Sylvia J. Howe, 79

Sylvia J. Howe, 79, passed away Sunday morning, March 27, 2016, at Springfield Hospital. She was born July 9, 1936, in Springfield, the daughter of Reginald M. and Rachel (Whipple) Page. She attended Springfield schools.

On Dec. 15, 1954, she married Alfred H. Howe in Springfield. They have made their home in Charlestown for many years. She was a mother and homemaker. Her life centered around her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a wonderful mother and grandmother.

Sylvia enjoyed painting and drawing and was a wonderful artist. She enjoyed shopping, playing cards, playing bingo, knitting and crocheting.

She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Alfred; son Daryl H. Howe and his companion, Judy Kinrade, daughter Shelly J. Rullo and son-in-law James Boyland, all of Charlestown; daughter Cheryl E. Bates and her husband, Kenneth, of Kankakee, Illinois; two brothers, Donald I. Page and Reginald M. Page, both of Springfield; two sisters, Sandra Stewart and Beverlee Jones, both of Chester; eight grandsons, nine great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was predeceased by her parents; two daughters, Connie A. Boyland and Karen L. Howe; one grandson and one granddaughter. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 30, at the Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 31, at the Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield. Reverend Gerry Piper, pastor of the United Methodist Church, will officiate. Burial will be at a later date at Ascutneyville Cemetery in Ascutney.

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Lynn Morin, 56

Lynn Morin, 56, of Springfield, died Sunday, March 27, 2016. She was born Sept. 9, 1959, in Westfield, Mass., daughter of Walter and Judy Morin. She was a long-time resident of Springfield. She moved to Springfield in 1985 with her three sons. She worked for the Springfield School District in various positions. She enjoyed kayaking, canoeing, hiking and being outdoors.

She is survived by her three sons Wade, Peter and Joseph; her parents; her brother, Wil; a granddaughter, aunts, uncles and cousins. She was predeceased by a brother, Kevin.

Services will be held at the Riverside Middle School Auditorium at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 9, 2016. Calling hours will be held from noon to 1 p.m. A celebration of life will follow at the VFW in Springfield. Donations may be made to any animal shelter, the Audubon Society or wildlife conservatory fund. Arrangements are by Davis Memorial Chapel.

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Frances K. Wright, 95

Frances Kohl Wright of Weathersfield passed away peacefully in her sleep Saturday, March 26, 2016. Born Aug. 12, 1920, in Newburgh, New York, Frances was the only child of May B. and Russell Kohl.

After graduating from Mount Holyoke College in 1942, she married John D. Wright Jr. of Brookline, Massachusetts, and the marriage lasted a wonderful 72 years. Fran and John were intrinsically connected both emotionally and intellectually. Most of her married life was spent in Lexington, Kentucky, where she was a librarian and John, a professor at Transylvania University.

A unique woman in all aspects of her life, Fran was recognized by several organizations including the Lexington Sertoma Club, for her many contributions to the community including the Neighborly Organization of Women (WNO), Friends of the Lexington Library and United Campus Ministries. She organized a library outreach program taking books to prisons and nursing homes and she chaired and helped organize the Nursing Home Ombudsman program for WNO.

In Lexington and later, in Weathersfield, Fran was unrelenting in her dedication to anticipating and mobilizing community interest and programs. In Weathersfield, she continued her volunteer work, becoming a deacon at the Perkinsville Church, helping with the directory in the Weathersfield is Togethersfield organization, participating in the steering committee of the Friends of the Proctor Library in Ascutney, and as a member of the Weathersfield Historical Society. She also had a love for gardening and in her “spare time” she spent hours in the lovely gardens at her home.

We would like to thank Chris DeCamp and all her wonderful, caring staff for their complete and loving nursing care for Fran in her last months.

Fran’s energizing presence and concern for others, no matter the race, creed, gender or economic level, and her contribution to the wide variety of community organizations wherever she lived, have greatly enhanced the quality of life of all who knew and loved her. Her light will shine on and her work will continue by those who are left behind, but she will be missed in ways that cannot be expressed in words.

A Memorial Service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 16, at Perkinsville Community Church in Perkinsville. Contributions may be made to Weathersfield Proctor Library or Weathersfield Historical Society.

