Norman H. Koch

Norman “Norm” Harold Koch passed away Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018, near Georgetown, Delaware. He was born March 31, 1943, to the late Harold and Rose Huen Koch of Siegel, Wis.

Norm was preceded by his parents; three brothers; and one sister. He is survived by his wife, Rebecca J. Koch; three sons: Norman Adam Koch (Debbie); Matthew R. Koch (Jamie) and Ryan J. Koch (Maria). Also surviving are four grandchildren: Wyatt, Mackenzie, Cody and Leah Koch.

Norman started his telephone career as a lineman with GTE in Wisconsin, and retired with VTel (Vermont Telephone) in Springfield, Vt., a career that spanned 50 years.

Services will be private and burial will be at Providence Church Cemetery in Piney Acres near Georgetown. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Providence Church C/O: Connie Mears, 215440 Paradise Road, Georgetown, DE 19947.

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Pamela J. Anderson

Pamela J. Anderson 64, passed away on Sunday evening September 30, 2018 at the Springfield Hospital in Springfield, Vt. She was born December 13, 1953 in Springfield, Vt. the daughter of Robert D. and Elaine (Campbell) Whitney. She attended Springfield Schools, graduating from Springfield High School.

She was employed with Ames Department Store, Dunkin Donuts, The Subway, and most recently she was employed as Deli Manager with the Scenic State Deli all in Springfield, Vt. She was also involved in Paramedic Training.

Pamela loved nature, loved music, loved spending time with family and friends and was a mother figure to many.

She is survived by her son Dillon W. Blodgett of Springfield, her daughter Kelly Garcia of Belen, New Mexico, 2 grandchildren ; Mason Gigure, and Emily Garcia.

She was predeceased by her parents, and one brother Jerry Whitney.

Davis Memorial Chapel is assisting with arrangements.

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Walter Colteryahn

Walter Colteryahn, age 90, of Essex Junction, Vermont went to be with the Lord peacefully early Friday morning, Sept. 28, 2018, after having suffered a stroke earlier in the week.

Walter Paul Colteryahn was born to Walter H. and Margaret V. Colteryahn in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on Jan. 9, 1928. The youngest of three children, Walt graduated from Massanutten Military Academy, and then attended Bucknell University where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering in 1949. He served in the U.S. Army at Fort Belvoir from 1950 to 1952.

In 1953 Walt was married to Patricia Louis Smith of Lansdale, Pennsylvania. They lived the early years of their marriage in Pittsburgh, where Walt worked at the family-owned Colteryahn Dairy. There were multiple moves in the mid-'60s and '70s, but eventually Walt and Pat settled down in Springfield, Vermont where they spent the next 34 years. Until retirement, Walt worked in various capacities including plant engineer for Idlenot Dairy. More recently, they moved up to Essex Junction to be closer to their son and family.

Walt loved the Lord, and he loved people. He loved his family — near and far. He loved to be social, to make music, and to laugh. Walt and Pat were always deeply involved with their church and sang in the choir. Walt served on many committees throughout the years, including Habitat for Humanity and the Windsor County Court Diversion Board. He was a lay minister and served for a time in the Stephen Ministries. He loved playing the piano and being part of a jazz ensemble, playing old jazz tunes at numerous senior living facilities and nursing homes. He was a loving husband, and father to their two children. His caring, outgoing nature and giving of himself to serve was a witness to others for the love of Jesus Christ.

He is preceded in death by his wife Patricia Colteryahn; sister Jane Davis and her husband John; brother William Colteryahn and his wife Carolyn. He is survived by his daughter Ruth C. Matason and husband Tom; son Philip J. Colteryahn and wife Meike; sister-in-law Alice Smith; brother-in-law Michael Smith and wife Carlyn; and grandchildren, Carolyn, Sarah, and Nathaniel Colteryahn; and many extended family members.

A Memorial Service will be held at Christ Memorial Church, 1033 Essex Road, in Williston, Vermont on Oct. 13, 2018 at 2 p.m. for those who would like to come to share, remember, and celebrate Walt’s life.

Please no flowers, but if desired, donations to honor Walt’s memory can be given to Compassion International or the NETS Center in Williston, Vermont.

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Alberta E. Ugolnik

Alberta E. Ugolnik, 91, passed away on Sunday evening, Sept. 23, 2018 at her home in North Springfield, Vermont surrounded by her family. She was born Jan. 7, 1927 in Proctorsville, Vt., the daughter of Eugene Dunlap and Grace Turgeon.

