to get a doctor's note" saying she was unfit for this activity. She and her mother remained in Katowice throughout the war, departing on the "last train out" before the Red Army captured the city. They were taken to the end of the line - somewhere in western Germany - and they walked and hitchhiked on a hay wagon while making their way to Bavaria where the family had friends. Her mother died there when she could not get the insulin she needed to treat her diabetes. Ursula then spent six months searching for her older brother who had been drafted into the German army and had become a U.S. prisoner of war. She remembered sleeping in bombed out churches and schools as she traveled from town to town in her search. He was finally found alive and well, and he was released after friends they had known growing up recognized him and vouched for him. Ursula's mother used to correspond with an old friend who had moved to the United States. Ursula took up the correspondence with Oskar Dalem after her mother died. Eventually, Oskar invited her to come to America and see his beautiful Hillside farm in West Brattleboro. With her father's blessing, she traveled over the ocean, landing in New York City where Oskar picked her up at the pier, flowers in hand and they met for the first time. It was 1957 and she began her new life in Vermont. In 1958, the couple married. Ursula became a citizen of the United States in 1966. Oskar ran a successful poultry farm. Ursula was responsible for a lot of the local deliveries while speaking a new language and long before anything like GPS. In the early 1960s, Ursula and Oskar began building what would become Brattleboro's largest banquet hall and European fine dining establishment, Dalem's Chalet. The town required them to have guest rooms as well, so the original structure was a three story Alpine style chalet built with timber from the land and Vermont stone. By now, they had son Oscar, but Ursula was on hand to help with the build, along with a few locals as they erected it themselves. One Mr. Watson stayed on keeping the grounds and pool pristine until he was 88 - well into the 21st century. Mrs. Dalem was quite proud of the dignitaries who would come to stay. Statesmen, judges, musicians, and celebrities would frequent the unique European Country Spa with its tennis courts, indoor and outdoor pools, sauna, ponds with swans, and one of the best views in Brattleboro. Mr. Dalem would bring ice sculptures to the Winter Carnival and catered many wedding parties at the area's finest establishment. As a lover of classical music, Ursula was especially proud of hosting the musicians and guests associated with the Marlboro Music Festival over the decades. After the death of her husband in 1979, Ursula continued to run the business on her own for the next 41 years, leaving only for a German vacation each spring and a week in Maine each year after the foliage season and her annual Oktoberfest dinner. She was 93 in 2020 when she made the difficult decision to sell the property, but only if she was allowed to live in her apartment there for the rest of her life. She began to regret the decision almost immediately. It is safe to say it haunted her and she often wished she could "buy it back." Ursula is survived by her son Oscar and his wife Susan, and a niece and nephew in Germany. She will be missed by many in the Brattleboro area and beyond. Memorial information: There will be a memorial service on Saturday, April 26, at 2 p.m., on the property at 78 South St. in West Brattleboro, where she will be laid to rest next to her beloved Oskar.
• Stephen V. Derosia, 78, of Surgoinsville, Tennessee, formerly of Brattleboro. Died April 13, 2025, after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was a member of St. Dominic's Catholic Church, Kingsport, TN. Stephen was the owner and operator of Derosia Plumbing and Heating in Brattleboro for 10 years. Stephen served in the Navy for 22 years, during the Vietnam and Persian Gulf wars. He also served in the Army National Guard between his active duty service enlistments. Stephen was preceded in death by his parents, Victor and Barbara Brooks Derosia, and siblings Mary and Larry Derosia. Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Kris A. Derosia; sons Matthew J. Derosia (Patricia) of Rogersville, Tennessee, Bryan E. Derosia of Jacksonville, North Carolina, and Kevin D. Derosia (Sonya) of Prosperity, South Carolina; grandchildren Kailee Brightbill, Kalvin Wyman, Ashley Derosia, and Brandon Derosia; great-grandchildren Liam and Quinn Derosia; a sister, Nancy Derosia of Townshend; a brother, Victor Derosia (Tammy) of Chesterfield, South Carolina; and several nieces and nephews. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held April 22 at St. Dominic Catholic Church in Kingsport, North Carolina. Interment in the Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery is planned at a later date. Donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, stjude.org or Wounded Warrior Project, woundedwarriorproject.org.