 

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Stewart R. Fuller, 54

Stewart R. Fuller, 54, died unexpectedly Friday afternoon, March 25, 2016, at his home in Cavendish. He was born Aug. 8, 1961, in Windsor, the son of Roy Fuller and Laura J. Woodley. Stewart grew up in Windsor and graduated from Springfield High School. He served in the U.S. Air Force for a time before returning to the Windsor area. He married Helen L. Allen on Dec. 22, 1994. Stewart worked for many years as a farmer at several different local dairy farms. For the past 10 years, he had worked as a computer technician and operated his own computer repair business.

Stewart had several interests but will be remembered mostly for his love of horses and all animals in general. For a few years along with his farming, Stewart was a successful paralegal.

He was predeceased by a sister, Donna, who died in 1982; two nieces; and his stepmother, Shirley Fuller, who died in 2007.

Survivors include his wife, Helen Fuller of Cavendish; his father, Roy E. Fuller of Brownsville; his mother, Laura J. Woodley of Charlestown; a brother, Frank Fuller of Charlestown; several aunts, uncles and nephews as well as one grandnephew.

Calling hours will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, April 1, at the Knight Funeral Home in Windsor. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 2, at the funeral home. Pastor Sally Ann Silfies will officiate. Memorial contributions may be made to the Lucy MacKenzie Humane Society, P.O. Box 702, Brownsville, VT 05037; or to a local humane society of one’s choice. Condolences may be expressed to his family in an online guest book at www.knightfuneralhomes.com.

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Richard D. Rommer, 67, noted wheatgrass grower

Richard D. Rommer of Chester, Vt., died suddenly in his home on Friday, March 25, 2016. Rich was born in Nyack, N.Y., on March 12, 1949, to Lenore McCaffery Rommer and Richard J. Rommer. He graduated from Pearl River High School in Pearl River, N.Y. in 1967. He played varsity basketball and football, and was the president and vice president of his junior and senior class, respectively.

Rich was the owner of Gourmet Greens in Chester, formerly Gourmet Produce Co., which he founded in 1986. He grew and sold fresh wheatgrass and greens to customers throughout the Northeast. He had an extensive knowledge of health and nutrition, and was a talented grower, likely one of the most respected wheatgrass growers in the country.

Rich was also an avid contra dancer and lover of traditional and classical music and dance. He enjoyed attending contra dances and singing with Village Harmony, the River Singers, and at Star Island retreats. Rich brought his love of photography to the performing arts, and documented countless performances of dance, music and theater around the region.

He is survived by a twin brother, Robert Rommer of Elijay, Ga., and three sisters, Judith Poultney of Normal, Ill, Patricia Rommer of Schroon Lake, N.Y., and Carol Battey of Vancouver, Wash. He also leaves three children and four grandchildren: Joshua Rommer of Alpharetta, Ga., his wife Stephanie and their children Samuel and Madeline; Elizabeth Cook of Beverly, Mass, her husband Philip and their children Aaron and Isla; and Hannah Rommer of Lebanon, N.H.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 23, 2016, at 2 p.m., at the Andover Community Church, 928 Andover Rd, Andover, Vt. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Monadnock Folklore Society, www.monadnockfolk.org or the Northeast Organic Farming Association, www.nofavt.org

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Elizabeth Anne Dube, 73

Elizabeth Anne “Betty” Dube, 73, died Tuesday evening, March 22, 2016, at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, after a short battle with cancer. She was born July 16, 1942, in Providence, Rhode Island, the daughter of George M. and Elizabeth Anne (Laurendeau) Porter. Betty graduated from Providence High School and then studied to receive her license as a real estate broker in Rhode Island. She married Albert S. Dube Jr. on May 4, 1963, in East Greenwich, Rhode Island. Albert was serving in the U.S. Marine Corps. They lived in North Carolina, South Carolina and California.

When he was stationed overseas, Betty returned to Johnston, Rhode Island, to live with her parents. After the service they lived for a short time in Exeter, Rhode Island, before purchasing their first home in Pascoag, Rhode Island. During this time she worked in sales at the New York Department Store in Pascoag, Rhode Island and then later at the Sears Store in Warwick, Rhode Island. They moved to Maine in 1975 and then two years later moved to Perkinsville, where they have made their home ever since.

Betty worked as a machinist at Fellows Gear Shaper in Springfield for 15 years. Later she and her husband purchased and operated the Sears Department Store in Claremont for the next 12 years. Betty served as a volunteer EMT for the Weatherfield Volunteer Ambulance Service for many years. She was also a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary in Windsor.

