College news
• Nicholas Douglass of Saxtons River and Corina Mitchell of Westminster West students received their degrees in May as part of the Class of 2026 at Roger Williams University in Bristol, Rhode Island. Douglass, along with Rese Mulkey of Stratton and Ainerose Souza of Londonderry, were named the Dean’s List for the spring 2026 semester.
• Dorothy Sims of Whitingham recently received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Alabama.
• Spencer Butynski of Brookline received a B.A. in history, and Munasqa Choque Stenn of Marlboro received a B.S. in early childhood education as part of the Class of 2026 at the University of Hartford (Conn.)
• Bradford Dutson of Brattleboro was among more than 500 students who graduated from Emporia (Kansas) State University in May 2026. Dutson graduated with an M.S. in clinical counseling with a concentration in rehabilitation counseling for the deaf and hard of hearing.
• Sean Alexander from East Dummerston was named to the spring 2026 President’s List at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.
• The following local students were recognized by Plymouth (N.H.) State University for academic achievement during the spring 2026 semester: Haley McAllister of Putney and Emmett Hoyer of Guilford were named to the President’s List, and Denine French of Bellows Falls, Jupiter Isham of Brattleboro, and Riley McCormack of Newfane were named to the Dean’s List.
• The following local students were recognized by Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts, for academic achievement during the spring 2026 semester. Aurelia M. Critchfield of Bellows Falls and Solan Homestead of Putney were named to the first honors list. Roxanne Burt of Marlboro and Josephine Maione Kazadi of Putney were named to the second honors list.
• Teo Ogden of Putney, a member of the class of 2029 majoring in aerospace engineering, was named to Worcester (Mass.) Polytechnic Institute’s Dean’s List for the spring 2026 semester.
• Julia Nystrom, a nursing major from Saxtons River, was named to the spring 2026 Dean’s List at Saint Anselm College in Manchester, New Hampshire.
• Ansley Henderson of Brookline and Elijah Saddlemire of Brattleboro were named to the spring 2026 Dean’s List at the University of Rhode Island.
• Jay Wright of Brattleboro was named to the spring 2026 Dean’s List at the University of Alaska at Fairbanks.
• Sean Alexander of East Dummerston was named to the Miami (Ohio) University’s spring 2026 President’s List.
• Jaia Caron of Bellows Falls and Emma Hillock of Bellows Falls were named to the spring 2026 Dean’s List at Russell Sage College in Troy, New York.
• Hazel Handy of Guilford and Liina Koch of South Londonderry were named to the Dean’s List for the winter semester that ended May 2026 at Bates College in Lewiston, Maine.
School news
• The Brattleboro Memorial Hospital Auxiliary awarded three $1,000 scholarships to local high school graduates who are pursuing careers in healthcare. This year’s recipients are Ida DesJardins, graduate of Brattleboro Union High School, who will be attending the University of Vermont for nursing; Amaya Arnold, graduate of Leland & Gray High School, who will be attending Vermont State University for radiologic science; and Savannah Audette, graduate of Hinsdale (N.H.) High School, who will be attending River Valley Community College for radiology technology.
• Anna Chechile of Vernon was among 188 students who graduated from Northfield Mount Hermon on May 24 in Gill, Massachusetts.
Obituaries
• Betty Benson, 87, of Townshend. Died peacefully at Grace Cottage Hospital,with her son Michael by her side, June 14, 2026. She was predeceased by her parents, Amon L. and Valborg DeWitt, and her sister-in-law Marcia DeWitt. She is survived by her sons Michael Moore and daughter-in-law Ellen Moore of Townshend, and Richard Tinkham of Gardner, Massachusetts; her brother Amon G. DeWitt of Townshend; granddaughters Marie and Betty; and Bobby Holden, a dear friend from childhood who remained close ever since. She graduated from Leland & Gray Seminary, and then attended cosmetology school at Thules Beauty Academy in New Hampshire, graduating in 1959. She worked for a salon in Brattleboro until she opened her own shop, Betty’s Valley Beauty Shop in Townshend. She served the area for over 30 years. She was a Christian woman with strong, unwavering faith. She loved country music, with Conway Twitty being her favorite. She loved to get dressed up to go dancing at the Eagles in Brattleboro and the VFW in Winchester, New Hampshire. She loved the Friday night fish fry at the American Legion in Brattleboro and listening to music there. She was ready to dance at a moment’s notice; she said it kept her young. Betty was very social and would strike up a conversation with anyone. She would say maybe they needed a smile and someone to talk to; you never know. A couple of her greatest moments were, a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Israel with her church, and a trip to Branson, Missouri, to look back at country music. She was a lifetime member of the Red Hat Society, which organized many outings that brought joy to everyone they encountered. Memorial information: A church service will be held Saturday, July 18, at 11 a.m. at Calvary Chapel in West Townshend. A celebration of life will follow at 12:30 p.m. at the Eagles, 54 Chickering Drive, Brattleboro.
