Harold Aither

Harold Aither, 73, passed away unexpectedly at his home in Ludlow on Aug. 29, 2018. He was born March 25, 1945 in Brattleboro, Vermont, the son of Gordon and Florence (Brown) Aither. He attended school in Brattleboro, graduating from Brattleboro High School.

He served in the United States Navy.

Most recently he was employed for several years as a warehouse manager with Comcast, working in Claremont. Previously he was employed with Precision Valley Communications in Springfield.

He lived most of his life in the Brattleboro area, moving to Ludlow recently.

He is survived by one son Timothy Aither of Ripon, Wisconsin, one daughter Jessica Aither of Boston, Massachusetts; two brothers, Richard Aither of Walpole and Robert Aither of Newfane, Vermont; two grandchildren Claire and Sophie Aither, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by his parents, one son, Jeffrey Aither, one brother, Gordon "Sonny" Aither, and two sisters, Rebecca Lambert and Marion Hallway.

A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2018 at the Oakwood Cemetery in Townshend, Vermont. Reverend Sami Jones McRae will officiate.

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

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Neil R. Fairbanks

Neil Rollo Fairbanks, 92, died Dec. 22, 2017 at Rutland Regional Medical Center.

He was born Aug. 22, 1925, in Bridgewater, the son of Rollo C. and Angie L. (Archer) Fairbanks.

He was a World War II Navy veteran and member of the American Legion.

Mr. Fairbanks retired after 32 years’ employment with Jones & Lamson Machine Tool Co. in Springfield.

He served as sexton for Gethsemane Episcopal Church in Proctorsville and also volunteered at the local senior center, delivering commodities and driving seniors to appointments.

He enjoyed making furniture and especially birdhouses in his woodworking shop.

Survivors include his wife, Barbara Fairbanks, of Wallingford; four children Colleen Kurylo, of Millerstown, Pennsylvania, Francis Fairbanks, of Mount Holly, Linda Dunworth, of Proctorsville, and Paul Fairbanks, of Ludlow; four grandsons, two granddaughters and five great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Fairbanks was predeceased by his first wife, Elizabeth Preedham, in 1987; and seven siblings Minnie Worth, Ada Ranney, Myrtle Glidden, Orlo, Roger, Clyde and Della Fairbanks.

The funeral service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 29, at All Saints’ Mission Church in Rutland. A calling hour will begin at 10 a.m. at Aldous Funeral Home in Rutland, prior to the service.

Burial will be at a later date in Pleasant View Cemetery in Ludlow.

Memorial contributions may be made to All Saints Anglican Church, 42 Woodstock Ave., Rutland, VT 05701; or Gethsemane Episcopal Church, 89 Depot St., Proctorsville, VT 05153.

Arrangements are by Cabot Funeral Home in Woodstock.

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Madelyn Sears

Madelyn Sears, 77, of Ludlow, died Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2017, of cancer.

She was born Aug. 12, 1940, in Bellows Falls, the daughter of Herbert L. and Mary A. (Bousquet) Aldridge.

She graduated from Springfield High School in 1958 and from Sheldon Academy of Beauty in Burlington.

On June 22, 1979, she married William Sears in Ludlow.

Mrs. Sears was a seamstress and enjoyed knitting and quilting, as well.

Survivors include her husband, of Ludlow; three daughters Michele Pool, of Burlington, Charlene Durgin, of Middlebury, and Alicia Pool, of Fayetteville, Arkansas; a stepson, William Stone, of Massachusetts; two sisters Barbara Wiggins, of Sunapee, New Hampshire, and Elaine Snow, of Ludlow; four granddaughters and a great-granddaughter.

The graveside service will be held at a later date in St. Mary's Cemetery.

Arrangements are by Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield.

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Donald R. Laundry

Donald Richard Laundry, 97, passed away peacefully Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2017, in his home in Ludlow surrounded by loved ones. A Springfield, Vermont native, he graduated from Springfield High, where he was a devoted athlete in baseball, basketball and football. He would be happy to tell you his stories about his glory days.

Soon after getting his diploma he worked for J&L Tool Company as a tool manager until World War II began. After serving his time fighting for our freedom, he returned to his native Vermont where he married Violet, his longtime love for 75 years and raised 4 children. From there he was involved with coaching, umpiring, and refereeing locally and throughout the state. The stories he could tell. He was an avid sportsman. Golfing, hunting, and fishing and was a main contributor in the Ludlow community and his priorities in his life were his Catholic faith, love of family and service to others. He was also a member of the VFW and the American Legion. He had a quick smile and charisma that would light up a room.