• Steven Robert "Steve" Kenny, 74, of Guilford. Died unexpectedly on April 13, 2025 at his home, following a period of declining health. Steve was born in Brattleboro on October 10, 1950, the son of Robert M. and Sadie (Coleman) Kenny. He was raised and educated in Hinsdale, New Hampshire, graduating from Hinsdale High School with the Class of 1970. He retired from his position at Vermont Circuit Boards in Brattleboro and previously had worked at Geka Brush Company, the former Bridgeport Metal Goods in Hinsdale, and had been employed for many years for Coleco Industries located in Mayfield, New York. Steve was an excellent alpine skier and had been a proud member of the National Ski Patrol. He loved the outdoors, hunting and fishing, and enjoyed radio-controlled model airplanes. Steve was active with several local groups that included one in Keene, New Hampshire. On March 21, 1971, at North Hinsdale Community Church, he was married to Nancy Perrin. The marriage ended in divorce but the couple remained good friends throughout the years. Survivors include his three children: sons James Kenny of Guilford and Joshua Kenny of Hinsdale, and daughter Elizabeth Kenny and husband, Nathan Archer, of Westmoreland, New Hampshire; a brother, Douglas Kenny of Auburn, New Hampshire; and three sisters, Susan Fedraw of Cleveland, Tennessee, Gail Sheldon of Georgia, Vermont, and Rebecca Wilson of Hinsdale. Additionally, he leaves six grandchildren, one great-granddaughter, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Memorial information: In keeping with Steve's final wishes, there are no formal funeral services scheduled. Donations to Living Memorial Park Snow Sports, P.O. Box 1945, Brattleboro, VT 05302, brattski.org. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Lynn Wallace Lawrence, 88, died peacefully at his home, surrounded by family, on April 9, 2025. Lynn was born on March 26, 1937, the fifth of 11 children of Roy Lawrence and Annette (Vaine) in Dummerston. He went to grade school in a one-room schoolhouse in Dummerston. He graduated from Bellows Falls High School in 1955. He married the love of his life, Sylvia Hazel Slaght, on Aug. 26, 1956. They remained married until her death in June 2021, just shy of their 65th anniversary. He worked for the cheese plant on the Island in Bellows Falls, and went on to be a mechanic and driver for Dairy Transport. He was a mechanic for Les Adams, a GMC dealer in Walpole, New Hampshire. He worked for St. Johnsbury Transportation in Westminster as a mechanic and, later, as a driver for 38 years. After retirement from St. Johnsbury, he worked for L&B Trucking as a spare driver and handyman. He partnered with his daughter DeAnna at The Oh Zone, a thrift shop in Bellows Falls. He enjoyed attending auctions, flea markets, and estate sales with his wife and daughter to find goods for the store. He enjoyed dancing, gardening, reading, fishing, hunting, and working in the woods. He sugared in his younger years along with his brothers and sisters to provide maple syrup for their families. His joy was spending time with family. He was well-loved by many, and dozens of children called him Grampa. Lynn was a walking book of knowledge that he generously shared with others. He built his own home in his spare time starting in the late 1960s to mid-1970s. He and his wife helped for many years with Fall Festivals and Spring Rummage sales at Westminster Congregational Church. In addition to his wife, he was predeceased by an infant daughter, Doris Annette, named after both grandmothers; brothers Cecil, Waldo, Dennis, and Floyd Lawrence; and sisters Doris, Marilyn, and Ellen. He is survived by daughters Cheryl Lawrence of Bellows Falls and DeAnna Robles of Westminster; sons Kevin Lawrence (Wanda) of Bellows Falls, Eric Lawrence of Westminster, and Darrin (Kathy) Lawrence of Westminster; and 12 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters, Lou Roberts (Henry) of Putney, Viola Lawrence of Putney, and Barbara Beam (Erwin "Butch") of Johnson. Memorial information: A graveside service was held on April 19. Donations to Butterfield Library, 3534 U.S. Route 5, Westminster, VT 05158.
• Maxine Alice Faulkner Morse, 80, died on March 27, 2025, while under hospice care at the Genesis Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire. Born in Brattleboro on Jan. 6, 1945, she was the daughter of the late Neil Shepherd Faulkner and Mary Leone Chase. She grew up in Jacksonville with her siblings, Elaine, Eloise, Charlie, Sharon, and Marilyn. One of her fondest memories was dancing tap and ballet at the Readsboro 4th of July celebrations. Maxine attended Wilmington High School where she was in the Glee Club, made the honor roll, and played field hockey. She graduated in 1963 and enrolled in the David Hale Fanning Girls Trade School in Worcester, Massachusetts, and studied hairdressing. She enjoyed baking and cooking. Her spare time was spent knitting and working through word puzzles. Ricky Nelson and Stephen Foster were her music of taste. Maxine leaves behind a loving family: her two sons, Mark and Kevin Morse, whom she raised in Bellows Falls; four grandchildren; and two sisters, Sharon Faulkner and Eloise Boyd. She is also survived by extended family members, as well as her friends in Ludlow, Vermont, at the thrift shop, River Bend in Chelsea, Vermont, and Genesis Lebanon. Maxine was predeceased by siblings Elaine, Charlie, and Marilyn. Memorial information: A graveside service for Maxine will be held at the convenience of her family and announced at a later date. Donations to the Clara Martin Center, in care of Covey Allen Shea Funeral Home, P.O. Box 215, Wilmington, VT 05363. To offer condolences, visit sheafuneralhomes.com.