She was a mother and homemaker, she loved spending time with her grandchildren, she loved baking cookies and pies, and loved animals. She also enjoyed yard sales and collecting elephant items.

She is survived by two sons, Raymond Stillwell of Springfield and Robert Stillwell of Chester; step-son Tony Ugolnik of Hartford, Connecticut; four daughters, Barbara Cram of North Springfield, Vermont, Floreen McNulty of North Springfield, Vermont, Patricia Goodrich of Chester, Vermont, and Brenda Waters of Springfield, Vermont; 12 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; a nephew; and a great-niece.

She was predeceased by two sons, John Stillwell and Eugene Stillwell, and Baby Stillwell, one brother Ed, and one sister Lena Aldrich, and by her ex-husband Anthony Ugolnik.

Friends may call at the Davis Memorial Chapel on Saturday evening Sept. 29 from 6-8 p.m.

A burial service will be held at a later date in the Hillcrest Cemetery in Proctorsville, Vermont.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Davis Memorial Chapel.

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Heather R. Seale

Heather Rae Seale “Heidi,” 84, a longtime Graniteville resident, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 21, 2018 at the Helen Porter Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Middlebury, Vt.

Born on Aug. 28, 1934, in Springfield, Vt., she was the daughter of Ralph and Idella (Hewitt) Seale and later stepdaughter of Claudia Nemkovich Seale. She attended the local elementary school and graduated from Springfield High as part of the class of 1952. Following her graduation, Heidi moved to Rhode Island where she attended Barrington College and earned her bachelor’s degree.

Heidi began her career working for the State of Rhode Island where she worked as a social worker for 11 years. She then spent two years working as a missionary for the Grace and Hope Missions before moving back to her native Vermont where she worked as a Foster Home Licensor for the State of Vermont for 20 years until her retirement.

Upon her return to Vermont, Heidi joined and was very active in the Websterville Baptist Church. She enjoyed travelling and often visited her former co-workers in the Grace and Hope Missions as well as other friends and family.

Survivors include her two sisters, Carol Jasinski and her husband, Michael of Springfield, Vt. and Carla Babineau and her husband, Guy of Colchester, Vt. Although Heidi never married, she was the proud aunt of seven nieces and nephews Amy Babineau of Colchester, Vt. and Ben Babineau (Jessica) of Portsmouth, Ohio, Jamie Jasinski (Michelle) of Ascutney, Brian Jasinski (Amanda) of Windsor and John, Michael (Daryl) and MaryAnn Jasinski of Springfield. She also leaves 12 great-nieces and nephews who were her pride and joy.

A service to honor and celebrate Heidi’s life will be held on Saturday, Oct. 6 at 10:00 a.m. in the Websterville Baptist Church in Websterville, Vt. Later inurnment will be made in the Oakland Cemetery in Springfield on Saturday, Oct. 13, 2018, at 11 a.m.

Memorial contributions in Heidi’s name may be made to the Grace and Hope Mission, 4 South Gay Street, Baltimore, MD 21202.

The Hooker and Whitcomb Funeral Home, 7 Academy Street, Barre is assisting the family with the arrangements. For a memorial guestbook visit www.hookerwhitcomb.com.

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Blossom A. Lovell

Blossom A. Lovell, 71, passed away and joined her daughter in heaven on Thursday, Sept. 20, 2018 at the Jack Byrne Center for Palliative and Hospice Care, Lebanon, following an illness.

She was born in Hunter, New York on Nov. 30, 1946, daughter of Theodore and Lydia (Bixby) Speenburgh. She graduated from Hunter Tannersville High School in Tannersville, New York, and had lived many years in Bellows Falls, Vermont before coming to Springfield.

Blossom was employed for 16 years at Whelen Engineering Company in Charlestown. She was an avid NASCAR enthusiast and enjoyed quilting.

Survivors include her husband of 31 years, William Lovell, Jr. of Springfield, Vermont; a daughter, Trina Dearborn (Tory Royce) of Charlestown; grandchildren Jessica, Samantha, Marcus, Nathaniel, Dana and Armand, and five great-grandchildren; two brothers George Speenburgh and Harry Speenburgh, both of Florida. She was predeceased by a daughter, Denice Sparks; by two brothers, Oliver and Albert, and by her sister, Augusta.

Friends may call at the Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield, Vermont on Friday, Sept. 28, 2018 from 6 to 8 p.m.

A memorial service will be Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018 at 10 a.m. in St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 33 Fairground Road, Springfield, Vermont. A celebration of life will follow at the Moose Lodge at 39 South Street in Springfield.

