Obituaries
• Pauline Ann "Polly" Belair, 92, formerly of Brattleboro. Died peacefully on Oct. 16, 2024, in Ocala, Florida, with daughters Julie and Renee present. Born on December 25, 1932, in Brattleboro, Polly lived a life marked by compassion, devotion, and quiet strength. She was the daughter of William H. and Doris (Sequin) Clarke of Brattleboro. She graduated as valedictorian from St. Michael's Catholic School, a testament to her intelligence and dedication from an early age. Though she initially pursued nursing studies, she ultimately found her calling as a secretary with the Windham Southeast School District - a role she held with pride and diligence until her retirement. Throughout her life, Polly remained deeply rooted in her faith. A devout Catholic, she never missed an opportunity to attend Mass, whether at home or while traveling. Even during vacations to the islands or summers spent at York Beach, Maine - where lobster dinners and searching for sand dollars became cherished traditions - she would always find a church to worship in. Polly's love for music was evident in her ability to play both the guitar and piano. She found joy in gardening and baking, often filling her home with the scent of fresh flowers and warm treats. Her hands were rarely idle; crocheting and knitting were among her favorite pastimes. She also delighted in nature walks and swimming - simple pleasures that brought her peace. Her home was always lively with pets - especially beagles affectionately named Mickey or Gidget - as well as fish, parakeets, and other critters that added warmth to her world. Playing cards with family and friends was another source of happiness for Polly; these gatherings were filled with laughter and camaraderie. Polly's kindness extended far beyond her immediate circle. She was active in every community she called home, volunteering generously and always being the first to reach out when someone was in need. Her thoughtful nature left a lasting impression on all who knew her. She is lovingly remembered by her sister Cile Holden of Moultonborough, New Hampshire; daughters Barbara Martell of Keene, New Hampshire, Julie Clark (Brian) of West Covina, California, and Renee Miskell of Ocala, Florida; grandchildren Joe Martell, Maxwell Clark, and Angie Mae Babbitt; great-grandchildren Kyle Martell and Skylar Martell; as well as many nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and other beloved relatives. Polly was predeceased by her parents; brother Arnold Clarke, sister Lois White of Maine, son Anthony "Andy" Belair, and her late husband Lucien "Lou" Belair. May Polly's memory bring comfort to those who knew and loved her. Her legacy of kindness lives on through the many lives she touched. Memorial information: A memorial was held in Ocala following her death. A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, Aug. 16, at 11 a.m., at St. Michael's Catholic Church, 47 Walnut St., with burial to follow at St. Michael's Cemetery. A celebration of her life will be held at 1 p.m. at the Brattleboro Elks, 75 Putney Rd. Donations to St. Michael's Catholic Church of Brattleboro; Gaines Farm, 6343 Calvin Coolidge Memorial Hwy, Guilford, VT 05301; Marion County Hospice, 3231 SW 34th Ave, Ocala, FL 34471, or the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302.
