College news
• Patrick Donnelly of Brattleboro recently graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in creative studies and an advanced certificate in creative writing.
• The following local students were honored for academic excellence during the spring 2025 semester: Kaley Mola, a psychology major from West Dover, was named to the Trustees' List. Mola, as well as Jayden Crawford of Wilmington and Nicholas Petronic of Townshend, were named to the President's List. Fawn Joy of Bellows Falls was named to the Dean's List. Melissa French of Bellows Falls and Jordan Cable of Brattleboro were named to the Online President's List.
• Georgia Bristol of Dummerston, Destiny Duke of Vernon, Cameron Gage of Putney, and Yuki Ishibashi from Saxtons River were all named to the spring 2025 Dean's List at Springfield (Mass.) College.
• Ruby Powers, a media arts and design major from Dummerston, was named to the spring 2025 Dean's List at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia.
• Karson Barclay of Londonderry and Ansley Henderson of Brookline were named to the spring 2025 Dean's List at the University of Rhode Island.
Milestones
• Lucille Dorothy Banford, 61, died peacefully on Feb. 14, 2025, at her home in Swanzey, New Hampshire. She was born on Oct. 14, 1963, at Grace Cottage Hospital in Townshend to the late David R. Banford Sr. and Barbara A (Helstowski) Banford Parker. Lucille attended elementary school in Putney, and then high school in Brattleboro. Memorial information: Services for Lucille will be held at the Westport Village Cemetery in Swanzey at noon on Saturday, June 14, with a memorial reception to follow at the Winchester (N.H.) VFW. To offer condolences, visit csnh.com.
• Lola M Bryant, 77, formerly of Brattleboro. Died at the McClure Miller Respite House in Colchester on May 25, 2025. She was born in Brattleboro on May 7, 1948, to Helen and Edward Wright. She spent most of her life in Brattleboro, with a short time in North Carolina from approximately 1972-1979. Her recent remaining six months were spent living with her daughter Angela Honnon and son-in-law Christopher Honnon in Milton. These were special months of time with family and being well taken care of. She lived in the best way she could while fighting small cell lung cancer. Her last week was spent in the Respite House where an amazing team helped care for her with kindness and love while helping her to be as comfortable as possible as she peacefully passed. Lola is remembered as someone who was spirited, chatty, stubborn, funny, giving, and very accepting of all. She enjoyed going for walks, talking, and visiting the beach. Her passion was oil painting, where she took classes every week for many years. There, she developed wonderful friendships and amazing artwork. In her remaining time when she could no longer paint, she took to drawing trees to keep the passion alive. Her family is so proud of her strength and willingness. Her first marriage was to Dennis Holloway from 1966 to 1969. Her second marriage was to Hovie "Earl" Bryant in 1973; he died in 1977. She leaves behind, with all the love in her heart, her two children Angela Honnon and Michael Holloway, along with their spouses Christopher Honnon and Amy Holloway; her brother David Wright and his spouse Barbara Wright; grandchildren Mykaela, Ayden, Lisa, Katie, and Debbie; nephews Anthony and David; her "second daughter" Mary; and her extended family, her special neighborhood family, painting class friends, her longtime friend, Sandy, and her new best friend, Gail. Memorial information: A celebration of Lola's life will be held on Saturday, June 28, at noon at American Legion Post 5, 32 Linden St., Brattleboro.
• James R. "Jim" Charuhas Sr., 75, died on May 24, 2025. He was born April 18, 1950, in Washington, D.C., to Jane (Colburn) and George Charuhas Sr. He graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School with the Class of 1968. He later attended classes at what is now the New Hampshire Technical College. Jim and Sharon Dillon married in 1969 in Maryland, and recently celebrated 55 years of marriage. They moved to Vermont with their son in 1973. Originally employed by Simmons Precision, he later worked as a fuel service technician for Gay's Fuel and Cota & Cota, and retired from Okemo Mountain. Jim loved fishing, boating and camping. He and Sharon belonged to the community garden in Bellows Falls for 10 years where they enjoyed many hours of tending to their vegetables. He liked to tinker with his Ford truck and lawn mowers that he would find for free on the side of the road. Jim was a communicant of St. Charles Catholic Church in Bellows Falls, a fourth-degree member of the Knights of Columbus Council 753, and former Grand Knight. He is survived by his wife, Sharon; his son, Jim Jr. and his wife, Missy; and grandchildren, Briana, Tyler, Emily, and Alex. He was predeceased by his parents and two brothers. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held on June 7 at St. Charles Catholic Church.
