Frances E. Barrows

Brattleboro - Dynamic energy, a flaming vivacious spirit entered into eternal life Sunday, March 14, 2021 after a great run of 97 plus years.

Fran was born in Saxtons River, Vt. on the 20th of May, 1923, the daughter of William F. and Phoebe (Walker) LaClair. She graduated from Montpelier High School in 1941 and Becker College in 1943, where she received a Medical Secretarial Degree and was a member and President of Beta Chi Sigma sorority.

In 1945 she moved to Brattleboro with her family, and prior to her marriage was employed in the office of the late Dr. Leighton Noyes. On April 29, 1950 she married Pliny N. Burrows at Centre Congregational Church in Brattleboro. Fran and Pliny built their home together in 1953, a home which they loved and enjoyed sharing with others.

Her civic interests included being a volunteer at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital for over 50 years, a cause which she truly enjoyed. Fran was a greeter at the front desk for many decades, faithfully there at 7 AM every Monday with her infectious smile. She was a member of the BMH Auxiliary where she was an Honorary Director and worked on their many fundraising committees, honored one year by being named Auxiliarian of the Year. She was an active volunteer with the Red Cross blood drawing program for at least 35 years. She was involved with the Brattleboro Winter Carnival, the Brattleboro Outing Club, the Brattleboro Garden Club and longtime member of Centre Congregational Church. Frances and her husband, Pliny, established Burrows Sport Shop at 97 Main St., where she served at a buyer and part-time worker. Her interests included antiquing, singing, swimming, skiing "in early years!" with family, working in their yard and revered time with her family.

She in predeceased by her dear husband, Pliny, and a brother, Robert W. LaClair of Montpelier. Fran leaves two daughters, Anne B. Gragen (Kevin) of Brattleboro and Lynn B. Sullivan (Jim) of Riverside, IL; four granddaughters, Courtney Rocco (Rob) of Everett, MA, and Margaret, Katherine and Amy Sullivan of Chicago, IL; a grandson, Ryan Miller of Boston, MA; and two great grandchildren, Robert, Jr. and Brianna Rocco.

A faithful and devoted wife and loving mother, she adored her children, grandchildren and family. Fran was an amazing soul, matriarch, tower of example, a strong woman and the dearest Pal!

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Fran's name may be made to: Brattleboro Memorial Hospital, 17 Belmont Ave., Brattleboro, VT 05301; Brattleboro Fire Dept., 103 Elliot St., Brattleboro, VT 05301; or the Memory Care Unit of Langdon Place, 136 Arch St., Keene, NH 03431. A special Thank You to COMPASSUS Hospice and Palliative Care of Bedford, NH.

Our deepest appreciation to the compassionate and special staff at the Memory Care Unit of Langdon Place. You are all Wonderful and we will be forever grateful for your beautiful care of our Pal.

Graveside committal services will be conducted Monday, March 22nd at 11:00am in Meetinghouse Hill Cemetery where she will be laid to rest next to her husband. Friends are invited to call at the Atamaniuk Funeral Home on Sunday from 3 to 5 pm. Due to the Covid pandemic, facial masks and social distancing are required.

Lynn Billington, 75, of E. Dummerston, died Friday, August 16, 2019 

after an 18-month battle with cancer. Lynn was a spiritual person with a knack for giving and enjoyed volunteering to help those in need. 

She was an active member at St. Michael's Episcopal Church, she volunteered at Loaves and Fishes, sang in the Brattleboro Women's Chorus, enjoyed her knitting group and garden club, and loved to spend time with her grandchildren. 

A memorial service will be held at 11 am on Saturday, September 7th at St. Michael's Episcopal Church in Brattleboro, VT. Donations can be made in Lynn's name and mailed to Loaves and Fishes: 193 Main St. Brattleboro VT 05301.

Lynn also had a Life Celebration in the Creamery Covered Bridge Park that is maintained by the Brattleboro Floral Arts & Garden Club.

 Betty Jean "Betts" Wallace, of Brattleboro, died peacefully at the age of 94, surrounded by her family, on September 16 at Pine Heights Nursing Home in Brattleboro Vermont.

Betts Wallace brought fun and joy wherever she went. Her beautiful smile lit up every room she walked into. And she walked into lots of rooms all over the world (including into a pyramid in Egypt) during her long life. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother and great grandmother, and a dedicated community volunteer. She also loved playing the piano, singing, family parties, and a good pun.

With her husband Jack Wallace, Betts traveled around the world twice, going to seven out of eight continents, visiting children & grandchildren in places like Brazil, Australia, and Mexico. But she also loved her life at home in Putney and Brattleboro Vermont where she was an active and well-loved member of the community. 

Betty Jean Higgins was born on January 8, 1924 in Philadelphia PA, the eldest child of Nellie (Vyverberg) and Dick Higgins. A proud graduate of Upper Darby High School, Class of 1941, Betts was a member of the tennis team and the editor of the student paper where she won a state prize for her editorials. In fact she met the love of her life, Jack Wallace, working on the UDHS student paper. A wartime bride, Betts married Jack on November 22, 1941 at Fort Benning in Georgia. They raised five daughters. In 1956, Betts came to Putney Vermont when her husband Jack accepted a position at the Experiment in International Living. Betts and Jack were happily married for 63 years until his death in June 2004. 