• Sylvia Cecelia (Bills) Elliott, 93, of Townshend. Died on July 30, 2025, at Valley Village Assisted Living, where she had resided for the last few years. Sylvia was born on June 8, 1932, daughter to Cecil Alphonso and Lydia Serena (Johanson) Bills. She grew up in Podunk (near West Wardsboro), graduated from Leland & Gray Seminary in Townshend in 1949, and married Donald Edvaard Elliott on Dec. 21 of that same year. They celebrated their 60th anniversary in 2009. Don died in February 2010. Together, they raised Sharon Ann (Richard) Bastille, Margaret "Peggy" (Roger) Hanson, Donald Edvaard (Linda) Jr., Cecelia (Thomas) Dohoda, and Ronald Thomas. Sylvia is also survived by 11 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her infant sister, Sharon Kay; sister Nancy Barbara Thornton, grandson Errin Bruce Morse, and great-grandson, Tono Elias Figueroa. A homemaker of excellence, she creatively used available resources to enhance the lives of her family, friends and the community. Her quick wit and acceptance of all people made her the perfect store clerk throughout the West River Valley, including her own Hope in the Valley Christian Bookstore. She ran Elliott & Sons Trucking with her husband and drove school buses for the Dummerston Schools and West River Transportation. Sylvia was involved in the community as Busy Valley Lassies 4-H leader, and was a member of the West Dummerston Grange, PTA, Maple Leaf Square Dancing Club, and West River Valley Rifle Club. She was a caller for NewBrook Fire Department's Bingo nights, and she played piano and organ, and sang at many churches and weddings in the Valley. She enjoyed traveling, knitting, crocheting, bowling, and was the neighborhood "Kool-aid and Cookies Mom." Sylvia was the first married woman to be invited to enter the Brattleboro Winter Carnival Queen contest. During the Covid pandemic, at 88, she crocheted around 156 lap blankets for nursing homes and anyone who needed them. People donated their scraps of yarn to keep her busy while separated during that time. She was such an inspiration in making do when without and giving even if in need. Each night, she would recite the 23rd Psalm upon retiring, and now that last verse "surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever" is reality. She's home now. Memorial information: Abiding by her wishes, there will be a graveside service for immediate family after which they will gather to celebrate her life, "well done." Community will be invited to join the family. Details to be announced. In memory of Sylvia, the family encourages everyone to volunteer in their community, ask "how can I help," or just do something for someone else, and then go have some ice cream! Donations to Valley Village (valleyvillagevt.org), Grace Cottage Hospital (gracecottage.org), or NewBrook Fire and Rescue (newbrookfire.org).
• Stuart Frizzell, 84, formerly of Brattleboro. Died peacefully at his home in Bedford, New Hampshire, on July 27, 2025, after a period of hospice care, surrounded by those he cherished. He will forever be remembered for the everyday acts of love and service that defined him. He lived a life of purpose, finding joy in the things that mattered most. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, he was a man of quiet strength and steadfast principles. Stuart was also a community servant who cared deeply about his neighbors, and a man who treasured the wonders of nature. Born on Sept. 27, 1940, in Brattleboro to Paul Morris Frizzell and Stephanie Juscen Frizzell, Stuart was the oldest of four siblings. His early life centered around his vibrant neighborhood, his large Polish-Catholic family (with dozens of cousins as playmates), and the St. Michael's Catholic Church community. From a very young age, Stuart was disciplined and resourceful, developing a sense of responsibility while his father was away serving in the Navy. As he grew older, he regularly woke up before dawn to complete his paper route before school, earning income that contributed to household expenses. While responsibility came early, Stuart developed a love for the outdoors by exploring with his siblings during childhood summer excursions in Vermont, including special trips to his Uncle Will's farm in Cavendish, where he learned about farming and agriculture. Those experiences inspired a lifelong love of gardening, growing his own food, building stone walls, and working the land. They also began to shape the steady, disciplined way he would live his life. As a teenager, Stuart was a football star at Brattleboro Union High School and was selected to the Vermont team that played in the 1958 Shrine Maple Sugar Bowl. He went on to attend Colgate University, where he played football on scholarship