She is survived by her husband, Albert S. Dube Jr.; two sons, Albert S. Dube III and his wife, Diane, of Coopersville, Michigan, and Matthew J. Dube and his wife, Barbara, of Perkinsville; grandchildren, Jenna, Cheryl, Cathy, Cory, Elysia, Billy and Daniella; two great-grandchildren, Victoria and Wesley; two sisters, Marilyn Soucy and her husband, Bob of Blackstone, Massachusetts, and Patricia Morgan and her husband, Edward, of Foster, Rhode Island; and also nieces and nephews. A private memorial gathering will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one’s choice. Condolences may be expressed to Betty’s family in an online guest book at www.knightfuneralhomes.com. The Knight Funeral Home in Windsor has been entrusted with arrangements.

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Marjorie E. Patton

Marjorie Eleanor Patton, 85, died Tuesday, March 22, 2016, at the Willows of Windsor in Windsor. She was born April 25, 1930, in Springfield, the daughter of Merton and Gladys (Niles) Patton of Springfield. She attended schools in Springfield and was a graduate of Springfield High School, class of 1951.

She was a lifelong resident of the Springfield area, and worked as a housekeeper in the area for many years. She was active in the Springfield Rebekah Lodge, holding many offices. She was an avid fisherman and puzzle maker. She was a resident at the Willows of Windsor and will be missed by the Willows family.

She is survived by her sister Arlene Bradshaw, and nephews Brian Mellor and Michael Mellor. She was previously deceased by her longtime friend Arthur Shaw.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 2, 2016, at the Oakland Cemetery in Springfield. The Rev. Mike Pelletier, pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Springfield, will officiate. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society Vermont, 55 Day Lane, Williston, VT 05495. Arrangements are by Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield.

 

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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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Donald W. Johnson, 76

Donald W. Johnson, 76, passed away peacefully, yet unexpectedly, March 21, 2016, at a Bangor hospital. He was born in Springfield, VT, March 8, 1940, the son of Olin W. and Esther U. (Fletcher) Johnson.

Don graduated from the former Chicago Teacher's College, where he received his Bachelors in Spanish. He then attended Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, IL, for graduate studies in the Science fields. He spent 27 years teaching Chemistry at Bangor High School, where he was well-liked by all of his students.

Don had many hobbies, he enjoyed attending the MOFGA Apple grower's events, and grew apples, blueberries and raspberries himself. He was an avid fisherman who loved fishing with his grandsons and spending time outdoors. He loved woodworking and building furniture, dabbled in genealogy, and loved to read history books- especially those that pertained to the Civil War and WWII. Don was a musician, too, having joined a steel-drum band during his time stationed in Puerto Rico with the US Navy. Don was a hardworking man who exhibited knowledge in all fields that interested him.

Don is survived by his wife of 47 years, Barbara (Deane) Johnson; sons, Glen E. Johnson and wife Beth, and Brian Johnson and wife, Andrea; grandsons, Nathaniel, Matthew, and Joshua; siblings, Kenneth Johnson, Arlene Gintof, and Betty Rounds. In addition to his parents, Don was predeceased by his brother, Fletcher Johnson.

Services will be held in Springfield, VT. Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.BrookingsSmith.com.

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Paul G. Connor, 76

On March 19th, 2016, Paul George "Sonny" Connor, 76, peacefully passed away with his family by his side. He was born September 28, 1939, the eldest son of George P. Connor and Virginia J. "Emery" Connor in Greenbush, Vt. A lifelong Vermonter, he received his earliest education in the one-room schools of Weathersfield and graduated from Springfield High School in 1959. His focus in high school was woodcrafts, carpentry and building on his artistic abilities. Throughout his life, Paul used his artistic talent to create many beautiful landscape scenes as well as portraits. Many of his works portrayed historic buildings and bridges of Weathersfield.

Over the years, he was employed by several local construction companies becoming an accomplished carpenter and stone mason. In later years, he worked as a machinist at Jones and Lampson and Vermont Tool, until his retirement due to declining health. On December 31st, 1960, he married his wife of 55 years, Carole B. Stone, in Springfield, Vt. They spent most of their lives living in the Amsden and Greenbush area of Weathersfield, making the short move to Cavendish in 2015.