Memorial donations may be made to the Jack Byrne Center for Palliative and Hospice Care, 1 Medical Center Drive, Lebanon, NH 03756.

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Corinne E. Sprague

Corinne E. Sprague, 88, of Springfield Health & Rehab, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, Sept. 20, 2018 following a period of declining health.

Corinne was born in Springfield, Vermont on March 5, 1930, daughter of Gerald and Evelyn (Newcomb) Estey. Her mother passed away a few days after giving birth, so Corinne was raised by Inez Griswold, her great-aunt. She graduated from Springfield High School, and later Keene State Teacher’s College and completed her nursing training at Mary Hitchcock Hospital. She worked as a registered nurse, first as a school nurse, and then at Springfield Hospital, Springfield Convalescent Center, the Visiting Nurse Association and also did private duty nursing. She was an active member of the Springfield Assembly of God Church where she headed up the prayer chain for many years, and also taught Sunday School. Corinne enjoyed Bible study, gospel music, baking, gardening, sewing and reading. She was a “mother” to many people, and always lent a listening ear, showing how much she really cared. Her prayer list was ever-growing, and she was always faithful to keep these people in her prayers.

In 1952 she married Howard Sprague, Jr. He died in 1982. In addition to her parents, she was also predeceased by her son, Alan Sprague in 2015, by her brother Robert Estey and her step-mother Ruth Estey.

She is survived by her daughter Brenda Kelly (Roger) of Springfield, Vermont daughter-in-law Cheryl Sprague of Norwich, Vermont; two grandsons Richard Sprague (Kristina) and Ron Sprague (Jessica); four great-grandchildren; her other “children” Rod and Cheryle Lambert; and several nieces and cousins.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018 at 1 p.m. at the Springfield Assembly of God Church, 269 River Street, Springfield, Vermont. Burial will follow in Oakland Cemetery. A visiting hour will be from noon – 1 p.m. at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to Springfield Assembly of God, 269 River Street, Springfield, VT 05156, the Springfield Humane Society, 401 Skitchewaug Trail, Springfield, VT 05156, or to the charity of your choice.

Davis Memorial Chapel is assisting with the arrangements.

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Michael A. Laskevich

Springfield High School Cosmos Class of 1981 #37 has retired! Michael Anthony Laskevich “Lasky” became a member of God's team on Friday September 14, 2018. Born on September 4, 1963 in Springfield, VT, as the youngest of 5 children of John D. Laskevich and Beverly Chandler Laskevich. His life was filled with challenges, goals, love, and friendships. As he was always determined to take on the world, his fight with Cancer was no different.

Michael's high school years were filled with many athletic accomplishments including track & field, baseball, and football in which he received the honor of being named to the All American Team in his Senior year 1981.

He went on to graduate from WPI in 1986 with a Degree in Mechanical Engineering which lead to a career highlight of being a member of Boeing's original design team for the Boeing 777 as well as design work for the USAF F-16. While at WPI he was a member of the Fraternal Brotherhood of Sigma Phi Epsilon. While living in Arizona fate intervened and his search for love brought him to Cindy who lived across the country from him. It didn't take long for them to realize they were meant to become a family.

After moving to Vermont, he and Cindy purchase a house in Rutland and Michael spent endless days and nights renovating what would become a home for them and their children. They were married in 2009 fulfilling one of his many dreams. The only thing missing in his life was to be a Father and that dream came true for Cindy and him in 2010 when he was blessed with his “miracle baby” and “mini me” as he so lovingly referred to Mikey. Michael was the true definition of a devoted loving Father and his greatest joy was being a Dad to his little man.

Michael's reason for living was to pass on his knowledge of academics and athletics to Mickey – especially math, baseball, and football. And as we all know Mikey has developed a true love of the game of baseball even as a toddler and with his Dad's guidance and his Mother's determination allowing him to grow and enjoy those skills that he has learned and inherited from his Dad, he makes them very proud. Pride is an understatement for sure as there must be a better descriptive word. Even though Michael and Cindy's life together was short, they enjoyed life as a family and shared their love with their extended families by traveling to share life's special moments. Those memories will never be forgotten.

Michael had a bucket list and on that list was to take Mikey to Fenway Park for a Red Sox game. Recently, they were able to make that trip and were treated to the experience of a lifetime including Mikey running the bases. The happiness in Michael's face was beyond description. And his beloved Red Sox played a game for the books. It doesn't get any better than that.