A woman of deep faith, Betts was an active member of Putney Federated Church. When she moved to Brattleboro later in life, she made a point to visit as many of Brattleboro's churches as she could, most recently worshiping at First Baptist Church on Main Street. 

Betts truly lived her Christian values, giving generously to others and volunteering many hours for organizations such as the Putney Library, Putney Cares, Meals on Wheels, BMH Auxiliary, Church Women United, Planned Parenthood, Council on Aging, the Brattleboro Floral Arts and Garden Club, and the Putney Fortnightly Club. She volunteered for Red Cross blood drives and loved to play the piano for the residents of Holton Home. She and Jack were also active Habitat for Humanity volunteers both locally and nationally, getting the chance to build a home with former President Jimmy Carter.

Betts is survived by four of her five daughters; Barbara George, Lynn Herzog, Martha Wallace-Jones of Brattleboro VT and Jan Blodgett of Winooski VT; her sons-in-law Bob George, Georges Herzog, and Steve Blodgett; seven grandchildren: Jenny Backus of Washington DC, Anna George de Slomianski of Mexico City, Carey Backus of San Francisco, Sophie Backus of Tavares FL, Louise Herzog of Brookline MA, Helen Jones of Portland OR, Thomas Herzog of Bellows Falls VT, and ten great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her "little brother" Ray (and Arleen) Higgins of Newark DE, and many Higgins nieces and nephews to whom Aunt Betts was a favorite aunt. She was predeceased by her beloved husband John A. (Jack) Wallace, their youngest daughter Meg Wallace who died of childhood leukemia in 1964 and her brother Bob Higgins and son-in-law Alan Jones.

Betts's family would like to thank the dedicated staff of Pine Heights for their wonderful care. A private family memorial service will be held in coming weeks. In lieu of flowers, donations in honor of Betts may be made in her name to Brattleboro Senior Meals, the Brattleboro Music Center, and the John A Wallace Endowed Fund at the School for International Training.

Brattleboro - Donna Marie Burgoyne, 75, a native of Brattleboro died Wednesday night, August 8, 2018 at Pine Heights Nursing Home following a brief illness.

Donna Burgoyne was born in Brattleboro on October 12, 1942 the daughter of Faheem John and Blanche (Burgoyne) Ziter. She was raised and educated in Brattleboro and was a proud graduate of Saint Michael's High School, Class of 1960.

    She had been employed as a switchboard operator at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital for thirteen years retiring in 1992. For a number of years, she resided in Clinton, Massachusetts and had worked at Van Brody Industries and Henri Hair Salon both in Clinton. In her earlier years she worked for Metropolitan Life Insurance Company in their Brattleboro office. 

    Strong and steadfast in her walk of faith Donna was a longtime communicant of Saint Michael Roman Catholic Church.

    Donna was a member of the B.P.O. Elks Emblem Club, Brattleboro Lodge #1499, held membership in the Brattleboro Floral and Garden Club and was a very active volunteer and fund raiser for several Brattleboro organizations that included the Brattleboro Memorial Hospital Auxiliary and Saint Michael's High School Alumni Association, acting as organizer for its annual Celebration and reunion.

    A faithful and devoted wife and loving mother and grandmother, her life centered around her family. She enjoyed family get togethers especially during the holidays. Donna was very proud of her Lebanese heritage.

    Of her leisure time activities, she loved the beach and enjoyed trips to Cape Cod and enjoyed seasonal activities especially apple picking at Cortland Hill (Miller Orchards). Donna loved music, cooking and flowers. She will be remembered for her pleasant and optimistic personality and spirit of friendship.

    On April 28, 1962 at Saint Michael Catholic Church she was married to Thomas J. Burgoyne who survives.

    Besides her husband of 56 years she leaves one daughter, Andrea Bergeron and husband James of Clinton, Massachusetts, one son, Aaron Burgoyne and his wife Gena of Brattleboro, and her three grandchildren, Alexander, Jackson and Aubree. Additionally, she leaves several nieces and nephews and many cousins. She was predeceased by an infant son, John Thomas and a sister, Tanya Beebe.

    The Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday at 10:00 A.M. at Saint Michael Catholic Church with Fr. Justin Baker, pastor, celebrant. Committal Rites and burial will follow in Saint Michael's Parish Cemetery. Friends are invited to call at the Atamaniuk Funeral Home on Tuesday from 4 to 8 P.M.