In addition to his wife Carole, Paul leaves behind three siblings: Dennis Connor and Don Connor of Springfield, Vt., and Donna Perham of Chester, Vt. Also eight beloved nieces and nephews Michelle Ovitt, Mike Perham, Steve Perham, Will Connor, Shelly Stoddard, Beth Connor, Jon Connor and Marlie Hooker. This would not be complete without the inclusion of a young family unofficially adopted by Paul and Carole, Chad and Shannon Devereux and their children Sarah and Rhyan. Paul and Carole cared for Sarah and Ryhan since their births. The Devereux will always hold a special place in their hearts. In addition to his parents Paul was predeceased by an infant son, Wade Paul in 1974.

A celebration of Life will be held on April 9th, 1 p.m. at the Martin Memorial Hall, Route 5, Ascutney, Vt. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Springfield Humane Society, 401 Skitchewaug Trail, Springfield, Vt. 05156. Chadwick Funeral and Cremation Services, 235 Main St., New London, NH, are in charge of arrangements.

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Muriel Anita Bohne, 95

Muriel Anita Bohne, age 95, passed away on March 19th, 2016. She was a recent resident of Shelburne Bay Senior Living. Born in Toledo Ohio, she spent most of her younger years in Springfield Vermont where she met her life companion Paul W. Bohne Jr. Paul and Muriel had many interests in common but they most enjoyed making music. Muriel was an accomplished pianist who accompanied her high school chorus, orchestra, plays and voice soloist, Paul.

Muriel had a keen sense of humor. One of the ways she referred to herself was as "a coper". She showed evidence of coping many times during her life. As a young mother, she had to cope with taking care of two young children by herself while Paul was away in the Navy in WW II. Later in life, while wheel chair bound, she coped with that condition by living independently for over 10 year years.

Muriel attended Russel Sage College, to which she commuted from Bennington for 4 years, graduating with a BA in Fine Arts in 1969 at the age of 48. She went on to receive her MA in Education at Castleton State College and taught at St Joseph's College in Bennington for several years.

Early in life, she made clothes for herself and her children and did crocheting and knitting. In her forties she pursued her interest in painting and became an accomplished artist. In her Bennington studio she taught art to many local resident and pursued many styles of painting. She enjoyed experimenting and used different media. Some of her first work was folk art and she worked in oils, pastels, and acrylic and in later years fell in love with collage. Among her exhibits was the annual Grand Isle Art Show where she exhibited for over 25 years while summering on Keeler's Bay in South Hero. In 2014 she was their featured artist.

She shared the results of her talents with friends and family who all have examples of her art displayed in their homes. Each Christmas, Muriel would provide an ornament to family members often depicting an important happening during the recipients past year.

She was active in churches at each stop in her life. She and Paul were members of the Presbyterian Church in Beverly, New Jersey for 7 years before moving back to Vermont in 1962 where they lived in Bennington until 2004. She is a member of the Second Congregational Church in Bennington where she and Paul both sang in the choir for many years and Muriel was a substitute organist from time to time. Muriel was active with the Church Bazar which she chaired. While living at Shelburne Bay Senior Living, she continued to provide crocheted and other items for the Bazar.

She and Paul loved to travel and included trips to South America, Europe and Russia as well as the United States. She attended art workshops on New Mexico, Texas, South Carolina and Maine among others. She was a very intelligent person and her mind was keen to the end. She prided herself on being able to complete the New York Times Sunday crossword puzzle each week and took pride in keeping up with the news and voting in every election.

Muriel was predeceased by Paul, her husband of 65 years, brothers William and Robert and sister Noreen. She leaves her daughter Karen of Shelburne, son Keith and partner Gina McGlinchey of Westford Massachusetts and son Paul and his wife Nancy of Essex Junction and five grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.

A memorial reception will held at the Residences at the Shelburne Bay Great Room from 1-3:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 26. A memorial service will be held in Bennington at the 2nd Congregational Church at 2:00 p.m. on April 3rd.

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Caroline W. Nowak, 95

Caroline W. Nowak, 95, passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her family, on Tuesday March 15, 2106. She was born in Springfield, VT, on Nov. 8, 1920, to Anthony and Alice (Stankiewicz) Walasewicz. She attended Duttonsvile Grammar School and graduated from Black River Academy in 1938.

