David L. Rorison

David L. Rorison, 91, of Springfield, Vermont died peacefully on Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018, surrounded by family. He was born in Rutland, Vermont on July 16, 1927, to Alstine and Helen (Lang) Rorison of Mendon, Vermont. He graduated from Rutland High School in 1945. After 15 months in the U.S. Marine Corps, he entered the Vermont State School of Agriculture (now Vermont Technical College) and graduated in 1947.

David married Eleanor Fairbank in 1949, moved to Springfield, and they enjoyed nearly 50 years of marriage before she died in 1999. David was a wonderful and loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He will always be remembered by his love for his family, kindness to others, his wit, incredible strength, and work ethic.

David’s career started as a milk tester with Springfield DHIA in 1951, and after retirement from Idlenot Dairy in 1990, he returned to milk testing for another 20 years at DHIA.

He was active in the Springfield community, as a member of the Jaycees (Jr. Chamber of Commerce), the United Methodist Church, and the American Legion. He was also a volunteer firefighter. David was active at the Springfield Senior Center, where he served on the Senior Center Advisory Board. He and Eleanor square danced for 25 years with the Precision Valley Squares. They loved to go bowling and camping, and spending time with family and friends. David was a lifelong Red Sox fan. In 2009 he was named Springfield’s Senior Citizen of the Year.

David is survived by his brother Gilbert and his family of Rutland. He also leaves behind his five children: Robert (and Barbara), of Springfield, Vermont; Phyllis Hanus (and Thad), Thomas (and Jodi), of Weathersfield, Vermont; Gary (and Debra Whitcomb) of El Paso, Texas; and Kathleen (and Laurence Bassett) of Fairlee, Vermont; four grandchildren: Scott (and Becky) Greene, Stacie (and Carl) Marshall, Tim (and Sarah) Greene, and Megan (and Patrick) Applegate; nine great-grandchildren: Jonas, Chicory, Ruth, Owen, Finnegan, Dominic, Riley, Andrew, and MacKenna; several grandchildren-in-law, and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife, he was predeceased by a son, Keith, in 1990, and a son-in-law, Francis Greene, in 2000.

There will be a visiting hour at the Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield, Vermont, at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, followed by an 11 a.m. service. Burial will follow in Oakland Cemetery in Springfield. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Meals on Wheels program at Senior Solutions, 38 Pleasant Street, Springfield VT, or the Springfield Senior Center, 139 Main Street, Springfield, VT.

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Seeley Morton

Seeley Morton passed away on October 2, 2018 at the Gill Home in Ludlow, Vt. Seeley was born on July 19, 1944 at Rutland, Vt. Hospital to John and Harriet (Weston) Morton. He was delivered by Drs. Seeley Estabrook and Richard Seeley.

He graduated from Springfield High School in 1962. Later, he received his B.S. in Education from Castleton State College in 1967. Hired out of his student teaching experience by Supt. Charles Nason he taught for 32 years. He started teaching at the Simonsville School where he was the last teacher as the building closed and everyone moved to Chester-Andover Elementary School. At Chester-Andover he was a fifth and sixth grade Language Arts and Social Studies teacher. He also instructed in a tutorial reading program. Through and educational grant from the State, he incorporated an advanced reading program. Later he taught a multi-age curriculum.

He was fortunate to be in a community where volunteerism was richly showcased. This enabled him to facilitate a group of parents, contractors, and Volunteers to build Bicycle Motocross, BMX track at the Chester Pinnacle. Later, later he would enjoy that same community energy working with Chester’s Recycle program, Eager Beaver, and Chester’s Green-Up program. This led to a decade of employment at the Springfield Recycle Center. He served as Co-chairman to the River Valley Duck’s Unlimited for two years. He was on the Board of Directors for the Windsor County South Credit Union. He devoted a great amount of time to the Boy Scout Troop 206 as Scout Master and Assistant Scout Master. He also served as Selectman for the Town of Chester.

He joined Bellows Falls Elks Club #1619. There he was elected Elk of the Year in 1986. Later he transferred to Springfield Elks Lodge #1560. He received a commendation for his efforts as chairman of the scholarship committee. He became a social member of The Greatest Sportsmen’s Club in Duane, NY as a lifetime member. He enjoyed family, friends, hunting camp, a good game of pitch and visits to the Adirondacks.