    Memorial contributions in Donna's name may be made to Saint Michael's School, 47 Walnut Street, Brattleboro, VT 05301 or to St Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 35105, http://St.Jude.org 

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1924 - 2016 BRATTLEBORO- Dorothy Putnam Helyar, 91, a longtime resident of Bonnyvale Road died Thursday night, July 28, 2016 at Pine Heights Nursing Home. Prior to be admitted to Pine Heights she was a resident at Bradley House. Ms. Helyar was born in Brattleboro on October 30, 1924 the daughter of James and Dorothy (Prouty) Helyar. She was raised in Brattleboro attending public schools and was a graduate of Brattleboro High School, Class of 1942. She went on to attend the former Hesser Business College then located in Brattleboro. She had worked most of her career as a secretary for several insurance companies in the Manchester, N.H. and Brattleboro area. Ms. Helyar was a member of First Congregational Church in West Brattleboro, and for several years was a volunteer at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital working in BMH's coffee shop. Of her leisure time activities, she enjoyed travel, gardening, time spent with her sorority friends and her family especially her nieces. Survivors include one brother, Frank Helyar and his wife Frances of North Falmouth, MA and six nieces as well as her extended family at Bradley House. There are no formal funeral services scheduled. Ms. Helyar will be buried next to her parents in Meetinghouse Hill Cemetery on Orchard Street. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name may be made to the Bradley House, 65 Harris Avenue, Brattleboro, VT 05301. - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/brattleboro/obituary.aspx?pid=180884664#sthash.k8Fgnsrm.dpuf

1928 - 2014 BRATTLEBORO Alice Elizabeth Mitchell Chapman, 85, of East Bonnyvale Lane, ended her journey on May 3, 2014, with her children by her side. She was born Aug. 28, 1928, in Plymouth, N.H., the daughter of Lester and Ethel Newton Mitchell.

She was a graduate of the University of New Hampshire at Keene, N.H. with a BEd and MAT from Antioch Graduate School. Her teaching career began in Chesterfield, N.H. and continued in the Brattleboro area for 23 years, in fourth and sixth grades. During her teaching career, she enjoyed creating curriculum and integrating learning and hands-on experiences for her students. She retired in 1990 and continued in the field of education as a supervisor of student teachers for Norwich University and Vermont College from 1991 to 2001.

She was a member of All Souls Unitarian-Universalist Church in Brattleboro, since 1950. Later, she joined the Floral Arts and Garden Club, Vermont Retired Teachers, and AARP. She was formerly married to Philip B. Chapman. They raised their children in Brattleboro. She enjoyed her family and is survived by a son, John M. Chapman and his wife, Debra, of Brattleboro; a daughter, Nancy A. Sprague of Brattleboro; grandchildren, John Chapman of Walla Walla, Wash., Elizabeth Gazo of Colchester, Vt., Tad Pritchard of Flagstaff, Ariz., and five great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by brothers, Harold N. Mitchell and Lester E. Mitchell; four sisters, Ruth Loring, Mildred Shepard, Lilla Sjostrand, and Arlene Horton, and a grandson, Tyler W. Chapman.

She enjoyed life, in particular, her elementary school teaching, and supervising her graduate school students. She traveled to all 50 states as well as abroad, finding all rewarding experiences. She shared the bounty of her gardens with many. She enjoyed reading, researching her genealogy, quilting, knitting and other crafts, sharing the results willingly. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on May 24, 2014, at The West Village Meeting House in West Brattleboro. In lieu of flowers, her wish was that donations be made to Rescue, Inc., 541 Canal St., Brattleboro, VT 05301, Brattleboro Area Hospice, 191 Canal St., Brattleboro, VT, 05301, or Pulmonary Rehab, 17 Belmont Ave., Brattleboro, VT 05301. - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/brattleboro/obituary.aspx?n=alice-chapman&pid=170942957#sthash.SvnIVZfM.dpuf

Dummerston - Ingunn F. Hamill, 82, of East Dummerston died June 28 at her home. 

Born June 17, 1934 in Skjånes, Norway, she was the third daughter of Edgar and Julia Fredriksen. Ingunn (Inky) was born and raised in northern Norway, and came to the United States in 1961, where she met and married John A. Hamill Jr, in Rye, New York. They moved to Vermont where they raised a family and had John III and Kirsten Noel, in 1962 and 1963 respectively. 

Inky worked as a mental health therapist at the Brattleboro Retreat for 43 years and retired in 2013. Inky helped many a patient in her 43 years at the Retreat, while raising 2 kids. 

She was an active person, and enjoyed outdoor activities, including skiing, hiking, boating, and was quite an accomplished bowler, cook, and bridge player. She excelled at anything she did. She will be greatly missed by her friends and family. 

Inky is survived by her husband John Jr, and son John III, and daughter Kirsten Noel Parsons, as well as a brother and 5 sisters in Norway. 

1933 - 2016 Westminister, VT Regena "Reggie" Cote, 82, died Sunday, March 20, 2016. Reggie was born in Chester, VT on September 2, 1933 the daughter of J. Henry and Lois (Earle) Ruston. She was a 1951 graduate of Bellows Falls High School. On February 28, 1960 she married George W. Cote who predeceased her. She is survived by her daughter Wendy Speid and her son Paul "Fiddle" Cote; three grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; her brother Ronnie Rushton & wife Beth; her sister Gail Coburn; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents and her daughter Jane. Per her request, there will be no services. She loved to have fun and laugh and wants you to remember her that way.