while proudly earning a college degree. Stuart began his career in retail business with Sears Roebuck in Boston. It was in the city that he met his future wife, Carol Webster, on a double date with mutual friends. Stuart was drawn to Carol right away - and to her Chevy II Nova convertible. The couple married on Sept. 5, 1964, launching a 60-year partnership rooted in mutual respect, faith, and shared goals. Stuart and Carol were best friends, whose strong foundation helped them raise a family, run a successful company, and live a life that set an example for their children and grandchildren. A proud "girl dad" to Jennifer, Jill, and Joy, Stuart encouraged his daughters' ambitions with quiet conviction. He never pushed but always guided, providing a stable, reliant presence. He listened without judgment, advised with wisdom, and celebrated even the smallest victories. As his children grew up, Stuart's work took the family to several communities in New Jersey and Pennsylvania as he built his retail career in the mid-Atlantic region. But he was a New Englander at heart and always looked for opportunities to resettle closer to his roots. In 1986, the Frizzell family relocated to Bedford, where Stuart and Carol started Prestige Printing. They operated the company together for decades, building a strong network of friends and loyal customers across New Hampshire. In every home Stuart and Carol owned, there always had to be space in the yard for his abundant garden. To Stuart, the garden was his sanctuary, a reflection of his patience, care, and quiet joy. Among the blueberries and flowers, he found not just peace, but purpose. It was where he could be alone with his thoughts and where he practiced devotion in the form of daily tending. In retirement, Stuart embraced a life of traveling with Carol. They cherished time together and were ever eager to plan their next adventure. Stuart was a devoted volunteer with the Rotary Club of Bedford and took the lead in hosting the annual senior citizens Christmas luncheon. He and Carol made many lasting friendships with fellow Rotarians and their spouses, routinely combining service and social time. Stuart also loved serving as a bell ringer for The Salvation Army to raise money during the holiday season and often recruited his grandsons to join him. He served without seeking credit, loved without condition, and gave generously of himself. Whether organizing events, planting tomatoes, or placing the traditional Polish Oplatki wafers on the table on Christmas Eve, his gestures reminded everyone that lasting impact is found in small, consistent acts of love. A calm and selfless peacemaker, Stuart rarely raised his voice and always sought harmony over conflict, leading through quiet action. He cherished life's simplest pleasures: a good scoop of vanilla ice cream, a crossword puzzle completed in pen, the satisfaction of yardwork well done. From family picnics to vacations, he always carried his cribbage board with him, eager to share a game. The food grown in Stuart's garden was often incorporated into Carol's wonderful cooking, which he adored and appreciated. They sat together at the table every night to share dinner and a prayer. He knew how lucky he was to share life with someone whose love was always evident. Stuart's legacy lives in the people he shaped and the values he embodied. His support for his six grandchildren emulated the encouragement he provided his daughters, offering not only love but experiences that shaped them, from summer camps to study abroad programs that fostered self-discovery. He gave not to indulge, but to invest in their growth, teaching through example what it means to live with intention and heart. Through his devotion to kindness, humility, faith, loyalty, and grace, he taught those around him what truly matters. In addition to Carol, Stuart is survived by his daughters, Jennifer Frizzell of Concord, New Hampshire, Jill Martin (Carlos) of Miami, Florida, and Joy Lagrutta (Tom) of Shrewsbury, Massachusetts; his sisters, Inder Khalsa and Martha Doyle (Raymond) of Brattleboro; his sister-in-law, Carole Frizzell of North Hampton, New Hampshire; his grandchildren, Ethan and Evan Crandlemire, Ana and Sofia Martin, and Zachary and Alexander Lagrutta; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; his brother, Thomas P. Frizzell; and his son-in-law, Donald Crandlemire. Memorial information: A funeral Mass will be held 11 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 14, at St. Elizabeth Seton Parish in Bedford, immediately followed by a luncheon to celebrate Stuart's life and legacy at the Bedford Village Inn at noon. Donations to The Salvation Army of Manchester, 121 Cedar St., Manchester, NH 03101.