He is predeceased by his parents, brothers, Wilbur Quimby and Robert Morton, a sister Stasia Carey. He is survived by his wife, Linda of 47 years, a daughter Beth, and son Kevin (Lexi) and grandson Aiden.

As per his wishes there will be no visiting hours. Instead a celebration of life will be held from 1:00 to 3:00 PM on Saturday October 13, 2018 at the Springfield Elks Lodge.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to the Elks’ Scholarship Fund c/o Springfield Elks Lodge #1560, 49 Park St. Springfield, Vt. 05156.

Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield 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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Felicia R. Murray

Felicia Rita (Bocko) Murray lived a glorious 101 years and nearly made it to 102. She lived independently until her death Aug. 23, 2018, in the home her husband George built in 1940.

She lived in Springfield for 80 years. She attended St. Mary’s Catholic Church faithfully and was an active member of the Catholic Daughters. Many will remember Felicia from her years as classroom assistant to teacher Eleanor Johnson at Union Street School. Felicia was a gifted quilter and made at least 25 quilts for her children and grandchildren. For 28 years, she knit 100 pairs of mittens a year for the Santa Claus Fund of the Senior Center RSVP and St. Mary’s tag sale. She also knit for Springfield Hospital – hats for preemies and toe socks for people in casts. She always helped and served others.

Felicia was born in Lowell, Mass. in 1916, the second of seven children of Polish immigrants Aleksandra and Adolf Bocko. She married George Murray in 1938 and they had a long and happy marriage until his death in 1986. Felicia missed him every day of the next 32 years.

She is survived by her brother Frederick of Port Saint Lucie, Fla., her children Marylyn Wentworth of Arundel, Maine, Sandra Belisle of Burlington, Vt., David Murray of Springfield, Vt., and George Murray of Rockingham, Vt. She was the beloved grandmother of 13, great-grandmother of 23, and great-great-grandmother to three.

The memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 29, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, followed by burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery. A celebration of her life will then follow in St. Mary’s Parish Hall.

In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the Audubon Vermont, 255 Sherman Hollow Rd. Huntington, VT 05462, or www.vt.audubon.org in memory of Felicia and her great love of birds. She fed them every morning in her bedroom window feeder.

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

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Andrew J.Tlaker

On July 23, 2018, a beautiful heart that was quick to love, quick to laugh, quick to embrace adventure, quick to feel compassion and quick to forgive, grew weary and needed to finally rest.

Andrew James Tlaker was born Sept. 14, 1967, in Springfield, Vermont. He attended schools in Saxons River and Springfield. Andrew was among the first of individuals with developmental disabilities to attend public schools in Springfield, graduating from SHS in 1989. Following graduation, Andrew continued his path of ‘leading the way’ by being one of the first to take part in an Individualized Community Integration Program where he participated in volunteer and employment activities within his community. During his career in his program, he had duties at the First National Bank, Young’s Furniture, Biben’s Hardware, The Food Co-op, and Convalescent Center. In 2008, Andrew moved to Baldwinsville, New York, where he continued to be involved in an Individualized Program; he volunteered at the Beaver Lake Nature Center, library and senior complex.

Andrew was a well-travelled man. He hugged the great redwoods of California, ran like the Six Million Dollar Man on the beaches of Oregon, went to outer space at Disney, felt the mist of Niagara Falls, and Boston was ‘his kind of town.’ He was also an artist; preferring watercolor. His painting titled Blue Moon was part of an exhibit shown at the Russell Rotunda in Washington, DC. Not stopping at travel and creativity, Andrew was also a Special Olympics medalist, competing and receiving medals in basketball. He could throw the ball backwards and make his shot just about every time!

Andrew enjoyed being with people and being active. He loved music and dancing. He also enjoyed canoeing, basketball, bowling and above all, glow golf. Most importantly, he was a huge fan of Star Trek and Dr. Who, knowing how the script will run for each episode of either show.

Andrew had a way of affecting people in a profound way. He was charismatic and charming with a great sense of humor, but above all, sincere in affection. He loved abundantly and lived in the moment. He taught us so much about acceptance and caring. He leaves a great void in the lives he touched; his presence will be greatly missed.

Andrew was predeceased by his father, Erich Tlaker; and his grandmother ( mum- mum), Minnie Lefevre.