Reggie was a dedicated and supportive member of the Brattleboro Floral Arts & Garden club and held the office of President for two separate terms.

Donations to Westminster Cares, or the First Congregational Church, P0 Box 122, Westminster, VT 05158.

Iris Lee Bronson, 87, of South Street died peacefully Wednesday morning, May 13, 2015 at Pine Heights Nursing Home, Brattleboro Vermont.

Mrs. Bronson was born in Halifax, Vermont on July 4, 1927, the daughter of Robert and Minola (Bird) Allen. She was a graduate of Jacksonville High School, Class of 1945 and went on to attend the Henry Bishop III Memorial School of Nursing in Pittsfield, MA where she earned her R.N. degree in 1948. She served in the U.S. Cadet Nurses Corp just prior to 1945.

She had been a resident of Brattleboro for the past 50 years and had worked as a sales associate at the former B. Robinson Store for a number of years. Mrs. Bronson also served as a chaperone for Miss Vermont in 1977-1978 for the Miss America Pageant held in Atlantic City.

Mrs. Bronson was a volunteer for several years in the coffee shop at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital and also served as a volunteer at the Brattleboro Museum.

She enjoyed gardening, reading, Dixieland music, playing bridge and cross country skiing. Additionally she especially enjoyed time shared with her family.

On March 1, 1949 at Saint Patrick's Church in Chicopee Falls, MA she was married to Hugh Bronson who survives.

Besides her husband of 66 years she leaves one son, Keith Bronson of Whitingham, three daughters, Kathy Welch of South Royalton, VT, Marsha Froburg of Haverhill, MA and Kimberly Gauthier of Lynchburg, VA, one sister, Nancy Long of Brattleboro, nine grandchildren, nine great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

In accordance with Mrs. Bronson's final wishes there are no formal funeral services scheduled.

Memorial contributions in Mrs. Bronson's name may be made to Visiting Nurses Association and Hospice of VT & NH, P.O. Box 976, White River Jct., VT 05001-097. - See more at: http://www.atamaniuk.com/mobile/obit.php?id=1509597&name=Iris-Lee-Bronson&loca=Brattleboro-VT#sthash.QgiGl3X3.dpuf 

1921 - 2015 BRATTLEBORO Mary C. A. Wright, 93, of Oak Grove Avenue, died peacefully on Jan. 13, 2015 at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital. She was born in Turners Falls, MA on Nov. 25, 1921, the daughter of Felix and Marie (Sills) Paulin. Mary was a 1940 graduate of Turners Falls High School and received a B.S. degree in accounting from Bryant College in Providence, R.I. in 1950. Mary played on basketball teams in high school, college, and the military. As a young woman, she was a Red Cross-certified water safety instructor and she taught combat survival swimming in the Army. Early in World War II, Mary enlisted in the WAAC, which later became the WAC. She served in the United States for three years, then in Japan for two years after the war ended. Mary also served in the U.S. Air Force for three years during the Korean Conflict, including one year in Iceland. On Oct. 5, 1953, in Millbrook, IL, she married John R. Wright, who survives. After moving to Brattleboro from Chicago in 1970, Mary was employed in the business office of the Windham Southeast Supervisory Union and subsequently at the Vermont National Bank from which she retired in 1984.

She was very active in the local Floral Arts and Garden Club where she held many positions, President, Treasurer, Chairwoman of the Annual Plant Sale for 15 years,.

Auditor, the Women's Evening Club, the Brattleboro Area AARP chapter, Pennywise Home Dem, and the Silver Liners dance group. For many years, Mary was a volunteer worker at Red Cross blood drawings and at the polls on election days. Her other interests included operatic and symphonic music, and travel. In addition to her husband of 61 years, she is survived by two sisters, Celina of Palm Bay, FL and Claire of Georgetown, TX; and one brother, Joseph of Intervale, N.H. In accordance with Mary's wishes, there will be no calling hours or services. Mary was an organ donor. Her remains will be cremated and her ashes scattered over a lake in northern Wisconsin, where Mary and John were directors of a summer camp for boys and girls during the first summer of their marriage. Mary hoped that those who wish to make memorial gifts would do so to the Windham County Humane Society, PO Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To sign an online register book with messages of e-condolence please visit http://www.atamaniuk.com. Arrangements are under the direction of the Atamaniuk Funeral Home. - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/brattleboro/obituary.aspx?n=mary-wright&pid=173846143#sthash.wkY2Ekmx.dpuf

1918-2013 BRATTLEBORO Diana Regina Loiselle, 95, of Western Avenue died peacefully on June 25, 2013 at Pine Heights Nursing Home following a period of declining health.

Mrs. Loiselle was born in Highgate Center, Vermont on April 1, 1918 the daughter of Albert and Leona (Bilodeau) LaRoche. She was raised and educated in Highgate where she attended local schools eventually moving to Brattleboro in 1940.

She was employed for 25 years at American Optical and retired in 1980. Previously, she worked at Bradley Laboratories and during the Second World War was employed by A.G. Spaulding Company on Birge Street.