• Linda (Boyd) Dix, 76, of Whitingham. Died peacefully at her home on June 1, 2025. Linda was born on August 4, 1948, the daughter of Merton C. Boyd and Nina (Morse) Boyd. She grew up on the family farm and attended Whitingham School, graduating in 1966. That same summer, on Aug. 27, she married her high school sweetheart, Howard A. Dix. Linda was loving, thoughtful, and endlessly patient. She gave her whole heart to those she loved and was cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing her. The quintessential mother and caregiver, she raised four children and effortlessly extended her warmth to their friends as if they were her own. She was known to make gorgeous quilts, stunning pies, and had the most impeccable handwriting imaginable. Linda's kindness extended far beyond the home. A tireless supporter of Whitingham School, she was a regular at sporting events long after her own children had graduated. Her compassion reached friends, neighbors, and the wider community. She gave generously of her time and lived with quiet integrity - never seeking the spotlight yet always making a meaningful difference. Her presence had a way of making everyone's lives brighter. She also managed Howard's business endeavors and was deeply committed to their alpaca farm, a shared passion that brought her joy and energy for many years. One of her favorite rituals was spending late afternoons on the deck, sharing laughter while taking in the view from their beautiful home surrounded by the gardens and flowers that she adored. Linda was one of nine children and is survived by her siblings Florence (Crafts), Robert, Donald, and Marshall Boyd. She was preceded in death by her parents, infant son Joshua, brother Raymond, and sisters Margaret, Shirley, and Evelyn. She is also survived by her children Tyson, Colby, Trinity, and Trask; and her grandchildren Hailey, Jazmyn, Olivia, Walker, Ella, Canon, and Archer. Though her family friends mourn her loss deeply, they celebrate the joy she brought into their lives. Her presence will be profoundly missed, but her spirit lives on - in memories and in the love they continue to share in her name. Memorial information: Memorial contributions can be made to the Jarred Richard Bolognani Memorial Scholarship Fund, 167 Saddada Road, Whitingham, VT 05361. To send condolences, visit sheafuneralhomes.com.
• Richard "Scott" Henry, 72, of Putney. Died peacefully on May 17, 2025, at Pine Heights in Brattleboro, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on Nov. 13, 1952, in Summit, New Jersey, the son of Richard E. and Joyce E. Henry. Scott was raised in Cohasset, Massachusetts, before moving to Hong Kong for his senior year of high school. He graduated from Hong Kong International School in 1970 and went on to earn a B.A. in History from Windham College in Putney in 1976. While attending college, Scott began what became a lifelong career as a carpenter, woodworker, and builder. His legacy lives on in the many homes and businesses he helped shape in Putney and the surrounding area. A proud founding member of the Putney "Master Batters" softball team, Scott was also a dedicated community leader. He served on the boards of the Putney Lions Club, Putney Public Library, and Putney Cares, as well as the Putney Town School Board, the BUHS Board, and the Putney Selectboard. He is especially treasured for his role as Santa at the Putney Family Services' annual "Breakfast with Santa." Scott was an avid reader with a wide range of interests and a deep passion for sharing knowledge. He loved to spend time by the ocean and shared many summer adventures in Cape Cod with family and friends. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Lindley Speers; daughter Elizabeth Henry (David Brown) of Spencer, New York; son John Henry (Katy Hughes) of Brattleboro; grandchildren Fiona, Lena, and Ely Brown, and Adam Henry; sister Suzanne Spinelli (David Andrews) of San Clemente, California; and nephew Nicholas Vandermost-Spinelli (Erika) of Los Gatos, California. Memorial information: In keeping with Scott's wishes, no formal funeral service will be held. A celebration of life may take place at a future date. Donations in his memory may be made to the Putney Fire Department, Putney Public Library, Putney Cares, or the Putney Foodshelf. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Walter J. "Walt" Kurkul Jr, 74, of Westminster. Died Saturday, May 31, 2025, at the VA hospital in White River Junction He was born in Bellows Falls, on Nov. 4, 1950, the son of Walter and Charlotte (Muzzey) Kurkul. He attended schools in Westminster and was a graduate of Bellows Falls High School. Following graduation, he joined the Navy and served on the submarine USS Corporal. Following his time in the service, Walt returned to the family farm in Westminster and he also worked at the Bellows Falls Post Office. Walt went on to own the family farm, where he enjoyed haying and sugaring. Walt was a member of American Legion Post 37, was an avid cribbage player, and enjoyed making jokes and hunting and fishing with friends and family. Walt is survived by his wife, Catherine (Breslend) Kurkul; two sons, Jeff and his wife, Jennifer, and Kevin and his fiancée, Olivia Zink. Walt also leaves grandchildren Remington Savoy, Hannah Kurkul, Jillian Kurkul, Jaxon Kurkul, Kaitlyn Kurkul, and Lily Kurkul; and great-granddaughter Magnolia Jane Savoy. Walt was predeceased by his parents; a son, Christopher; and siblings Gary and Lucille Maguire. Memorial information: Calling hours will take place on Saturday, June 14, from 10 until 10:45 a.m., at Fenton & Hennessey Funeral Home, 55 Westminster St., Bellows Falls. A funeral Mass will take place at 11 a.m. at St. Peter's Church in North Walpole, New Hampshire, followed by burial at St. Peter's Cemetery.
• Rodney "Rod" Stone, 72, of Bellows Falls. Died peacefully, in the comfort of his home surrounded by his sons, daughter, and a dear neighbor friend, on June 2, 2025. Rodney was born in Bellows Falls on Nov. 9, 1952, the son of the late Virginia (Dopp) and Kenneth Stone. Rod attended Hartford High School, and served in the Navy from 1969 to 1972. Rodney worked in the auto body business for many years, as well as in property management. Rodney was often seen working on properties around town, which he thoroughly enjoyed, and he was famous for the spectacular Christmas decoration and light displays at his home. Rodney is survived by his sons, Kenneth (Sarah) Hayes of Bellows Falls, Todd Hayes of Bellows Falls, and Christopher Hayes of Ashland, New Hampshire; daughter Michelle (Clem) Powers of Fairlee; and grandchildren, Matthew, Grace, Brody, and Amilya Hayes, Sam and Jacob Kamel, and Autumn Powers. Rodney is also survived by his brothers, Ashley (Patty) Stone of Orlando, Florida, and Kenneth Stone Jr., of Claremont, New Hampshire; sisters Deborah Perkins of Claremont, Dawn Granger of Jefferson, Georgia, and Fawn Wisneski of Jacksonville, Florida, and many nieces and nephews. Rodney was predeceased by his wife, Virginia (Moul) Stone; two brothers, Larry Stone and Reginald Stone; and his stepmother, Gloria Stone. Memorial information: Calling hours will take place on Friday, June 13, from 4 to 6 p.m., at Fenton & Hennessey Funeral Home in Bellows Falls. Donations to Dartmouth Health Cardio Unit, Lebanon, NH 03766; or Bayada Hospice, Attn: Daniel, Agnes, and Sy, 1222 Putney Rd., Brattleboro, VT 05301.
Services
• Graveside services and interment of ashes for Phillip L. Brown will be conducted Saturday, June 14, at 11 a.m. in Meeting House Hill Cemetery in Brattleboro. Mr. Brown, formerly of Brattleboro, died on Feb. 2, 2025.
This Milestones item was submitted to The Commons.