She was married to Theodore Nowak on August 2, 1947, at the Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church in Proctorsville, VT. Caroline was a member of the Catholic Daughters of America, Secretary of the Polish Relief Committee during WWII, member of the Ambulance Corp. during WWII, Co-Chairman of the Cavendish WWII Memorial, Member of the Bi-Centennial Committee for the Town of Cavendish, Director of the Fletcher Town Farm Library, Chairman of the Fletcher Town Library Building Committee, Member of the Holy Name of Mary Church and Parish Council and Member and officer of Holy Name of Mary Altar Society.

She had worked at Gay Brothers Co. Kenwood Mills and retired as a Supervisor at Mack Molding. She was an avid birdwatcher and she and her husband enjoyed dancing. Caroline loved her family and her church more than anything. Caroline is survived by her son Gary Theodore Nowak of Williston, VT; her daughter Carol Palmer and her husband Steven Palmer; two grandsons, Ryan Theodore Palmer and Eric Thomas Palmer of Hinesburg, VT; her brother Stanley Walasewicz and his wife Carol of Cavendish; her sister, Mary Krasofski and her husband Frank of Ashburnham, MA.; her Nephews, a Niece, Great Nieces and Nephews and Great-Great Nieces and Cousins.

Besides her parents, she was pre-deceased by her husband Theodore on April 8, 2002; her brother Felix Walasewicz; and her sisters Josephine Woodell and Olympia and Blanche Walasewicz.

Caroline's family wishes to thank L&M Family Caregivers for the compassionate loving care they provided their mother, and Bayada Hospice for their support.

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday March 18, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at the Holy Name Of Mary Catholic Church, Proctorsville, VT. Calling hours will be held on Thursday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Adams Funeral Home, 12 Meadow Street, Ludlow VT. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Holy Name of Mary Altar Society, 7 Depot St., Ludlow VT 05149.

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Nancy C. Durand, 83

Nancy C. Durand, 83, died Monday, March 14, 2016, at home in Lebanon, N.H. She was born March 18, 1932, a daughter of Gordon and Emily (Crague) Cota in Springfield, Vt., where she grew up and graduated from Springfield High School Class of 1950. Nancy met Gordon Durand, Jr. of Cavendish when he was logging her family’s land. They were married Feb. 3, 1951, and made their home in Cavendish where she worked as the assistant town clerk. In 1972 they moved to Lebanon and she began working at Honey Gardens Health Foods and later at Home Improvement, both in Lebanon. Nancy finished her career at Dartmouth College retiring in 1995. She and Gordon always had horses and enjoyed going to pulls and fairs together. They were very active in the New England Draft Pony Association. Nancy also enjoyed bowling and was a member of a league for many years.

She was predeceased by her husband, Gordon, in 2014; daughter Penny Woodell; granddaughter, Ashley; two brothers Ed and Robert Cota; and a sister Mary Ellen Walker. She is survived by two sons, James Durand and his wife Kathleen of Taftsville, Vt., and Jeffery Durand and his wife Tammy of Wilder; son-in-law Curt Woodell of Cavendish; five grandchildren Jeremy, Tia, Rene, Jonathan, and Andy as well as several nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held Saturday, March 19 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Knight Funeral Home in White River Junction, immediately followed by a funeral service at 4 p.m. Burial will be at a later date in the Village Cemetery in Cavendish. Condolences may be expressed to Nancy’s family in an online guestbook at www.knightfuneralhomes.com. Memorial contributions may be made to: Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital Office of Philanthropy, 10 Alice Peck Day Drive, Lebanon, NH 03766 or Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice of VT & NH, PO Box 976, White River Jct., VT 05001

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George W. Colby Jr., 81

George W. Colby Jr., 81, of Newton, N,H., formerly of Plaistow, N.H., passed away Friday, March 11, at the Lawrence General Hospital surrounded by his family.

Born in Burlington, Vt., he was the son of the late George W. and Marjorie (Ledue) Colby. Raised and educated in Springfield, Vt., he was a graduate of Springfield High School. A Veteran of the Korean War, Colby enlisted into the United States Navy soon after high school. He proudly served on the U.S.S. Energy, a mine sweeper for three years, receiving the National Defense Medal, China Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal and honorable discharge. Upon his return from the service, he continued his education at Wentworth Institute and received his degree in Electrical Engineering from Merrimack College. He was employed as an electronic component engineer at Bell Labs in North Andover and retired from AT& T in 1989 after thirty years of service. Colby was proud of his Irish heritage. He loved Irish music and enjoyed yearly visits to the Irish Village at Cape Cod. Summers were spent on Province Lake in New Hampshire, as he loved hunting, fishing and boating. His memberships included the AMVETS, VFW, the Plaistow American Legion, and Knights of Columbus, North Andover.