Fondly known as the "Cake Lady", she created beautifully decorated cakes for generations of families. It was common for her to have made baptismal, birthday, graduation and wedding cakes for the same individual. Her love of flowers shone through in her cake designs for it was often difficult to determine whether the flowers were natural or confection due to the intricate detail of her work.

Mrs. Loiselle was a member of the former Sodality (Confraternity of Christian Mothers) and was a member of the Floral Arts & Garden Club of Brattleboro where she frequently took home the Blue Ribbon Award for Best Floral Arrangement using floral cuttings from her own gardens.

She enjoyed flowers and working in her gardens that surrounded her home. She received many compliments by those passing by and would often share her beautiful flowers with anyone who asked.

A devout Catholic, she was a longtime communicant of Saint Michael Roman Catholic Church. Throughout the years, she touched many lives and will be remembered for her generosity toward others and her kind heart.

On February 22, 1941 at Saint Louis Church in Lowell, MA, she was married to Joseph E.M. Loiselle. Her husband of 45 years predeceased her on June 12, 1986.

She is survived by her sister Doris Paquette of Harrisville, RI; sons Mendoza "Ron" (Kaysone) Loiselle of Hinsdale, NH, David (Lori ) Loiselle of Simi Valley, CA, Joseph (Mary) Loiselle of Bristow, VA; daughters Joanne (Michael) Wojchick of Hinsdale, NH, Donna (Mark) Sousa of Buford, GA, Ruth (Joseph) Pogoda of Chelmsford, MA, and Claudia Loiselle of Swanzey, NH.

Additionally, she leaves 15 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her brother, Roland LaRoche and sisters; Delia Lapan, Noela Branca, Dora Belisle, and Imelda LaRoche.

FUNERAL NOTICE: The Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 10:00 AM at Saint Michael Catholic Church with the Very Rev. Richard O'Donnell, V.F. pastor, celebrant. Committal Rites and burial will follow in Saint Michael's Parish Cemetary.  Friends are invited to call at the Atamaniuk Funeral Home on Friday from 7 to 9 PM.  Memorial contributions in Mrs. Loiselle's name may be made to Saint Michael School, 48 Walnut Street, Brattleboro, VT 05301 att: Elaine Beam, Principal.

1925 - 2013 BRATTLEBORO Mary Gordon Dunham, 87, of Brattleboro, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 5, 2013, in Shelburne, at The Arbors residential care home to which she had moved recently due to a decline in her health and to be close to her immediate Vermont family. Prior to her move to Shelburne, she had lived at Holton Home in Brattleboro for the year following the death in November 2011 of her husband of 63 years, Philip Dunham.

     Mary was born July 21, 1925, in Trenton, N.J., daughter of Clarence Gordon of Trenton and Fannie Prince of Randolph, Vt. Mary's mother died when she was 8 years old. Her father remarried three years later to Edith Sigler and they moved to Montclair, N.J. 

     From when she was one year old, Mary spent her summers at Camp Wilson, a boys' YMCA camp on an island in the Delaware River where her father was director. The focus of her father's program was learning about natural things and making things with them. This instilled in Mary her lifelong love of creating art from natural things. 

     Starting when she was 11 years old, she went to Girl Scout camp and then to Camp Mudjekeewis on Kezar Lake, a feeder to the Saco River in Maine. 

Mary completed high school in Montclair, N.J., graduated from Hood College in Frederick, Md., and did graduate work at Penn State. While working in Virginia Beach after her graduation from Hood College, she met Philip H. Dunham of Brattleboro, who was stationed there as a naval dentist. They were married on Feb 5, 1949, and returned to Brattleboro.

     After starting their family, Mary and Phil began homesteading in what were then the natural woods on New England Drive. When their first house grew too small for their expanding family, they built a larger home further into the woods on Timber Lane. When Mary and Phil needed more room, they moved to a farm on Upper Dummerston Road, which remained their home for the rest of their lives.

     Mary devoted her life to family and community. She and Phil shared their love of the outdoors and sports including skiing, tennis, swimming, boating and camping with their four sons and with the community. Mary was a Girl Scout and Mariner leader for six years and ran a Brownie day camp for three summers. She was a Cub Scout Den Mother for all four boys. She was the Fresh Air Fund Chairman for five years. She was active in the Garden Club and Flower show for over 10 years.

     Mary and Phil were very active in the Brattleboro Outing Club. Together they served as BOC tennis chairmen for 15 years. They ran the BOC cross country program for 10 years and later ran a downhill ski lesson program for Brattleboro school children at Memorial Park. Many Brattleboro youth were supplied with their first pair of skis by Mary and Phil.

     After all of her own children were in school, Mary took courses in Remedial Reading and Learning Disabilities at Keene State and became a Chapter 1 special teacher. For 22 years, she helped Brattleboro area children with special needs learn to read. She loved working with the children and often took them on outings or to the family home. She continued to do private tutoring for six years after retiring from the school system. She helped many area youth get off to a good start through her creative and energetic efforts.