A man who was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need, providing vegetables, wisdom, and advice to those who sought it. He gave love where it was needed and a good story for those who chose to listen. He is survived by his two sons, Michael and Gary and his daughter, Carol; 13 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Family and friends are invited to calling hours from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 20, at Adams Funeral Home, 12 Meadow St., in Ludlow, Vermont. The Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 21, at the Church of Annunciation in Ludlow. Graveside committal services and interment will follow at the Pleasant View Cemetery in Ludlow. A gathering at the American Legion to follow to honor his legacy, reminisce good memories and to support his loved ones.

Rest in peace, Donald Laundry, may God bless you and your journey above to a better place.

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Carol J. Kangas

Carol J. Kangas, 72, of Ludlow, passed away peacefully July 9, 2017, at her home with her beloved “Ron” Yarish, with whom she lived and enjoyed the loving home they built together more than 25 years ago.

Carol was loved by all that knew her; her natural beauty and elegant style, positive, caring and gentle, and kind spirit was lifting to all. Her energy was endless and infections.

Carol and her beloved Ron enjoyed their home and created a lovely sanctuary of flowers, lush lawns and peaceful perfection for themselves and the birds.

Carol enjoyed gardening, antiquing, reading Danielle Steel novels, walking, biking and days at the beach. She was soft, warm, positive, caring and a True Angel.

In Carol’s final months, she chose solitude at her home with Sweet Ron and Deanna, but was truly grateful to her family, friends and neighbor’s for all of prayers, calls, cards, letters, pictures and flowers and all of the kindness and love, she felt it all.

Carol was born Jan. 12, 194,5 and a 1964 graduate of Springfield High School and attended college in Cambridge, Massachusetts

Carol worked at Parks and Wilson in Springfield for 35 years as an executive secretary and after its closing, Carol went to work with Jane Bixby at Trails End Accommodations in Ludlow, where she was adored by all of her clients for her detailed professionalism and her kind and caring way.

She is survived by her beloved Ron Yarish and his three children, Heidi Yarish-Coburn of Campton, New Hampshire, Paige (Heather) Wolfe of Portsmouth, New Hampshire and Collier Yarish, of Sebastian, Florida and three grandchildren.

Siblings Dolores Eastman and William Eastman, both of Springfield, Linda Rutter of Lima, Ohio and Richard Eastman of Springfield and adoring spouses and nieces and nephews.

And her niece Deanna Carroll, who will forever miss her. And Deanna’s husband Chris and son T.J. of Rockingham.

She was predeceased by her parents, Norman and Norma Eastman of Springfield; and a long ago love, Robert “Bobby” Armstrong.

And Ron and Deanna want to give special thanks to VNA- Hospice and the entire staff of doctor, nurses and caregivers for walking us through the in-home care and support with all of Carol’s needs. With special thanks to Beth.

The date and time for a memorial celebration will be published in this paper.

Arrangements are pending with Adams Funeral Home of Chester, Vermont.

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Julie K. Gibbs

Julie Kay Gibbs, 55, died unexpectedly at her home in Springfield, Vermont on Friday, March 3, 2017.

Julie was born on May 4, 1961 in Springfield, Vermont, the daughter of Leonard Almon and Carmen May (Johnson) Stillings.

Julie grew up in Ludlow, Vermont, later living in Andover, Ascutney, and Springfield. She graduated from Green Mountain High School in Chester, Vermont. After graduating, she began working at the Gill Home in Ludlow before beginning her 30-plus-year career at Mack Molding, Inc. in Cavendish, Vermont. Julie also worked part-time at Okemo Mountain Resort for a number of years.

In addition to being a dedicated worker, Julie enjoyed running, snowboarding, boating, riding her motorcycle, puzzles, traveling to Florida to visit her father, spending time with family, and spoiling her grandson Elias.

Julie is survived by her two sons Jonathon Gibbs and girlfriend Vanessa Chaffee, Jay Gibbs and wife Jemma and their son Elias all of Charlestown, New Hampshire, her father Leonard Stillings of Plymouth, Vermont, her brother Sam Stillings and wife Jane of Hopewell Township, Pennsylvania, her two sisters Melissa Moore and husband Tony of Plymouth, Vermont, Lenora Wilkins and her husband Scott of South Londonderry, Vermont, her best friend Tony Parker of Springfield, Vermont and three nieces and four nephews. She is predeceased by her mother Carmen Stillings.