• Scott Joseph Garvey, 55, of Putney. Died on July 7, 2025, in his apartment, after being shot multiple times by the Vermont State Police during a mental health crisis in which he reached out repeatedly for help. His family and friends say he was unarmed, alone, and had recently undergone major surgery. Born Aug. 21, 1969, in Westfield, Massachusetts, Scott was an inspired musician, an exceptional poet, a voracious reader, a traveler, and a dreamer. He was impossibly kind, quick to laugh, and slow to judge. He loved people with deep loyalty and quiet fierceness, and he lived as though beauty and art and music and human connection were all that mattered. He left behind songs and prayers, scribbled notebooks and poems on napkins, his beloved drums from around the world, and a notable generosity that was second to none. He also left behind those of us who loved him - and will never stop loving him. Scott was full of questions. He questioned authority, yes, but also systems, stories, and how we came to believe what we believe. He was intensely curious and had outright disdain for the mundane. If you knew him, you likely had a conversation with him that made you stop and think - about art, about God, about loss, about music, about meaning. He had a way of asking you something that would stay with you long after he left the room. Scott was a devoted son, a loyal brother, and a treasured uncle to his nieces and nephews. He lived with and cared for his mother Judy for much of his life, needing her assistance at times in negotiating the complexities of our modern, highly impersonal world that generally has little time for those living with mental health challenges. He was someone who never fully fit into this world, but never stopped trying to soften it anyway. Scott knew suffering, his own and others', and he carried it with the strange grace of someone who saw the cracks in everything and still believed there might be light. Scott lived, loved, and played music in Boston, San Francisco, Seattle, Portland, Austin, New Orleans, and Memphis. He played drums in many bands, spanning all musical styles, always seeking musical authenticity. He co-starred in the underground cult film "I was a Teenage Serial Killer," and he wrote dozens upon dozens of songs and poems exploring existential angst, unrequited love, and ultimately, his relationship with his own mental health. A friend noted that Scott was "a musician's musician. He was the real thing." Always surrounded by music and misfits, by found family and vinyl records and bad coffee and his American Spirit cigarettes, he burned bright. He always gave more than he had, preferring to spend most of his meager monthly Social Security disability checks on socks, sleeping bags, and gloves for the homeless. His last request when he left Memphis in June 2025 - barely able to walk and suffering from debilitating anxiety - was for his sister to buy packages of clean socks to distribute at the local homeless shelter, which she promptly did. Scott is survived by his mother, Judy; sister Kara and husband Brian; brother Shawn and wife Kimberly; and beloved nieces and nephews Skyler, Evan, Emma, and Zeb; his aunt and uncle Sherrie and Bill Sperry, who brought him to a deep belief in the love of Jesus; his rescue dog, Vinnie; and his many friends and chosen family around the country. Though his family is wrecked by grief, they say they will not let Scott be reduced to the worst day of his life. Like all of those suffering from mental health challenges, he was infinitely more than his diagnosis. He was a whole person whose life and spirit will be honored. Memorial information: Scott's large group of family and friends gathered for a powerful, loving, and heartfelt celebration of his songs, poetry, and wisdom at Pine Hill Cemetery in Westfield, Massachusetts, on July 21. He is buried next to his beloved grandfather, Metlei Korostynski, and beloved uncle, Glenn Korostynski; and with the remains of his faithful dogs Mari and Lulu. His family asks that contributions be made to gofundme.com/f/support-for-mama-garvey-after-tragedy to defray the unexpected costs of his cremation, burial, cleanup of the horrifying scene left behind by Vermont State Troopers, and the family's ongoing efforts to reform the state's mental health and victim assistance programs.
• Adam James Harrison, 32, of Boston, formerly of Brattleboro. Died on July 27, 2025, surrounded by love. Adam was a devoted husband, loyal friend, and respected attorney. Born on Aug. 14, 1992, and raised in Brattleboro, Adam began his education at St. Michael's Catholic School and Brattleboro Area Middle School, before graduating from Vermont Academy in 2010. He went on to earn his bachelor's degree from the University of New Hampshire in 2014, and his Juris Doctor from New England Law in 2018. He passed the bar that same year, quickly establishing himself as having a thoughtful and principled legal mind. Adam built a distinguished career at Chartwell Law, where he rose to the position of Partner. He was admired not only for his legal insight, but for his steady mentorship, humility, and unwavering sense of right and wrong. An accomplished athlete, Adam played ice hockey and baseball throughout his youth and high