Michael had such a loving spirit and overall gentleness that endeared him to so many, resulting in lifelong friendships from his early childhood years through his college years and well beyond. Those friendships have endured the test of time and were reflected in the recent “Celebration of Life” held in his honor this past August. Michael's journey was enhanced so much by the caring actions and support of his dear friend Keith Abbott as well as his many other friends and neighbors too numerous to mention. The love shown by each and everyone will always be cherished.

He is survived by his wife Cindy MacDonald Laskevich and son Mikey of Rutland, VT, his mother Beverly Chandler Laskevich of Daytona Beach, FL, Brothers John of Chittenden, Stevan (Shari) of Ludlow, Jeffrey (Sharon) of Springfield, Sister Jayne Moye (Tom) of White River Jct., and “Big Sister” Suzanne Murray (Louie) of Barre. His God-son Eric Lynds of Daytona Beach, Fl. His step-children Megan Martiros, Merissa Martiros, Nicholas Martiros, and Mikaela Martiros. Aunts Perk Childs, Marlene Tarbell (Frank) and Linda Ross all of Springfield, Mary Jane Wills (Robert) of Daytona Beach, FL., and Aunts Stella Bednarczyk of Syracuse, NY, Victoria Jamison of Mesa, AZ, his Uncle Harold (John) Chandler of Mabelton, GA and several cousins, nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his father John D. Laskevich, his paternal Grandparents Mary and Dominic Laskevich, his maternal grandparents Pearl Shepard and Harold “Chan” Chandler.

Michael would want you all to know, though he has moved on to a more beautiful place, his work is not done. He will forever be that “guardian angel” and “coach” on the sidelines for his name sake and his “mini-me”!

A graveside service will be held at the Laskevich Family lot at St. Mary's Cemetery in Springfield at 1:00PM on Friday September 21, 2018. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be sent to the Michael Paul Joseph's Education Trust at the Vermont Employees Credit Union, 72 Seward RD, Rutland, VT 05701

Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield, Vermont is assisting with arrangements.

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Susan M. Fleming

Susan Marie (Gleason) Fleming, 71, of North Springfield passed away at the Community Hospice House in Merrimack, New Hampshire surrounded by her loving family, after an illness.

Sue was born Feb. 5, 1947, in Middlebury, Vermont, the daughter of Frederic and Beatrice (Martel) Gleason. She attended Springfield, Vermont schools graduating in 1965. She married Leslie E. Fleming, Nov. 28, 1965.

Sue is survived by her loving daughters Carol Fleming-Gates and her husband Rick of Bedford, New Hampshire and Leslie A. Fleming-Stearns and her husband Clarence of Burlington; her precious grandchildren, Ryan Gates, Brittany and Alex Duchemin and Emma Stearns; her sister, Ruth Sargent (Tony), David Gleason (Korrena), Rodney Gleason of Springfield; her sister, Linda Alexander (Clyde) of Louisville, Kentucky; her brother-in-law Lawrence Roundy of Orlando, Florida; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was predeceased by her parents, her husband of 49 years, and brother Frederic V. Gleason.

A private graveside service will be held at the Pine Grove Cemetery, North Springfield. There will be a celebration of life service at the Fletcher House, 472 Main Street, Chester at 1 p.m. Oct. 13, 2018.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Sue’s memory to the Community Hospice House, 210 Naticook Rd, Merrimack, NH 03054.

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Virginia H. Freeman

Virginia H. Freeman, 94, passed away peacefully at her home in Chester, Vermont on Monday, Sept. 10, 2018 after a period of failing health. She was born on Feb. 14, 1924 in Springfield, Vermont to Margaret (Skinner) Hunsdon and John H. Hunsdon of Chester. Ginny attended Chester schools and graduated from Chester High School in the class of 1944.

Ginny married Lewis H. Freeman on Sept. 26, 1942 and they were married almost 50 years when Lew died on Aug. 15, 1992. Ginny and Lew lived and raised their family in Springfield. As soon as all her children were in school, Ginny started to work as a cook in the Springfield schools. This career spanned 20 years; first at Union Street school and then at Park Street school.

In 1974, Ginny and Lew built a new home in Chester in the country near her childhood home where they spent many wonderful times: watching wildlife and birds along with entertaining grandchildren. Ginny, an avid bird watcher, was very knowledgeable about identifying different species of birds. She loved her Herrick Cove outings and other birding expeditions each year.

Ginny’s goal was to lead a good life and to help others along the way. She accomplished this many times over and was always there when someone needed a hand. Her family was her greatest joy — children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. “Gramee” loved to work alongside her grandsons or go sliding down hills at her home and then pass out hot cocoa and graham crackers. She loved to pick berries and she was the fastest picker ever! She was an assistant Girl Scout leader for both her daughters and thoroughly enjoyed the overnight camp outs with the leader, Laura Patterson. In her later years, she looked forward to going on her Red Hat Society adventures and out to eat.