The graveside service to celebrate her life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 6, in Plymouth Notch Cemetery, officiated by the Rev. Margo Marrone and followed by a gathering at the home of Tony and Melissa Moore, 4342 Route 100, Plymoth, Vermont.

Those wishing may make memorial donations to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, 2000 Commonwealth Ave. Suite 205, Newton, Massachusetts 02466 or by visiting www.komen.org Arrangements are under the direction of the Cabot Funeral Home in Woodstock, Vermont. An online guest book can be found at cabotfh.com

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John H. Putnam

John H. Putnam, 79, a longtime resident of Perkinsville, passed away Sunday afternoon, Oct. 30, 2016, at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon. He was born March 24, 1937, in Springfield, Vermont, the son of Howard and Margaret (Hinckley) Putnam. He received his schooling in Shrewsbury and Ludlow, Vermont, graduating from Ludlow High School in 1955. He married Barbara Leahy in Point Pleasant, New Jersey on Dec. 8, 1962. John was employed as a machinist at a local machine tool company for many years until his retirement.

He was fond of bluegrass music and played various string instruments. He also enjoyed riding motorcycles, gardening and farm animals. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.

He was predeceased by his parents; and one brother, Eugene Putnam. Survivors include his wife, Barbara Putnam of Perkinsville; two sons, Mark D. Putnam and his wife, Debbie, of Springfield, Vermont and Christopher J. Putnam and his wife, Terri, of South Yarmouth, Massachusetts, three grandchildren, David Putnam of Woodstock, Vermont, Nicholas Putnam of Springfield, Vermont and Jennifer Balser of North Springfield, Vermont, nine great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

At Mr. Putnam’s request, there will be no formal services. The Knight Funeral Home in Windsor is entrusted with the arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to his family in an online guestbook at www.knightfuneralhomes.com.

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Theresa A. Pierce

Theresa A. Pierce, 88, of Springfield, died Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2016.

She was born Jan. 2, 1928, the daughter of Pasquale and Agnes (Valente) Palluotto. Raised in Rutland, she graduated in 1945 from Mount St. Joseph Academy, then attended the American Seminary of the Bible in Brooklyn, New York. She returned home to take care of her mother who was ill.

On April 2, 1955, she married Paul Pierce and moved to Ludlow. Together, they owned Pierce’s Gulf Station and then worked at Manchester Spinning. She was the chef at the Cafe on the Farm in Grahamsville until her retirement in 1989. After her husband died in 1990, she volunteered at Ludlow Elementary School and then ran Pierce’s Book Emporium.

Mrs. Pierce was a member of South Reading Old Stone Church where she participated in Bible study and the choir. While at the Whitcomb Building in Springfield, she was active writing for the tenants’ newsletter, leading a Bone Builders exercise class, serving as secretary of the tenants’ association and party planning. She also joined the Senior Center and was featured with the Senior Songsters.

She was known for her homemade pizza, her flower gardens and being a Boston Red Sox fan. She also enjoyed traveling, games, reading and music.

Survivors include her daughter, Dee Sheldon, several cousins, nieces and nephews.

The celebration of her life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 10, at the Davis Memorial Chapel, 99 Summer St., followed by a reception in the Community Room of the Whitcomb Building, 1 Mineral St., both in Springfield.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Senior Songsters, in care of Springfield Senior Center, Main Street, Springfield, VT 05156.

 

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Kenneth A. Colburn Jr.

Kenneth A. Colburn Jr., 79, passed away Tuesday, July 12, 2016. He was born in September of 1936 in Ludlow, Vermont, son of Kenneth A. Colburn Sr. and Elizabeth Effie Lawrence of Ludlow.

He was predeceased by his sister, Gracie, 5, and Dorothy, and has one living sister, Constance Moore. His family includes his wife of 60 years, five sons and two daughters, Christy, Kenneth III, Kevin, Colleen, Kory (deceased), Kerry and Kelly Colburn, several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He retired from the Navy and Army after 20 years. He worked at the Ludlow Post Office, Bryants, Jones & Lamson, and retired from the state of Vermont Department of Transportation.

He was an avid softball player, hunter, fisherman and camper.

Kenneth was cremated to be interred at a later date.

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Alberta Mellen, 85

Alberta “Jo” Mellen, 85, formerly of Ludlow, passed away Saturday, April 30, 2016, at Cedar Hill Health Care Center in Windsor.