     Mary loved nature, the out-of-doors, flowers, going for a walk in the woods. She expressed this love through her artistic skill, using materials from nature. Many area friends will remember her for beautiful wreathes and decorations she made from green or dried flowers, wood, pine cones, shells and other natural materials. 

     As an active life-long member of All Souls Unitarian Universalist church in West Brattleboro, she was for many years responsible for greens and decorations for the annual Church Fair and cared for the church gardens and plants. For 50 years, she regularly provided floral decorations year round for Sunday services.

     Mary loved doing things with her seven grandchildren. Each of them will keep wonderful memories of adventures with her and Phil, including stays at the family farm, camping trips, and times at Spofford Lake, N.H., and Biddeford Pool, Maine. 

     Mary was predeceased by her husband, Philip H Dunham. She is survived by her four sons and their families, Jeffrey Gordon Dunham and wife Betsy Emmel of Starksboro; Steven Philip Dunham and wife, Cindy Friel of Fairfax; Craig Thomas Dunham of Ithaca, N.Y., and Scott Thayer Dunham and wife Mari Ostendorf of Seattle, Wash. In addition, she is survived by her seven beloved grandchildren, Jesse, John, Anne, Molly, Carol, Ben and Hallie, each of whom she loved dearly.

     In 2011, the Brattleboro Outing Club Educational Foundation (BOCEF) established a special scholarship fund in honor of Mary and Phil Dunham's years of service to the Brattleboro Outing Club. The funds are being used for children in the area to be able to participate in BOC programs and other related activities. 

Brattleboro- Doris Elizabeth, "Dessie" Lane, 88, a lifelong resident of town died peacefully early Wednesday morning, November 28, 2012 at the Holton Home where she had been a resident for the past two and one half years.

     Dessie was born in Brattleboro on September 1, 1924 the daughter of Leslie and Minnie (Hamilton) (Burch) Taylor. She made her home with her grandparents Harry and Mary Hamilton on Western Avenue, attending Academy School. She was a graduate of Brattleboro High School, Class of 1942.

     On September 2, 1944 in Brattleboro she was married to Sgt. Arnold Pierce Lane who at the time was serving in the U.S. Army Air Corp.  After his honorary discharge from active service the couple returned to Brattleboro, her husband working as a building contractor. He predeceased her on August 1, 1994, one month before celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary.

     Dessie had been employed as a banker with the former Burlington Savings Bank, now Bank of America, from the opening of the Brattleboro branch in 1991 until her retirement at age 66.

     Active in community affairs, she was charter president of the Brattleboro Floral Arts Club, longtime secretary and board member of the Brattleboro Outing Club, Past President and Queen's pageant director of the Brattleboro Winter Carnival, and a member of Lake Spofford Family Recreation.  Of her pastimes and interests she enjoyed skiing, landscape painting, aerobics and her bridge club. Dessie enjoyed many activities at Holton Home including singing in the chorus and pottery.

     Survivors include: two daughters, Dana Nelson and husband Edward of Vernon and Brooke Finnell and husband Stephen of Brattleboro; three grandchildren, Rebecca Wenz of Moscow, ID., Eric Nelson of Vernon and Abby Finnell of Normal, IL; and two great grandchildren, Mya Wenz and Wylie Nelson.  Additionally she leaves one sister, Ruth Tripp and husband Richmond of Vernon, sisters-in-law Ruth, Juanita and Thelma Lane, and many nieces and nephews as well as her devoted caregivers and friends at Holton Home.

     A service in celebration of her life will be held in the Blue Room at the Holton Home on Sunday, December 23'rd at 2:00 P.M. There are no calling hours at the funeral home. Burial will take place in Meetinghouse Hill Cemetery on Saturday, June 1st at 11:00 AM with Pastor Joseph Amico officiating.  In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in Dessie's name may be made to Holton Home, 158 Western Avenue, Brattleboro, VT 05301.

Shirley H. Hathaway, 91, formerly of Fuller Drive, died Thursday evening, April 26, 2012 at Pine Heights Nursing Home following a period of declining health.

Shirley was born in Barre, Vermont on June 14, 1920, the daughter of Lawrence Winfred and Edith (Goodrich) Holmes of East Brookfield, Vermont. She attended grade school in East Brookfield and graduated from Spaulding High School in Barre, Class of 1938. She received her B.S. in Education from Lyndon State College and her Master's in Education from Boston College. Shirley also attended Keene State College and the University of Vermont.

She taught elementary grades for 40 years in schools in Barnard, Bridgewater, Williston, Williamstown and Brattleboro. She served as principal of Canal Street School in Brattleboro from 1967 to 1976.

Shirley was a Vermont delegate to the National Education Association conventions in Dallas, Texas and Portland, Oregon. She was a member of the National Association of Elementary School Principals, attended conferences in Atlantic City, New Jersey and Minneapolis, Minnesota. Shirley served as president of Elementary School Principals Association; president of Beta Chapter, Alpha Lamda State, Delta Kappa Gamma where she held membership for 49 years; president of the Teachers Association of Brattleboro; director of Vermont Education Association and served on several State Education Committees. She also served as Chapter AARP president.