In spite of being from a small town in Vermont, Ginny was a world traveler. Along with either her friend Mary Cabell or her younger sister Faith, she went on many trips: Australia, New Zealand, Trinidad, Tobago, Bermuda, an Alaskan cruise, Hawaii and Florida. When their son Doug got married in California in 1964, Ginny and Lew drove out to attend it with their daughters, visiting relatives along the way.

Ginny was very active and faithful to her churches throughout her life, even when she was in her 90s. In Springfield she was a member of the First Congregational Church and enjoyed her ladies' group within the church. In Chester her church was the First Universalist Parish. She sang in the choir, was a greeter at the door on Sunday morning for many years, and loved being an integral member of the A.U.U. Women’s group.

She was a proud, hard-working member of the Chester Alumni Association and also rode in the parade several times. She had a lifelong love of music: playing the piano and her organ, singing in the choir, and listening to music at home, at concerts, and at church.

Ginny’s family would like to thank all the loyal, compassionate caregivers from the L&M Family Caregivers for the wonderful attention they gave our mom. They helped keep her in her home and supplied attention, tenderness and laughter.

She was predeceased by her parents, her husband, her brother Hewet S. Hunsdon, her sister Faith L. Dorothy and her grandson Kurt E. Dechen. She is survived by: her brother Stanley B. Hunsdon (Nancy); her children, Douglas H. Freeman (Reyanne), Dale F. Dechen (Richard), and Candace F. Manson. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Kristie Gray (Jim), Kerie Kalm (Jim), Kimberly Abley (Paul), Justin Dechen (Jennifer), and Rebecca Allen (Shilo); and her five great-grandchildren: Kailie, Nick, Avery, Arden and Alexa.

A Memorial service for Ginny will be held Sunday, Oct. 14, 2018 at 2 p.m. at the First Universalist Parish (in the Stone Village) on Route 103 in Chester, Vermont. In lieu of flowers, please consider giving a donation in her name to either the Chester Alumni Association (send to CHS/GMUH, P.O. Box 882, Chester, VT 05143) or Ascutney Mountain Audubon Society (send to Ascutney Mountain Audubon Society, P.O. Box 191, Springfield, VT 05156 — this group sponsors the Herrick’s Cove event).

Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield is assisting with arrangements.

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Joyce E. Porter

Joyce Eleanor Porter, 85, of Epsom, NH, formerly of Springfield, VT, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018. Born March 5, 1933, in Burlington, VT, she was the daughter of the late Wayne C. Mable and Helen S. Mable.

She is survived by her husband of 69 years, Robert A. Porter Sr.; three sons Robert Porter Jr. and wife Barbara, of Epsom, NH, Gary Porter, of Aurora, CO, and Kim Porter, of Ludlow, VT. Joyce also leaves behind nine grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; a brother, Duane Mable, and sister, Jeannette Pecor. She was predeceased by four brothers.

A celebration of life will be held in the spring.

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Gerald B. Brady Sr.

Gerald B. Brady Sr., 83, of Brady Street, North Walpole, NH, died Monday, Sept. 3, 2018 at the Cheshire Medical Center. He was born Dec. 3, 1934, the son of Roy and Josephine (Johnson) Brady in Springfield, Vt. Gerald is a graduate of the Springfield High School and a former member of the Army Reserves in Chester, Vt. Gerald worked at the Fellows Gear Shaper in Springfield, Vt. and for the Town of Walpole, N.H. He is a member of the St. Peters Church in North Walpole, N.H. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, and spending time with his family, especially attending his grandchildren’s events.

Gerald is survived by his wife Elizabeth Leahy Brady who he married April 11, 1959 in the St. Peters Church in North Walpole, N.H.; three sons Gerry, Timmy and his partner Denise Gale, and Tommy and his wife Heather; daughter Ann Corey and husband Steve; son-in-law Mike Snide; brother Ronald Brady; and sister Joyce Whitehurst; 12 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Gerald was predeceased by his daughter Elizabeth Betty Snide, Sept. 2, 2017.

Calling hours will be held Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2018 from 6 – 8 p.m. at the Fenton and Hennessey Funeral Home Bellows Falls, Vt. A funeral mass will be celebrated Thursday, Sept. 6, 2018 at 10 a.m. in the St. Peters Church in North Walpole, N.H., followed by a committal service in the St. Charles Cemetery in Westminster, Vt.

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