She was born June 6, 1930, in Cavendish, the daughter of Frank and Ethel (Johnson) Blanchard, and she received her schooling in Proctorsville.

She was employed at the former Fellows Gear Shaper for many years and later at the Green Stamp Store, both in Springfield, and most recently, worked in shipping and receiving at the Woodstock Inn for 13 years until her retirement.

She was known for her cooking and baking, and she enjoyed bingo, having yard and food sales and traveling to Cape Cod.

Survivors include two daughters, Anika Gonzalez of Grantham, N.H., and Terri Putnam of South Yarmouth, Mass.; a grandson; three sisters, Geneva Lampert of Spring, Texas, Elsie Wilder of Ludlow and Lucille Curtis of Springfield; many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by six brothers, six sisters, three half-brothers and two half-sisters.

The graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 14, in Hillcrest Cemetery in Cavendish, with the Rev. William Shelden officiating, followed by a reception at the home of her sister, Elsie, in Ludlow. Arrangements are under the direction of the Knight Funeral Home in Windsor. For online condolences, visit www.knightfuneralhomes.com.

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Richard F. Guica, 64

Richard F. Guica, 64, passed away Wednesday, March 16, 2016, at his home in Ludlow. Born October 15, 1951, in Springfield, Vt., he was one of eight children born to the late Frank and June (Stocker) Guica. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by a sister, Linda Guica.

Affectionately known as Dicky, he lived the majority of his life in Cavendish and its surrounding communities. After graduating from Green Mountain High School, he served in the U.S. Navy. After his honorable discharge, he worked for J&L Machine Tool Co. as a welder and later as a machinist at General Electric before becoming disabled.

A dreamer, a joker and a poet, he loved to write and tell stories. Family gatherings meant the world to him and he relived those moments often. He especially loved times spent with his daughter and granddaughter. He was an avid Red Sox and Patriots fan and followed the games faithfully. He also enjoyed fishing (and fish tales), playing cards and collecting Red Sox and Patriots memorabilia, antiques and NASCAR.

He is survived by his daughter, Daniella Guica, and granddaughter, Savannah Dezaine; his siblings, Philip (and Belva) Guica, Elizabeth (and John) Babbin, Nancy (and Neil) Corliss, Donald Guica, Frank Guica and Michael (and Jacqueline) Guica; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, March 25, 2016, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at The Adams Funeral Home, 12 Meadow St., Ludlow. A reception will follow at the American Legion Post #36, 133 Main St., Ludlow, Vt.

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Eunice M. Cahill, 89

Eunice M. Cahill, 89, died Tuesday, March 8, 2016, at Springfield Hospital. She was born Sept. 27, 1926, in Springfield, the daughter of Glen and Irene (Bingham) Litchfield. She attended schools in Springfield and graduated in 1946. On Aug. 2, 1946, she married Everett Cahill in Springfield. She worked at Good Health Center in Ludlow and as a chef at Black River Valley Senior Center after her husband predeceased her. Mrs. Cahill enjoyed crafts, gardening , fishing and family picnics. She was a member of Ludlow Baptist Church and Black River Valley Senior Center.

She is survived by her two sons, Loren Cahill and James Cahill; four daughters, Mionia Peterson, Lorrie LaPell, Charlene Baker and Cynthia Cahill; two brothers, Leon and Roy Litchfield; 12 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by two sons, Edward Cahill and Morton Cahill; and three brothers, William, Lyle and Walter.

Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 12, 2016, at the Ludlow Baptist Church. Calling hours will be held one hour prior the service at the church. A reception will follow in the church fellowship hall. Graveside committal services and interment will take place at a later date in the Pleasant View Cemetery, Chester. Arrangements are by Adams Funeral Home in Ludlow.

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Nicole E. Higgins, 44

Nicole E. Higgins, 44, died Friday, Jan. 15, 2016, at her home in Ludlow.
She was born May 27, 1971, in Springfield, the daughter of Allen “Butch” and Janet (Prudhome) Higgins. She attended Brandon Training School, and graduated from Springfield High School in Springfield. She enjoyed music and watching Western television shows and Western movies.

She is survived by her parents; two sisters, Terry and Lisa, and caregivers Kathy Richardson, with whom she lived most recently, and Marge Behsmann, with whom she lived for 20 years. She was predeceased by her twin sister.

A graveside service will be held at a later date. Arrangements are by Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield.

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