• Gary Lee Bowman, 71, of Brattleboro. Died July 7, 2026, following an extraordinary 11-month battle with cancer. Gary was born in St. Albans Oct. 15, 1954, to the late Glennabelle “Nancy” (Nutting) Bowman and Durwood “Bow” Baxter Bowman. Gary graduated from Hinsdale High School in 1973. On Aug. 4, 2001, he married the love of his life, Gretchen (Alarie) Bowman, in Guilford. This August, they would have celebrated 40 years together and 25 years of marriage. Gary spent most of his career as a mechanic in the Claremont and Brattleboro areas. After retiring, he worked part-time alongside his son and close companion in his son’s construction business in West Chesterfield, New Hampshire. Raised in a farming family, Gary spent his early years helping on the farm. Over time, he came to enjoy hunting, fishing,NASCAR, and walks on a Guilford trail that became a special place for him, his wife, and their beloved dog, Tyler. Gary is survived by his loving wife, Gretchen, and his children, Jordan (and Angela) Bowman of West Chesterfield, and Kelli (and Todd) Kilanski of Ashuelot, New Hampshire. He is also survived by his two sisters, Candy (and Mike) Sparks of Newfane, and Lora Bowman of Hinsdale; three step-daughters, Heather Estrella (and Terry) of Swanzey, New Hampshire, Merrie Beth Frost (and Keith) of Vernon, and Jennifer Estrella of Riverside, Rhode Island; and 12 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.To know Gary was to love him. He did not have a single mean bone in his body and was the quietest, gentlest man you’d ever meet. He has forever left a footprint in the hearts of his family who know him most affectionately as Husband, Brother, Dad, Uncle, Papa,Great Papa and Grandpa Bowman. Memorial information: There will be no public services. A private family gathering will be held at a later date.To offer condolences to Gary’s family, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Lawrence Patrick Cassell, 61, died from a heart attack July 2, 2026, just as the sun was starting to rise, as he would say, “the best part of the day!” He had walked out to his garden and was found lying peacefully under his honeysuckle bush.He was born July 4, 1964, one of five boys who loved their mother, Glenna May Cassell. He would have liked it to be known that he out-survived them all. Larry was so close to retiring, but those who knew him understood that was never his style. He was a fine athlete, a gentleman, and a scholar. Life gave him unimaginable pain but Larry never complained. Tough as nails, he never gave up and was the hardest worker. He had a heart of gold and was an understanding mentor, a wonderful friend, and an amazing father. Larry gave without ever expecting anything in return; his wisdom was rare. He cared deeply, beyond most people’s ability to comprehend. Larry is the father of two daughters; they were his pride and joy. He is no longer in pain. Smile and laugh; find joy. May his soul rest in peace and his memory live on in the hearts of those whom he knew and loved. Memorial information: In keeping with Larry’s final wishes, there are no formal funeral services scheduled. To offer condolences to Larry’s family, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Stella A. Stevens, 89, of Jacksonville. Died July 7, 2026, surrounded by her family, in the home in which she was born. Stella was born June 14, 1937, to Myron and Wilhelmina (Ahrens) Allen of Jacksonville. Stella attended Whitingham High School and graduated in 1954. She met Norman Stevens and they married on June 7, 1958. Stella leaves her children Pam (Kevin) Grimard of Turners Falls, Massachusetts, Debra (Steve) Avison of Bondville, Cheryl (Wayne) Hammond of Ludlow, and Michael (Robin) Stevens of Jacksonville; 10 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Harriet Maynard of Wilmington, and many nieces and nephews. The family wishes to thank Stella’s cousin, Tracey Reed, who has been a constant support for her and the family. Stella was predeceased by her husband and parents, and her siblings Mike, Bummy, David and, fondly, Chickie. Memorial information: There will be no calling hours. A celebration of Stella’s life will be held Friday, July 17, at 2 p.m. at Jacksonville Community Church. Donations can be made to the Whitingham Historical Society, P.O. Box 125, Jacksonville, VT 05342, to continue their work on updating the cataloging system for historical artifacts.