school years. He continued to stay active into adulthood, especially cherishing his annual pond hockey weekends in Lake Placid with his team, The Sneaky Snakes, a tradition marked by grit, laughter, and lifelong friendship. He loved dinners out in Boston's North End with his loved ones, never turned down an oyster or a sip of Fernet-Branca, and cherished weekends on the Cape. A passionate sports fan, Adam proudly rooted for the New York Giants, and the Boston Bruins, Red Sox, and Celtics, rarely missing a game when any of his teams were on. He had a deep love of music, from countless live shows to listening to records and singing in his living room with friends late into the night. Adam was incredibly bright, quick witted, and fiercely loyal. He had a thoughtful presence, often quiet and observant, always deeply engaged, but just as often, his was the loudest laugh in the room. Whether offering a listening ear or lighting up a gathering with his humor, Adam was the heart and soul of every room he entered. He was the guy who always picked up and always followed through. The teammate who always showed up. And the partner who loved without limits. His loyalty ran deep, and his presence brought comfort and smiles to everyone around him. Adam was predeceased by his beloved grandmother, MJ Bibeau; his maternal grandfather, Jim Rabideau; and his step-grandfather, Bob Bibeau. He is survived by his loving wife, Cassie; his parents, Robbie and Jodi Harrison; his sister, Aimee, and nephew, Brody; his grandparents, Pete and Judy Harrison, and Nancy Ellis; as well as extended family and many very close friends who loved him like family. Memorial information: A celebration of his life will be held in Brattleboro at the Elks Lodge on Putney Road on Sunday, Aug. 17, from noon to 4 p.m. Donations in Adam's honor to Caring For A Cure, a nonprofit founded by the nurses of Massachusetts General Hospital's adult hematology, oncology, and bone marrow transplant program at because.massgeneral.org/campaign/caring-for-a-cure/c112468. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Michael David "Mike" Holcomb, 71, of West Wardsboro. Died on Aug. 6, 2025. Mike was born on Sept. 5, 1953, in Westfield, Massachusetts, to David Knox Holcomb and Helen Eleanor (Shaughnessey) Holcomb. At an early age, his family moved to South Newfane. He attended elementary schools in Newfane and graduated from Brattleboro Union High School. Mike enjoyed time with his family, fishing, going to the Maine coast, all animals, and watching Westerns. He married Rose Ella Berard an August 29, 1976, and they spent 49 years together. Mike was a well-known and talented mason, working for many years in the Deerfield Valley. He is survived by his wife, Rose Holcomb of West Wardsboro; his son, Mark Holcomb (Andrea Fletcher) of Halifax; his sister, Cindy Holcomb of Debron, Florida; a sister in Vermont; and his cat, Abby. Mike was predeceased by his parents; his son, David M. Holcomb; and his sister, Minnie Tracy. Memorial information: Per his request, there will be no calling hours. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family.
• Robert Paul "Bobb" Perrone, 75, of Whitingham. Died peacefully on July 12, 2025 at his home in Whitingham. He was born Aug. 23, 1949, in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, to Joseph Guarda and Rita Harrison. After graduating from Pittsfield High School, he joined the Coast Guard and served two years before being honorably discharged for health reasons. Bobb moved to Vermont in the mid 1970s, and after several years, settled in Wilmington with his partner and future wife, Karen Pratt. He was part of the community for much of his adult life. As an extremely talented artist, he moved early from traditional painting and pen & ink drawings to wood burning. His vision and talent interpreted the fine grains of wood into the most minute detail revealing the mastery of his craft. His art hung in many local homes and was shown in galleries throughout the Northeast. As a master woodworker, he was thrilled to create both interior furnishings and outdoor garden features. To have been graced with a Perrone garden arch was your most precious addition to your garden landscape. Bobb was known in fine wine circles for his impeccable custom-designed wine cellars (although a good Italian red table wine was just fine with him!) After moving to Whitingham, much of his time was taken with nurturing his property, maintaining his lawn and gardens, planting and pruning various fruit trees and blueberry bushes and keeping it all well groomed. Throughout his life, Bobb enjoyed the outdoors - hunting, fishing, boating, sailing, hiking, dirt biking, archery, cross-country skiing, and cutting firewood for winter warmth. Bobb and Karen often rescued cats and kittens, socializing them and providing medical care before adoption. A visit to their home would often find Bobb comforting a kitten in the front pocket of his hoodie. Bobb Perrone's kindness, generosity, love, honesty and sense of humor will forever remain with those fortunate enough to call him a friend. Memorial information: A celebration of Bobb's and Karen's lives will be held with a potluck dinner at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 24.