Left to mourn his loss are his mother, Jean Tlaker; brother, Norman (Martha) Tlaker, nephew Conrad; sister Anne Tlaker (Michael) Hall; sister Jane Tlaker (Peter) MacDonald, niece Jennifer and nephew Ryan.

Andrew’s family would like to thank all the extraordinary people n Andrew’s life who contributed to a ‘life well-lived:’ his support team at Advocates Inc. (Reina and Leslie); mentors Anne G., Gayle B., Maureen D., Tracy S., Veena K., Brenda C. and Todd N.; Tammy and Dan at bowling; all his special friends at Wegman’s (Karen, Dorothy, to name a few), Tops, McDonalds; and all the various “stops” along his daily routine.

Special thanks to Dr. Frank Smith and the outstanding team at Pediatric Cardiology Assocaites who went beyond all calls of duty and exhibited such love and affection for Andrew. We are left humbled by you all.

A celebration of Andrew’s life will be held on Sunday, Aug. 5, at 2 p.m. at Maurer Funeral Home, 3541 State Route 31, Baldwinsville, NY.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests doing a random act of kindness in the spirit of Andrew’s kind and loving heart. Donations can also be made to Special Olympics or Advocates Inc.

Take wing, dear sweet Andrew, time for your soul to take flight to the Final Frontier.

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Lois M. Severance

Lois M. Severance passed away Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2017, a week shy of her 89th birthday, after a long battle with cancer. Born in 1928 in Windham, Vermont, to Leonard and Ruth Call Stowell, she went to school in Chester and trained as a nurse at Gifford Memorial hospital. She began her nursing career in Washington, D.C. but returned to Vermont where she married Dean Severance. Lois and Dean lived for a few years in Lubbock, Texas, but her path led her back to New England, where she continued her nursing career at Central Vermont Medical Center in Berlin and, subsequently, in Keene, New Hampshire.

Lois retired in Springfield, Vermont, where she embraced a new role as an RSVP volunteer — driving seniors and others to appointments, reading to the blind, and helping Meals on Wheels. Her most treasured volunteer role was as a leader of the Bone Builders Exercise Program. She was a fierce promoter of exercise, and walked nearly every day until only a few weeks before her death.

After moved to the Marion Phillips Housing complex in Claremont in 2014, Lois became an active member of the Tenant’s Association. She greatly enjoyed her time there — especially the opportunity to grow bumper crops of tomatoes and swap gardening tips with the other gardeners, right up through this past summer.

Lois lived her life with pizazz — in addition to being a loving mother and compassionate nurse, she was a talented painter, a terrific cook and baker, and a passionate advocate for women’s rights and other social issues. She spoke her mind and wrote letters to the editor, and loved travel, opera, and a good bargain. With her deep love of nature, she saw us all as children of Mother Earth.

She is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Nancy and Stephen Roylance, of New York City; a son and daughter-in-law, Jim and Ann Severance of Barre, Vermont; and five siblings: Mildred Horn, Joyce Mattson, Beverly Parker, Norman Stowell, Virginia Stowell, and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by Dean Severance, and sisters Marilyn Schuster, Sharon Geary, Phyllis Amsden, Helen Farrar and Doris Raitenan.

A celebration of Lois’s life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25, at the Unitarian Universalist Church at 21 Fairground Road in Springfield, Vermont. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to organizations that support nature, green space, and the environment.

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Janet L. Greenlees

Janet L. Greenlees 90, of Chester, born on July 10, 1927 passed away November 12, 2017 at The Meadows Home in Rutland Vermont.

She was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey where she attended grade school. After grade school she went to college in Wisconsin, where she played basketball. After college she taught seventh and eighth grade science.

Janet love to travel with her friends in Europe and Africa. In 1978 she moved to Chester, Vermont where she cared for her father. She volunteered at the Springfield library and was a certified tax preparer, doing tax returns for seniors free of charge. She love music and the arts and play the viola. Janet was also a volunteer ski instructor for children at Okemo Mountain ski resort.

Janet never married and always loved having a dog as a companion. She was a free spirit and her own quiet way. She loved to spend her summers at her cottage in Kingston Ontario. Janet was an active member of the Unitarian Universalist Church in Chester and was an active member in her community. She will be greatly missed by those who knew her.

The celebration of her life will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Chester in the spring.

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

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