• Arlene Emily Tarantino, 71, died peacefully in June 2026 in Brattleboro. Born Feb. 28, 1955, Arlene, originally from Freeport, Long Island, lived in Brattleboro for decades. Arlene led a quiet life of faith and fellowship in the Catholic Church. Arlene was known by all as an old soul. She possessed deep, gentle wisdom and valued the simple joys of a quiet life. Her heart belonged to her community where she spent countless hours, bringing laughs and some comfort to those around her. Arlene was a dedicated member of St Michael’s Catholic Church. She cherished the time spent with her fellow churchgoers. Her faith was the cornerstone of her life, guiding her devotion to helping others. Arlene left a lasting impact on everyone who knew her. Arlene‘s kind spirit made her a deeply loved figure in her neighborhood and church circle. She is survived by her sister Ann and brothers Alfred, Andrew, Arthur, and their families. Memorial information: A service will be held at a later date at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Brattleboro. Donations to St Michael’s Catholic Church in Brattleboro or Interfaith Community Services, 75 E. 4th Street, New York, NY 10003. Arlene’s brother Adi works with Interfaith Community Services, which helps feed homeless folks in New York City. To offer condolences, visit phaneuf.net.
• Louis M. “Lou” Trombley, 72, of West Brattleboro. Died June 23, 2026 at Pine Heights in Brattleboro. He was born at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital May 29, 1954, the son of Francis L. Trombley and Nellie Witalis Trombley. As a young child, Lou lived in Spofford, New Hampshire, but spent the rest of his life in West Brattleboro. In 1973, at the age of 19, he married Sue McCormick of Brattleboro, and they divorced in 1977. Lou attended St. Michael’s parochial school and graduated from Brattleboro Union High School in 1972. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree at Berklee College of Music in Boston. From graduation on, Lou performed as a drummer and vocalist in many notable area bands and recording studios, and also worked for many years as a pharmacy assistant at Hotel Pharmacy in Brattleboro until it closed in 2023. As a professional musician, he played many instruments in a huge variety of genres. He was renowned as a singing drummer of natural and schooled abilities, with an encyclopedic knowledge of music. He leaves behind many recordings with a wide array of talented local musicians who knew his infectious groove would instantly improve their sound. Lou was a lifelong Red Sox fan; an avid reader; and a collector of music, instruments, self-penned limericks, sayings, jokes, and ideas. He possessed a high intelligence, a great sense of humor, and a rapier wit that delighted his friends on many occasions. Lou was a truly empathetic, generous, and strong person. He met his battle with cancer bravely, and he was more concerned about how his friends were dealing with it than he was about himself. To those of us who loved and knew him well he was truly an “Anam Cara” (Gaelic for “soul friend”). He will be remembered fondly and missed greatly. Memorial information: No formal services are currently scheduled. A celebration of life for family and friends is being planned for Sunday, Aug. 16, from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Brattleboro Eagles Club.
Services
• Graveside committal services with military honors for William David “Bill” Manley will be conducted Saturday, July 25, at 8:30 a.m. in Meeting House Hill Cemetery on Orchard Street in Brattleboro. Bill, a lifelong resident of the area, died March 6, 2026, at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital. To view his full obituary and offer condolences to the family, visit atamaniuk.com.
This Milestones item was submitted to The Commons.