• Virginia Warwick Sprague, 87, of Brattleboro. Died peacefully in her sleep, with family by her side, on Aug. 2, 2025 at the age of 87. A lifelong resident of Brattleboro, she was born on June 21, 1938, the daughter of Edward W. and Mary (Dudley) Warwick; one of seven children. Shortly after her birth, the family moved to Brattleboro, and their arrival was met with the Great New England Hurricane of 1938. She attended Canal Street School in Brattleboro and graduated from Brattleboro Union High School with the Class of 1957. She was voted "Most Optimistic" by her classmates and carried that attitude her entire life. In 1957, she married Byron Sprague in Brattleboro. She worked various jobs while raising four children and shuttling them to countless sporting events, always with patience and good humor, all the while staying engaged in the community. Virginia was active in national and local elections and organized many of her high school class reunions. She was a dedicated wife and mother, and the importance of family was always evident. She was also an avid Red Sox and Patriots fan, rarely missing a game. Virginia leaves behind four children: Mark Sprague (Sheryl) of Putney, Dana Sprague (Monica) of Brattleboro, Linda Griffin (Dennis) of Brattleboro, and William Sprague (Denise) of Milford, New Hampshire; eight grandchildren: Jennifer Sprague, Brandon Sprague, Amy Sprague, Neysa Sprague, Michelle Sprague, Adam Griffin, Nicole Sprague and Ryan Griffin; one great-grandchild, Delynn Sprague; a brother, Harold Warwick of Poway, California; and a sister, Rosemary Warwick Smith of Quaker Town, Pennsylvania. She was predeceased by her husband in 1993, and her siblings, Marge Bartley, and Robert, Richard, and Ralph Warwick. Memorial information: Graveside committal services were conducted Aug. 10 at Meetinghouse Hill Cemetery. Donations to the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Judith Gail "Judy" Wisell, 78, of Brattleboro, Died Aug. 4, 2025, at the Jack Byrne Hospice Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire, following a lengthy period of declining health. Judy was born in Nashua, New Hampshire, on Sept. 30, 1946, the daughter of Kent and Doris (Eaton) MacLean. A lifelong resident of town, she attended Brattleboro public schools and graduated from Brattleboro Union High School with the Class of 1964. Following graduation, she attended Community College of Vermont in Brattleboro. On Feb. 15, 1964, at First United Methodist Church in Brattleboro, she was married to Gordon L. Wisell, who survives. For many years, Judy was employed at Members 1st Credit Union in Brattleboro, working in the capacity as CEO and also serving on the credit union's board of directors. She retired from Members 1st following many years of dedicated service. Previously, Judy worked in the office at Baker's Bookstore & Office Supply Co. and also served as general manager of Country News Distributors, a division of the Baker Company. With her husband, she was a longtime active member of First United Methodist Church. Judy enjoyed playing cards, bowling, and reading, and was an avid Boston Red Sox fan. Most importantly, she cherished time spent with her family and friends. Beside her devoted husband of 61 years, she leaves her three children: sons Rick and wife, Mary-Anne, of Keene, New Hampshire, and Timothy and wife, Darlene, of Brattleboro; a daughter, Barbara Shannon and husband, Barry, of Brattleboro; and four sisters, Patricia Bozetarnik, Gerry Hines, Janice D'Alia, and Jean MacLean. Additionally, she is survived by five grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and her special friends and devoted caregivers, Gretchen White and Susie Winter. Memorial information: Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday, Aug. 13, at 10 a.m., at the Atamaniuk Funeral Home in Brattleboro. Burial will follow in Meetinghouse Hill Cemetery. Following the committal services, everyone is invited to a reception at the F.O. Eagles on Chickering Drive. Memorial contributions in Judy's name may be made to Jack Byrne Center for Palliative & Hospice Care, 154 Hitchcock Loop Road, Lebanon, NH 03766. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
Services
• A celebration of the life of Mary Jane "MJ" Bibeau will be held in conjunction with the celebration of life of her grandson, Adam Harrison, on Sunday, Aug. 17, at the Elks Lodge in Brattleboro from noon to 4 p.m. MJ died on April 14, 2025, at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital. To view her full obituary and offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
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