She was a life member of the Bingham Chapter #30, Order of the Eastern Star in Brattleboro, was a member of the Women's Evening Club of Brattleboro and the Brattleboro Floral and Garden Club. Additionally she held membership in the Retired Teachers Association and Vermont NEA.

Steadfast in her walk of faith, she was a former member of the United Church of Christ in East Brookfield and a National Associate Member and 17 year member of Centre Congregational Church in Brattleboro.

Shirley, an avid gardener, enjoyed floral arranging and oil painting.  On March 19, 1949, in East Brookfield she was married to Howard Hathaway of Burlington. They moved to Brattleboro in 1953 and Mr. Hathaway predeceased Shirley in 1992.

Survivors include a sister, Cynthia Saldi and her husband Alfred of Barre, one niece, one nephew and several cousins.  She was predeceased by a sister Sylvia Woodard who died in November of 2011.  A memorial service in celebration of her life will be conducted Saturday at 1:00 P.M. at Centre Congregational Church in Brattleboro with Rev. Carra McFadden, pastor officiating. A reception will follow the services to be he held in the church fellowship parlor. Burial will take place in East Brookfield Cemetery.  Memorial contributions:  Centre Church, 193 Main Street, Brattleboro, VT 05301, or to Rescue Inc., P.O. Box 593, Brattleboro, VT 05302.

 Marguerite Elizabeth Douglas, 83, of Morningside Commons, formerly of Sycamore Street and a lifelong resident of town, died Tuesday evening, Jan. 29, 2008, at Eden Park Nursing Home, where she had been a resident since June 2007.  She was born in Brattleboro on March 20, 1924, the daughter of Richard and Alice (Haskell) King, attended Brattleboro schools and was a graduate of Brattleboro High School, Class of 1942.  Mrs. Douglas had been employed as a secretary for the law firm of Fitts & Olson, was secretary for attorney John Carnahan and worked for many years at the former Dunham Shoe Co., serving as executive secretary for John Dunham. She went to work for the Dunham Co. following graduation from high school. Active civically, Mrs. Douglas was a former Brattleboro Town Meeting representative, served on the board of trustees at Rescue Inc., was active for many years with the BHS/BUHS Alumni Association and was a member of the Brattleboro Historical Society and founding member of the Estey Organ Museum.  Mrs. Douglas was a volunteer at the Brooks Memorial Library and volunteered in the coffee shop at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital.  For many years, she knitted winter hats and mittens for the Brattleboro Reformer Christmas Stocking campaign.  She was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church in Brattleboro.  A faithful and devoted wife and loving mother and grandmother, her life was centered around her family.  Of her pastimes and interests, she enjoyed knitting, crocheting, and gardening and was a member of the Floral Arts Club in Brattleboro.  

On May 13, 1945, at First Baptist Church she was married to E. Holland Douglas. Her husband of 52 years predeceased her on Sept. 6, 1997.  Survivors include one son, James Douglas of Reston, Va.; three daughters, Elizabeth Fitts and husband John of Lake Wales, Fla., Carol Farrington and husband Steve of Brattleboro and Jane Douglas of South Newfane; five half-brothers, Richard King, Robert King and William King, all of Canada, Stanley Wyckoff of Palm Bay, Fla., and Ronald Wyckoff of Brattleboro; and a half-sister, Donna Carmichael of Canada.  She also leaves three grandchildren, Sara Fitts of Burlington, Andrew Fitts of New Jersey and Catherine Farrington of Brattleboro and many nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by one sister, Marilyn Farrell.  A memorial service in celebration of her life will be conducted at First Baptist Church on Main Street in Brattleboro at a date and time to be announced by the ATAMANIUK FUNERAL HOME.    Memorial contributions in Mrs. Douglas' name may be made to Rescue Inc. or  the Windham County Humane Society

1929 - 2010 BRATTLEBORO, VT Alice Lillian Cole La Rosa, 80, a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, and a dear friend to many, died peacefully at her home in Brattleboro on April 22, 2010, after a lengthy and tenacious battle with breast cancer.

She was born on June 3, 1929, in a wood frame house in the center of the village of North Troy, Vt., daughter of Hazel Merrill Cole and William O. Cole. After the family left their farm during the Depression, her father worked as a farm manager and logger and they moved to Underhill, St. George, Heartwellville, Jacksonville, and Townshend as work became available. The family settled in Brattleboro after World War II, and she graduated from Brattleboro High School in 1947.

She then worked at Houghton Simons on Main Street and fell in love with the restauranteur who owned Pasquale's Restaurant across the street. She and Charles La Rosa were married on Sept. 2, 1950.

Alice always took care of her family first and foremost but she found time for a number of activities that gave her great pleasure. She gained a reputation for her ability to create beautiful wedding cakes and many people prevailed on her to bake for them. She loved her perennial gardens and her favorite roses, platycodon, indigo, and white and gloriosa daisies. Arranging flowers was a favorite endeavor and she displayed her work in many shows including the Stratton Arts Festival. An avid birder, she had a special fondness for the Carolina wrens that sang in the yard and the hummingbirds that visited her flowers and feeders.