He leaves his partner of 30 years, Betty A. (Belanger) Comeau, of Newton, N.H.; her children; Diane Stabile, of Danville, N.H., and Cheryl Lupi and her husband, Ernie, of Bradford; two daughters, Terri Serino and her husband, Richard, of Booth Bay Harbor, Maine, and Lori Jillson and her husband, Mark, of Plaistow; a son; Scott Colby and his wife Karla, of Londonderry, N.H., eight grandchildren, Alisha , Erica, and Ernie M. Lupi, III, Christopher Poliquin, Jennifer Poliquin, and Angela, Jillian and Kaitlyn Colby; three great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a son Alan Colby and a brother, Kendall Colby.

Friends and family are invited to calling hours Tuesday, March 15, from 4 to 7 p.m., at the Kevin B. Comeau Funeral Home, 486 Main St. Haverhill. Funeral services will begin Wednesday morning at 10 from the funeral home with a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 11, at Sacred Hearts Church, South Main Street. Bradford. Burial is private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his name to the Sacred Hearts Endowment Fund, 48 South Chestnut St. Bradford, MA 01835.

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John W. Peavey, 88

John W. Peavey, 88, died Tuesday, March 8, 2016, at the Springfield Health & Rehabilitation Center. He was born July 31, 1927, in Montville, Maine, the son of Forrest and Minnie (Sanford) Peavey. He attended schools in Maine, graduating from Liberty High School and Husson College. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. On Jan. 5, 1945, he married the former May A. Barlow in Liberty, Maine. They moved to Springfield in 1960. Mr. Peavey was employed as a salesman for Wiggins Concrete for many years. He was a member of First Congregational Church UCC in Springfield.

He is survived by his wife of 71 years, May Peavey of Springfield; four sons, Clair, Loring and Gregory, all of Maine; and Glenn of Wisconsin; a daughter, JoAnn of Maine; five grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren; a sister, Lois Littlefield of Maine; several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by three, brothers Forrest Jr., Henry and Earl.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 19, 2016, at Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield. The Rev. Gerry Piper will officiate. Friends may call from 10 to 11 a.m. at the chapel. A reception will follow the memorial service downstairs at First Congregational Church in Springfield. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association , P.O. Box 96011, Washington, D.C. 20090-6011. Arrangements are by Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield.

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Donna Carr, 74

Donna Carr, 74, of Springfield, passed away peacefully Tuesday, March 8, 2016, at Hanover Terrace in Hanover, New Hampshire. She was born Jan. 17, 1942, to Michael and Ruby (Still) Woychosky. Donna attended Springfield schools. In January of 1960, she married David LaPlante. They were married for 10 years.

She later remarried Lonnie Carr in the early 1970s. Over the course of her life, Donna worked for many families in Grafton, Vermont, as well as for area restaurants. She also cared for elderly folks in the evenings, during this time she made many lasting friendships.

Donna is remembered for her sense of humor and her love of the ocean (Hampton Beach and Florida), where she spent many vacations with her family and grandchildren creating wonderful memories.

Donna is survived by her seven children, David and his wife, Lorri, Ronald and his wife, Lori, Alan, Diane and Randy, Terry and Corrina; two sisters, Priscilla Millay and her husband Jim, Joyce Carlson and her husband, Henning; and a brother, Michael and his wife, Ling. She will also be sorely missed by her 10 grandchildren, Elizabeth, Katherine, Colin, Rachael, Tara, Bethany, Jade, Jacob, Jayden and Lydia; also, her three great-grandchildren, Olivia, Kayleigh and Cam as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Donna’s life for family and friends will be held at a later date to be announced in the spring. Davis Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

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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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Shawn Cherbonneau, 44

On the afternoon of Monday, March 7, 2016, Shawn Cherbonneau passed away at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, in Lebanon, after medical complications that were more extensive than this brave trooper’s body was able to withstand. Shawn was surrounded and comforted by his loved ones at the time of his death. Shawn was 44 years old. Shawn was born Nov. 20, 1971, in Rutland, Vermont, the son of Judith Cherbonneau and Albert Stevens. He attended schools in Springfield, Vermont and Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and graduated from Newport High School and worked at Osram Sylvania for more than 10 years and Moore Business Forms. Shawn was an avid NASCAR and Indy Car fan and staunch supporter of Martin Truex Jr., and was a gifted artist and musician.

