James E. Williams

James E. Williams 74, passed away on Wednesday Morning March 22, 2017 at the Elm Wood Center in Claremont, N.H. He was born December 13, 1942 in Rutland, Vermont the son of Edward and Ann (Crahan) Williams. He attended Springfield Schools.

He was active with 4-H while attending school. He later served in the Chester Army Reserves.

He owned and operated Williams Fence Company in Weathersfield, Vermont for 40 + years.

He was an avid bass fisherman, competing in and winning many tournaments over the years, catching several trophy bass. In later years he enjoyed shrimping and ocean fishing while wintering in Florida.

He was an avid camper, fisherman, enjoyed spending winters in Florida, A devoted family man who loved his grandchildren.

He is survived by two sons – Edward Williams of Weathersfield, Richard Williams and his wife Suzanne of Pittsford, daughter Vickie Wyman of Keene, N.H. Soul mate and companion of 32 years Nadine Leet of Springfield, two step-daughters Kathy Leet Kennedy and Michael Martin, and Lisa Young and her husband Larry all of Pembroke, N.H. Two sisters – Barbara Williams Shepard of Derby, Vt. and Mary Williams of Pembroke, MA. 15 grandchildren, 2 nieces, 1 nephew and countless others Jim took in over the years.

Friends may call at the Davis Memorial Chapel on Sunday evening April 2, 2017 from 5:00 to 8:00 P.M. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 11:00 A.M. on Monday April 3, 2017 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Springfield, Reverend Peter Williams pastor will officiate. Burial will be in the Pine Grove Cemetery in North Springfield at a later date.

Contributions may be made in his memory to Vermont 4-H 655 Spear St Burlington, Vermont 05401.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield, Vt.

  (Click on photo to enlarge)

Read More »

Eleanor J. Houghton

Eleanor J. Houghton, 93, a longtime resident of Springfield, passed away Tuesday morning, Jan. 10, 2017, at the Springfield Health and Rehabilitation Center in Springfield.

She was born May 13, 1923, in West Windsor, the daughter of Louis and Myrtle (Clay) Merrill. She received her schooling in West Windsor and Windsor, graduating from Windsor High School in 1942. She married Frank H. Houghton on May 9, 1952 in North Springfield. She and her husband operated the family farm in West Windsor for many years. Mrs. Houghton was an active member of the 4-H Club, winning many awards over the years. She was also a member of the Happy Homemakers Club in Ascutney, the 251 Club and had attended the North Springfield Baptist Church for several years.

Eleanor enjoyed crafts, crocheting and sewing. She was fond of animals, especially her cats, and greatly enjoyed spending time with her family. Her husband passed away in 2009. She was also predeceased one son, David Houghton in December of 2016.

Survivors include one daughter, Judy Spaulding and her husband, Carl, of North Springfield; one daughter-in-law, Nancy Houghton of South Charlestown; six grandchildren, Tracy Benedict, Kevin Spaulding, Todd Houghton, Toby Houghton, Tanya Frady and Lori Altfather; several great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 15, at the Knight Funeral Home in Windsor. A prayer service will begin at 3:30 p.m. with Rev. George Keeler, Pastor of the North Springfield Baptist Church, officiating. Committal services will be held in the spring at the Brownsville Cemetery in West Windsor.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Springfield Humane Society, 401 Skitchewaug Trail, Springfield, VT 05156. Condolences may be expressed to her family in an online guestbook at www.knightfuneralhomes.com.

  (Click on photo to enlarge)

Read More »

Marjorie R. Raymond

Marjorie (Peggy) Russell Raymond, 68, of Addison, Vermont, passed away on January 4, 2016. Peggy was born in Springfield, VT, to David and Marjorie Russell on July 1, 1947. For 47 years, she was married to Lloyd (Skip) Bennett Raymond also of Springfield. They resided in Springfield, MA, New Britain, CT, Southington, CT, Farmington, CT, and 38 years in Munson/Chardon OH. She spent the last 4 years in Addison, VT.

She is survived by her husband, Lloyd, and their daughters Lisa Draye and Tanis Howe; as well as her brother, David Russell Jr.; her sister, Patricia Saylor; brothers-/sisters-in-law, grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

She was a 4-H and Pony Club member, winning Vermont State Equestrian championships and a 4-H leader. She was also a successful entrepreneur, the owner of All Gussied Up bridal salon in Chardon. She found joy throughout her life as an equestrian/instructor/trainer, through her painting and crafts, working outdoors on various projects, logging hundreds of miles trail riding in OH and VT, and observing sunrises while fishing on Lake Champlain. She possessed an exceptional fighting spirit, immeasurable talent, and she was a great partner and friend. She will be remembered with love and she touched so many lives. Per Peggy’s request, there were no calling hours and burial will be private, at the convenience of her family. Peggy’s only wish is that everyone remember the good times.

Read More »