College news
• The following local students were recognized for academic achievement during the spring 2026 semester at Champlain College in Burlington: Named to the President’s List were David Amidon of Vernon, Kaley Mola of West Dover, and Montana Woodruff of West Townshend. Named to the Dean’s List were Griffin Gooch-Breault of East Dummerston, Austin Mallan of Saxtons River, Natnael Mengisteab of Brattleboro, Nash Miller of Putney, Ritter Redfield of South Newfane, and Madison Wood of West Dummerston. Kristen Gouger of Brattleboro and Fawn Joy of Bellows Falls were named to the Online President’s List. Jennifer Miner of Brattleboro was named to the Online Dean’s List.
• Kaylee Mae Desmarais and Charles Hodgson, both of Saxtons River, were named to the spring 2026 Dean’s List at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York.
Obituaries
• Elizabeth “Beth” Armour, 70, died peacefully, with her family by her side, on June 15, 2026. Born Aug. 2, 1955, in Lowell, Massachusetts, she lived in many states during her younger years while her dad pursued his career. She attended Marlboro College, getting a degree in anthropology and pottery, and traveled to Africa for her studies in Yoruba arts and crafts. She met her husband, Tucker Barrett, at Marlboro, and they married May 14, 1983. They have two children, Ryan and Cora. Beth apprenticed with Malcolm Wright, who studied with a 12th-generation Japanese potter. This influenced her in her work of making functional pottery in the Japanese tradition. She went on to have a successful career in pottery for more than 20 years before returning to school to get her master’s in Internet Strategy Management from Marlboro College. She worked at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst as a web designer and developer for more than 20 years before retiring and returning to her artwork. In her retirement, she enjoyed exploring natural forms including botanical renderings in both watercolor and clay. Beth was an accomplished artist, enjoyed gardening, skiing, biking, hiking, and especially traveling. Beth and her family traveled many places while the children were young. In the past couple of years, the family traveled to Santa Fe, New Mexico, and Sedona, Arizona. Both were cherished trips for the family to remember. Beth would like to be remembered for her love of life, love of family, and love of friends. She felt so appreciative and humbled by all the support of her many wonderful friends and family. She couldn’t have done this journey without them. Beth is survived by her husband of 43 years, Tucker Barrett; her children, Ryan and Cora Barrett; her brother and sister-in-law, Jay and Polly Armour; her niece and nephew, Sarah and Josh Armour; and Tucker’s sister and brother-in-law, Andrea Barrett and Barry Goldstein. Memorial information: A small family memorial will be held, and a public gathering will be announced at a future date. Donations to GroundWorks (groundworksvt.org) or the Drawing Studio (drawingstudio.org).
• Richard Alan Bryant, 80, died peacefully June 6, 2026, at Thompson House in Brattleboro. Richard was born in Brattleboro, Nov. 20, 1945, to the late Charles and Junia (McCrea) Bryant. Richard was a lifelong resident of the area, graduating from Brattleboro Union High School in 1963. He married the love of his life, Gail (Bruce) Bryant, Jan. 23, 1971, and they spent 55 years together. Richard started his career as a bagger at Grand Union, proceeded to enlist in the Air Force and, after returning from Vietnam, went back to work at Grand Union until they closed. He then proceeded to Shaw’s, from which he retired. When not working, Richard loved golf and coffee group friends. Many will fondly remember him from the many years where he volunteered his time at the Evening Star Grange in Dummerston, preparing lunches. Above all else he loved going to Maine with his family and enjoying seafood. In addition to his parents, Richard was predeceased by his sister Jane Bryant, and several aunts, uncles, and several in-laws. He is survived and will be deeply missed by his wife, Gail, his daughter Erica, his brother Ward, his niece Bethany Bryant, and his nephews Bart Bryant, Jon Barber, and Jared Barber. He is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law Hugh and Joanne Barber. Memorial information: A memorial gathering will be held Friday, June 26, from 5 to 7 p.m., at Phaneuf Funeral Home, 57 High St., Brattleboro. A cemetery committal with military honors will be held Saturday, June 27, at 11 a.m., at Morningside Cemetery in Brattleboro. A reception will take place immediately afterward from noon to 3 p.m., at Evening Star Grange. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Evening Star Grange, 1008 East-West Rd., Dummerston, VT 05346. To offer condolences, visit phaneuf.net.