Holiday meals were always large gatherings, and she spared no effort to see that all were well-supplied with turkey done just right and all the fixings. She had memorable times with her family at the beach in Maine and, although she never advanced beyond the beginner slopes, she stoically joined the crew for some cold winter ski days at Carinthia and Haystack.

She was a longtime member of the UVM Brattleboro Home Demonstration group and the Brattleboro Floral Arts and Garden Club. She revived the Esteyville Ladies Aid Society and helped organize neighborhood picnics and events at the bandstand. She was also instrumental for many years in the production of the St. Michael Roman Catholic Church Christmas Bazaar.

She leaves her daughter, Lynne Caulfield, of Dummerston, and her children, Heather, Hannah, Laura, Nathan, and Micah; her son, Charlie, his former wife, Deborah, and their daughters, Nina and Andrea, of South Burlington; her son, Chris, of Boulder, Colo.; her brothers, Clyde Cole, of Hinsdale, N.H., and Clarence Cole and his wife, Donna, also of Hinsdale; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was predeceased by her husband, Charles La Rosa, and two brothers, Charles, who was killed during the Battle of the Bulge in WWII, and Calvin, who was a staff officer for General MacArthur.

FUNERAL NOTICE: A mass in celebration of her life will take place today, Apr. 26, at 1:30 p.m. at St. Michael Roman Catholic Church, 47 Walnut Street, Brattleboro. Rev. Richard O'Donnell, pastor, will be the celebrant. Interment will follow at St. Michael Cemetery. Questions may be directed to the family at 802-254- 2035.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Oncology Department of Brattleboro Memorial Hospital, 17 Belmont Avenue, Brattleboro, VT 05301; Brattleboro Area Hospice, 191 Canal Street, Brattleboro, VT 05301; or The Gathering Place, 30 Terrace Street, Brattleboro, VT 05301.

Thank you Alice for all you did for our club. 

We dedicated our 2010-2011 yearbook to the memory of Alice LaRosa.

A long time member and a loving friend to us all.

Alice Margaret MacMenamin  Dec 12, 1927 - Dec 10, 2006

Daughter of Irish Immigrants: John Joseph MacMenamin and Elizabeth (Lily) Powderly MacMenamin.  

Alice worked at Catholic Relief Services on the 88th floor of the Empire State Building in New York City. In 1995 she moved to Brattleboro, Vermont to be near family, and joined the Brattleboro Garden Club. 

Aunt Alice is survived by her brother John and sister-in-law Carol MacMenamin.  3 nieces and their husbands; Jil & Pete, Cathy & Gene and Claire & Mark, 2 nephews Jeff and John & wife Brenda.  12 great nieces and nephews and 2 great nieces and nephew. Several  God Children, and many many cousins. 

She Rests at  Asbury Methodist Church on Old Post Road & Maple Street, Croton-on-the-Hudson, NY  10520  Bethel Cemetery Plot #51 Section #NewC, Alice is in the middle, between her parents.  Father Mike (Rev. Michael Keene) of Holy Mary Catholic Church in Croton-on-the-Hudson, Young Mark McDermitt’s church, gave Blessing of the Grave Site.

Paul Bearers:  Jeff MacMenamin, Paul McDermitt, Mark McDermitt, assisted by the Atamaniuk  and Cemetery staff.

BRATTLEBORO -- Margaret (Clark) Helyar, 80, of 311 Bonnyvale Road, died Thursday, Jan. 12, 2006 at her home.  She was born on March 8, 1925, in Vergennes, the daughter of Rev. James and Gladys (Phillips) Clark. She attended schools in Northborough, Mass., and Brattleboro, graduating from Brattleboro High School in 1943 and Keene (N.H.) Teachers College in 1948.  Mrs. Helyar taught at the Brattleboro nursery school and in Brattleboro elementary schools for 23 years, retiring in 1983. She was a member of the Vermont and Windham County Retired Teachers Association and AARP.  She was a member of the First Congregational Church for 66 years, serving in numerous leadership positions, including the Board of Deacons. She was also an active contributor to the community as a member of the West Bees Club and a volunteer for RSVP, American Reads, and Meals on Wheels. She also belonged to the 251 Club.  An avid gardener, she was co-president of the Brattleboro Floral Arts and Garden Club and a recipient of numerous awards for miniature flower arrangements.  Mrs. Helyar displayed great love for friends and family. In 1947, she married Richard C. Helyar, who preceded her in death in 1999. Survivors include two daughters, Ann Scerma of Cape Elizabeth, Maine, and Mary Rogers of Brattleboro; two sons, John of Atlanta and James of Brattleboro; a brother, Robert Clark of San Antonio, Texas; a sister, Winifred Clark of Brattleboro, and five grandchildren.  A memorial service will be held at the First Congregational Church on Monday at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Dennis Roth, officiating. Committal services will be held in the West Brattleboro Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Endowment Fund, First Congregational Church, PO Box 2389, Brattleboro, VT 05303.