His beloved Gram, Ruth Cherbonneau, preceded him in death and Shawn’s other immediate family members include his mother, Judith Cherbonneau of Charlestown; his sister, Heather of Manchester; and his longtime fiancee, Mandy Sue Martin of Claremont. Additional immediate and loving family members include his grandfather, Donald Cherbonneau of Manchester, Vermont, Aunt Darcy and her husband, Brad Swan, of Claremont; and his aunt Alison Grant of Rutland, Vermont and uncle Henry and his wife, Sanae Cherbonneau, of Sabattus, Maine. He is also survived by his nieces, Kaylee and Alista Cherbonneau and his nephews, Rick, Dominic, and Dre Shawn Cherbonneau and many cousins.

The Cherbonneau family wishes to send special thanks to the staff at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon for treating our beloved Shawn with the dignity, care, compassion and love that will forever leave a special place in our hearts. The members of the ICU and staff doctors went above and beyond the call of duty and made Shawn’s transition from this life into the next as easy as possible for us all. God bless you all.

Shawn’s remains will be cremated at the Newton-Bartlett Funeral Home in Newport and there will be no calling hours or funeral planned at this time. A joyful Celebration of Life will be planned for his loved ones at a later date. Condolence cards and donations to help the family with final expenses may be sent to Judith Cherbonneau, P.O. Box 1508, Claremont, NH 03743.

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Lorraine S. Kruse, 87

Lorraine S. Kruse, 87, passed away Saturday evening, March 5, 2016, at her home in Springfield. She was born March 9, 1928, in Windsor, the daughter of Ernest and Vina (Darling) Strong. She attended schools in Windsor. On March 29, 1952, she married Elmer I. Kruse at the Congregational Church in Woodstock, Vermont. She was a mother and homemaker until her children reached school age and then she worked as a para-educator in the Springfield school system for 18 years. She loved working with children. Mrs. Kruse was a member of the First Congregational Church UCC, and a life member of the VFW Post 771 Auxiliary. She volunteered as a Girl Scout leader for many years. She enjoyed gardening and had an extensive rock and flower garden at her home. She enjoyed reading and spending time visiting with family and friends.

She is survived by her husband Elmer of Springfield; two sons, Lawrence Kruse of Claremont and Steven Kruse of Springfield; one daughter, Sherrie Fuchs and her husband, Steve, of Essex Junction, Vermont; two granddaughters, Emily and Stephanie; five brothers, Ernest Strong of Milton, Bernard Strong of Woodstock, George Strong of Williston, Kenneth Strong of Franconia, New Hampshire and Steven Strong of Florida; one sister, Sylvia Doten of Woodstock; and also by several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by two brothers, Roger and Stanley; and four sisters, Mabel, Charlotte, Rosalene and Frances.

Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 9, at the Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 10, at the Davis Memorial Chapel. Reverend Jean O’Bresky, pastor of the First Congregational Church UCC, will officiate. Burial will follow at the Riverside Cemetery in Woodstock, Vermont. Contributions may be made in her memory to the First Congregational Church UCC, 77 Main St., Springfield, VT 05156; or to the Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice of Southern Vermont and New Hampshire, P.O. Box 976, White River Junction, VT 05001.

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Wendell Barrows, 90

Wendell Barrows 90, formerly of Springfield, passed away on March 3, 2016 in Payson, Arizona. Wendell was born on November 11, 1925, in Springfield, VT, to Harold Barrows Sr. and Nellie (Pope). He graduated from Springfield High School in the class of 1945. For many years, he was a supervisor in the Blade Department at Parks & Woolson. He then taught Machine Shop classes at Springfield High School until his retirement. Wendell was a member of the BPOE, the St. Johns Lodge and the Mt. Sinai Shriners. He loved rabbit and deer hunting and was a fisherman. He was an avid beekeeper and was known throughout the area for the excellent honey produced by his bees. He enjoyed spending time at his camp in Smokeshire.