• Laura Ann Hinrichs, 65, of Wilmington. Died June 10, 2026, in the comfort of her home with her family at her side, following a courageous battle with lung cancer. Upon the devastating diagnosis of Stage 4 lung cancer on Sept. 11, 2022, Laura chose to keep her disease very private and had to retire early from her career at the Twin Valley Elementary School. Laura was born on March 11, 1961, in TheBronx, New York, the daughter of Andrew and Frances (Evangelista) Antoniolli. She was raised and educated in Brentwood, New York, where she graduated from the Sonderling High School and Long Island Cosmetology Academy. Prior to moving to southern Vermont, she resided in Brentwood and Port Jefferson, New York. She enjoyed reading, gardening, kayaking, the great outdoors and time shared with her family and friends. A devout Catholic, Laura was a communicant of Saint Michael’s Roman Catholic Church. On May 4, 1985, in Chittenden, she married her soulmate of nearly 43 years, William “Bill” Hinrichs Jr. Besides her faithful and devoted husband, she leaves two daughters, Madison “Maddie” Racine (Sean) of Manchester, New Hamsphire, and Brittany Bingham (Brandon) of Middletown, Connecticut; two brothers, Carl Antoniolli (Jennifer) of San Antonio, Texas, and Andrew Antoniolli Jr. (Donna) of Brielle, New Jersey; and grandchildren William, Alanna and Ryan Bingham, and Charlotte Racine. Additionally, she is survived by several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held June 19 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church. Her family plans on hosting a celebration of her life later this year and will share that information when finalized. Donations to the Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, One Medical Center Drive, Lebanon, NH 03756; the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302; or to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation (T2T.org). To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Dennis Michael O’Neil, 79, of Vernon. Died peacefully April 19, 2026, in Ruskin, Florida, after a long illness. He was born on Oct. 13, 1946, in Greenfield, Massachusetts, to Francis and Winifred O’Neil. After graduating from Greenfield High School in 1964, he enlisted in the Army and left for basic training at Fort Gordon, Georgia. He was trained to be a radio teletype operator and was stationed in Italy, Vietnam, and St. Louis, Missouri. After returning to Greenfield in 1967, he enrolled in Greenfield Community College, where he met his future wife, Patricia Nylander. They were married in 1969 and celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary on April 12, 2026. In his younger years, he enjoyed time spent with family, especially hunting, fishing and camping with his sons. In later years, he enjoyed golfing, traveling and winters spent in Florida. As a grandfather, he enjoyed nothing more than time spent with his granddaughter, creating a lifetime of happy memories. Dennis spent many years working at The Book Press as a pressman and as union representative, followed by several years at the American Legion Post 5. where he was post commander in the late 1980s. He was also a lifetime member of the VFW, and past member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles, and the Elks. In addition to his wife, Dennis is also survived by his sons, Timothy of Vernon and Kevin of Brattleboro, and his granddaughter Kayla O’Neil (Levi Perham) of Springfield, Vermont. He is also survived by brothers Francis O’Neil (Sylvia ) of Vernon, and Walter O’Neil (Susan) of Bernardston, Massachusetts. He was predeceased by his sister Diane in 2024. Memorial information: A celebration of his life will be held at American Legion Post 5 in Brattleboro Saturday, July 11, from 1 to 4 p.m. Burial will be private.
• Camille John Paradis, 82, died peacefully June 13, 2026, in hospice care with his loving family by his side. Born in Brattleboro Dec. 29, 1943, Camille worked as a heavy equipment operator for many years. He enjoyed bluegrass music, fishing, and spending time with his grandchildren. He is survived by his beloved wife, Andrea; his children, Joni, Jody, and Gerry; his sister, Marilyn; his grandchildren; and many family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Camille and Mary, and his siblings, Helen and Ralph. John will be remembered for his love of family and the time he shared with those he loved. His famous words were, “Love ya,” and those words will be remembered by his family always. Memorial information: None provided.