• Stuart "Stu" Strothman, 56, died on April 12, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. He was born on Jan. 22, 1969, in Cocoa Beach, Florida. He was predeceased by his mother, Eleanor, and leaves behind three children: Jacob, Liron, and Susanna; partner, Zara DiZoglio; his father, Jim; and siblings, Joe and Jill; as well as many other beloved family and friends. Stu wore many hats, literally and figuratively. As well as a wonderful father and partner, he was a teacher, historian, music enthusiast, sailor, river steward, author, journalist, juggler, morris dancer, and loyal friend, to name only a few. In all things he loved adventure, creating whimsical, fun experiences for the people around him until the end of his life. Stu and his family moved several times during his young life, as his father was a journalist around the country. Eventually, they settled in Chappaqua, New York, where he spent most of his childhood and teenage years becoming very much his own person and building lifelong friendships. Stu attended college in New Paltz, N.Y., and soon celebrated the birth of his first child, Jacob. From there, he moved to Westminster and then Putney, where he raised Jacob and his two other children, Liron and Susanna, with their mothers. Stu dedicated his career to advocating for students often left to the margins. Along the way, he inspired a love of language and grammar in many young people. During his time as a public school teacher at Guilford Central School and Bellows Falls Union Middle and High School, he served as Diversity Equity Committee co-chair and student newspaper advisor. Students from throughout his career have shared that he made it possible for them to reach graduation and changed their lives forever. Stu would say this was one of his greatest honors. Stu fought consummately for environmental rights and historical preservation, spending much of his 20s working on and then later supporting the Hudson River sloop Clearwater. Once he was settled in Vermont, he became a river steward with the Connecticut River Conservancy. Stu spent many years as secretary and president of the Putney Historical Society and co-wrote Putney: World's Best Known Small Town. He was also instrumental in the acquisition and initial operations of Next Stage Arts and the Putney General Store. As a lifelong writer, Stu published a historical novel, Sackett, set during the 18th century on Abenaki land in Western Massachusetts and Vermont during violent conflicts between the Abenaki people and French and English settlers. He wrote many poems about the world and for loved ones, served as a journalist for The Commons, and fought for journalistic integrity as a board member on Vermont Independent Media, the newspaper's publisher. Throughout the years, and perhaps especially in May, you could find Stu with bells on his shins and kerchiefs in his hands - or some such kit - as he gallavanted from southern Vermont all the way to England with his various morris teams: Jack in the Green, Green Mountain Mummers, Northwest Clog Morris, Putney Morris Men, and Windham. Through morris and other friends, Stu found his way to pub sings, rich folk traditions, and community. He cherished the camaraderie of weekly practices and the commitment to one another by way of music and dance. A fiercely loyal friend and family member, Stu was known for traveling long distances to gather loved ones. Many people have stories of raucous concerts, late night parties, camping excursions, long drives, and a whole lotta love. He stored in his mind a library of lyrics across genres he could whip out for any occasion, which kept him connected to friends from as far back as elementary school. As a father, Stu's children remember him for his love, care, and strong-held values of self-determination, justice, community, and loyalty. They also recall the backyard skating rinks and snow slides he built, his excellent birthday party planning, his love of a detour on any road trip (especially if it involved learning about fish or a bakery stop), his dedication to high-quality candy, and his endless stories. His children will preserve his legacies and hope that all who loved him will share stories for years to come. In the last years of his life, he was building a beautiful house in Wantastegok (at the confluence of the West and Connecticut rivers in Brattleboro) which his children intend to lovingly finish in his memory. This house has been a labor of community from the very beginning, and if you would like to support them in completing this dream in any way, please reach out. Memorial information: Stu's kids have created an Ever Loved site (everloved.com/life-of/stuart-strothman) where you can share photos, post messages, and find information about the memorial service and other events. Donations to the Connecticut River Conservancy (ctriver.org/donate), BF Community Bike Project (bfbike.org), and/or The Commons (commonsnews.networkforgood.com). To offer condolences to Stu's family, visit atamaniuk.com.
Services
• Graveside committal services for Joanne Minott Hayward will be conducted Saturday, May 3, at 1 p.m. in Meeting House Hill Cemetery in Brattleboro, where she will be laid to rest beside her husband. Mrs. Hayward died Jan. 28, 2025, at the age of 91. To view her full obituary or offer condolences to the family, visit atamaniuk.com.
• A celebration of life in honor of Michael J. Coughlin will be held at Newbrook Fire Department, 698 VT 30, Newfane, on Saturday, May 3, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. All are welcome. Food and drinks will be provided. A private funeral service for close family and friends will be held on May 2 in Newfane. Further details on the grave site will be provided at a later date for those who would like to leave flowers or other mementos after Michael's burial. Mr. Coughlin died on Feb. 21, 2025, at St. Francis Hospital in Hartford, Connecticut. To view his full obituary and offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
This Milestones item was submitted to The Commons.