Survivors include one daughter, Diana (Richard) Gamble of Payson, Arizona, with whom he was residing. He is also survived by three grandchildren, Chris (Susan) Eaton, Bethany (Todd) Wells and Kimberly Gamble, all of Phoenix; four great-grandchildren, Kaitlin Eaton of Kissimmee, FL, and Brandon, Preston and Spencer Wells of Phoenix; one brother Harold (Kay) Barrows Jr. of Perkinsville; and many nieces and nephews. Wendell was preceded in death by his parents; 5 sisters, Rachel Childs, Bessie Childs, Doris Wood, Shirley Sheehan and Jackie Schoonmaker; one brother, Warren Barrows; and his long-time companion, Anne Stewart.

A memorial service is being planned for June.

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Joanne Tenney, 81

Joanne "Betty" (Morrison) Tenney, a longtime resident of Brattleboro, died peacefully while surrounded by her loving family on March 1, 2016, at the age of 81, following a short period of declining health.

Born in Springfield, VT, on December 22, 1934, the daughter of the late John Andrew and Helen Sarah (Graham) Morrison. Betty graduated from Springfield High School in 1952. She then went on to earn a bachelor's degree in education from Castleton in 1956. Education was very important to Betty. Early in her career, she helped to establish the Head Start Program in the Brattleboro area, and then went on to teach first and second grades in West Dummerston, VT, for over 35 years.

On December 27, 1955, Betty married Carl Alexander Tenney in Springfield, VT, and they enjoyed 43 years together before his death in 1998. She had a loving family life with her husband, children and grandchildren. She was an incredibly supportive and proud mother and Nana and rarely missed any event that her children or grandchildren were involved in. She was an avid Red Sox fan who also enjoyed oceanside vacations from Maine to Florida with family and friends. Betty's early childhood was filled with days swimming and boating with her family at their camp on Lake Sunapee in NH. Betty had many wonderful gatherings with her two sisters and their families during Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. She was a loving and caring wife, mother, Nana, school teacher and friend, who will be missed dearly.

She is predeceased by her husband, Carl, and sister, Eileen Austin Neal. She leaves a daughter, Sally Ann Tenney and Tim of Brattleboro; two sons, Carl Andrew Tenney and Sheri of Manassas, VA, and Shawn Eric Tenney and Tina of South Burlington VT; four grandchildren, Heather Nicole, Ashley Anne, Alyssa Brooke and Shane Alexander; a sister and brother-in-law Florence and Ted Lindgren of Springfield, VT; as well as many adored nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service will be celebrated on Saturday, March 12, 2016, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Eagles Club, 54 Chickering Drive, Brattleboro, VT. The Ker-Westerlund Funeral Home, 57 High St., Brattleboro, VT, is assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, a fund has been established to purchase books for children. Donations may be made to the Betty Tenney Fund, c/o Oak Grove School, 15 Moreland Ave., Brattleboro, VT 05301. Condolences may be offered at www.kerwesterlund.com. 

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Francis Rodrigues, Jr., 61

Francis Rodrigues, Jr., 61, died Tuesday, March 1, 2016, at Springfield Hospital in Springfield, Vt., due to complications of a prolonged illness. He lived with cancer and its effect for the past several years ( but has succumbed to the disease) and now is at rest.

"Frankie" was born Aug. 3, 1954, in Fall River, Mass. He was the eldest son of Francis Rodrigues, Sr., and the late Florence (Koch) Rodrigues, of South Meriden. There, he attended St. Joseph's School and H.C. Wilcox Technical High School, graduating from the tool and die trade in 1973. Soon after graduation, he moved to New Hampshire, then finally settled in Vermont.

Beside his father, he leaves behind five children and one grandchild, Nicole Rodrigues and her son, Owen, of Perkinsville, Vt., Michael Rodrigues, of Reading, Vt., Hank Rodrigues, of Reno, Nev., Elwood Jake "Woody" Rodrigues, of Reading, Vt., and Danza Rodrigues, of Grand Cayman Island. Frank was so very proud of all of his children and his grandson. Frank is also survived by his five siblings, Diane (Rodrigues) Cannistra, of Springfield, Vt., Brian Rodrigues and his wife, Toni, of South Windsor, Conn., Patricia Rodrigues and her lifelong partner, Sean Corduff, of Westmoreland, N.H., Steven Rodrigues, of Middletown, Conn., and Jean (Rodrigues) Meade and her husband, Pete, of Southington, Conn.; as well as seven nieces and nephews; many friends; and extended family.

He loved his family, New York Yankees, Rolling Stones, and his Harley.

A celebration of Frank's life and a Memorial ride are planned to honor his memory.

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