• Sandra Wood “Sandi” Vallon, 76, of Bartlett, Tennessee. Died June 3, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family, after a prolonged battle with cancer. Sandi was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt whose thoughtfulness and generosity will be missed by all who had the privilege to know her. She cherished life immensely and never gave up on her recovery, facing every challenge with strength and grace. Born June 13, 1949, in Brattleboro, the daughter of Florence and James Wood, she graduated from St. Michael’s Catholic High School in 1967. She lived in Brattleboro and worked for Simons Jewelers and then Vermont National Bank before relocating to Bartlett, Tennessee, in 1985, where she worked for the Bank of Bartlett until she retired. Sandi married Richard Vallon on Dec. 19, 1992, and they lived together in Bartlett until Rich’s death in July 2024. Sandi found joy in caring for her adorable pet cats, and delighted in feeding birds, squirrels, and other small creatures that visited her backyard. She took pride in her home and enjoyed tending to her favorite rose bushes. The inside of her home reflected her heart — always warm, welcoming, and festive, with photos of the people she loved most visible in every direction. She loved cooking and sharing family recipes, especially with her beloved granddaughters. No holiday, birthday, or milestone ever went uncelebrated. Sandi had a gift for making people feel special, valued, and loved. Whether through a thoughtful gesture, a delicious meal, or simply a listening ear, she always gave freely and wholeheartedly. She was forever putting the needs of others before her own. Though our hearts are broken by her loss, we find comfort knowing that her spirit lives on in the memories she created and love she shared. She will always be a great inspiration for her family through the example she set in how she cared for others, treated animals, and for the grace and gratitude she exemplified. In addition to her parents and her husband, she was predeceased by her brother, James “Chip” Wood of Brighton, New York. Sandi leaves behind her daughter, Heather Loney Barnette (Bryan Barnette) of Cordova, Tennessee, and her son, James Loney (Tara Loney) of Charlotte, North Carolina; and her two granddaughters, Alexa and Anna Loney of Charlotte. She is also survived by her sister and lifelong best friend, Deborah Henrikson of Arlington, Tennessee; nephews Billy Henrikson (Sherryn Henrikson) of Arlington, David Henrikson (Jennifer Henrikson) of Arlington, and Ryan Wood of Bath, New York; nieces, Kimberly Luckie (Walton Luckie) of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Reagan Wood of Rochester, New York, and Bryn Ashcroft (Andrew Aschcroft) of Lancaster, New York; along with many great-nieces and great-nephews. Memorial information: Sandi was laid to rest in Evergreen Cemetery in Winchester, alongside her husband Richard and other relatives from the area, on June 19. Donations to the Bartlett Animal Shelter, 5220 Shelter Run Lane, Bartlett, TN 38135; or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• George Eugene Zumbruski, 81, of Vernon. Died June 16, 2026, in the comfort of his home surrounded by his family, following a brief battle with cancer. A lifelong resident of the area, he was born in Guilford June 12, 1945, the son of Minor and Eleanor (Battistoni) Zumbruski, and was raised and educated in Guilford. George had been employed as a heavy equipment mechanic for Lane Construction Company of Northfield, Massachusetts, which he retired from in 2011 following more than 30 dedicated years with the company. Previously he had worked for Cersosimo Lumber and at the former Brattleboro Sand & Gravel. During his younger years he drove a milk truck for the former Henry Transportation in Algiers. Active fraternally, George was a member of the B.P.O. Elks, Brattleboro Lodge #1499, and held membership in the Brattleboro Shrine Club and the Brattleboro Lodge #102, F&AM. An ardent outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting, gardening, and spending quality time at his camp in Wells, Maine. He liked to travel, visiting many states, including a trip to Alaska. Most importantly, he cherished time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren and his puppy dog, Jack. On June 12, 1965, at St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Church, he married Suzanne “Sue” Benjamin. His devoted and loving wife of 50 years predeceased him May 7, 2015. Survivors include one son, Michael Zumbruski and wife, Darcy, of Vernon; a daughter, Lisa Zumbruski and companion, Cam, also of Vernon; a brother, Daniel Zumbruski of Guilford; sister, Marjorie Shield of Chesterfield, NH; three grandchildren, Elizabeth Randall (Josh), Rachel Comtois (Adrian), and Logan Zumbruski (Natalie); and one great-grandson, Cody Randall. Additionally, he leaves several nieces, nephews, and cousins, and a host of good friends and neighbors. Memorial information: A celebration of his life will be held at the Elk’s Home, 75 Putney Rd., Brattleboro, Friday, June 26, from 3 to 8 p.m. Graveside services and burial will be private, for the immediate family only, at North Cemetery in Vernon. Donations to the Brattleboro Lodge of Elks, P.O. Box 8051, Brattleboro, VT 05304-8051.To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
Services
• A memorial gathering for Patricia Haas will be held Saturday, June 27, at 1 p.m. at the Westminster Firehouse on Grout Avenue in Westminster. Patricia, a longtime Westminster Fire & Rescue member and Fire Warden, died Feb. 13, 2026, at age 85.
This Milestones item was submitted to The Commons.