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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Ruth K. Dunning

Ruth King Dunning, 101, died peacefully Saturday July 7, 2018 at Cedar Hill Nursing Home in Windsor. She was born Ruth Virginia King on July 29, 1916 in New York City, the daughter of Carol and Frank King.

A remarkable student, Ruth attended public schools in New York graduating high school at age 15 and acquiring her bachelors of education degree from Hunter College at 19. She would go on to earn her master’s degree later during her 40 year career as a public school teacher.

As a young woman her summers were often spent in the upstate New York community of Copake where she met Richard Dunning a local dairy farmer. The two were married on June 27, 1941. Together they raised 5 boys. In 1943 they purchased an old farmhouse at the end of a rutted mountain road in Barnard, Vermont and so began the legacy of the Dunning Camp which has been a focal point for gatherings of the expanded Dunning family for 75 years.

Ruth loved all things in nature and her household often included wild animals rescued injured and nursed back to health with her tender care. The Dunning home was filled with house plants and the yard perennials and fruit trees. She was a devoted mother to her five sons and a loving wife for 71 years until Richard’s passing in 2011 at the age of 91. Survivors include her sons; Bruce Dunning of Kirkville, NY, Leigh Dunning of Port Henry, NY, David Dunning of New London, NH, Glenn Dunning of Brookfield, VT and Larry Dunning of Claremont, NH, their wives, 13 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.

Friends are welcome to join family members Friday evening July 13 from 6 – 8 PM at the Davis Chapel Chapel, 99 Summer St. in Springfield or at the graveside service Saturday July 14 at 11 a.m. at the Windward Cemetery off of the North Road in Barnard. Reverend Mike Boy of Ascutney will officiate.

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Brian A. Haskell

Brian A. Haskell, 70, of Laurel Avenue, passed away peacefully at his home on July 1, 2018. Brian was born in Fitchburg, Massachusetts on December 6, 1947, the son of LeRoy and Catherine (Cavanaugh) Haskell. He was a 1965 graduate of Bellows Falls Union High School, the University of Vermont, and earned his master's degree in education from Keene State College in 1974. Brian was a teacher at Riverside Middle School in Springfield, Vermont for 42 years. He was a member of the BPOE 119 and a past exalted ruler in 1977-1978, the American Legion Post 37, the Polish American Club and the Polish Roman Catholics of America. Brian coached in the Connecticut Valley Pee Wee League for 37 years and was head official of the VPA at times throughout his lengthy officiating career.

Brian is survived by bis wife, Brenda Pease McGowan and her children, Eric and William; his sons, Casey Haskell and wife Misty of Bellows Falls and Cory Haskell and wife Janelle of Rockingham; grandsons Wylee, Ozzee, Caden and Brennen; brother, Kent "Grump" Haskell and wife Rose of Bellows Falls; sisters Brenda Stack and husband Michael of Saxton's River and Judith Haskell-Patch and husband David of Wallingford; and many nieces and nephews and friends. He is predeceased by his first wife, Susan (Mellish), brother Gary "Moe" Haskell and stepdaughter, Elizabeth McGowan.

There will be calling hours on Wednesday July, 11 from 5-8 p.m. at Fenton and Hennessy Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held Thursday, July 12 at 1 p.m. at the United Church of Bellows Falls, with a reception immediately following at the church. A burial will be at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Brian's memory to: The CVPWFL, c/o Ed Vancor, P.O. Box 703, Bellows Falls, VT 05101 or to the EIk's Scholarship Fund c/o George Bennett, P.O. Box 367, Bellows Falls, VT 05101.

Brian touched many lives throughout his lifetime in one way or another, please hold those memories in your hears and cherish each and every moment with your loved ones. We will miss you dearly, Dad.

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Patricia A. Riviezzo (Sudant)

Due to complications of a sudden illness, on Friday, June 15, Patricia Ann Riviezzo (Sudant) went home to be with her Lord.

She is pre-deceased by her mother, Mildred Seaver; her father, Joseph Sudant; her stepfather, William Seaver; her two sisters, Lorraine (Sudant) Hanus and Sheila Sudant; and her granddaughter, Celeste Haynes.

Pat was a graduate of the Springfield VT high school’s class of ‘70. She married Dennis Riviezzo of Cornish on July 15, 1972. They were best friends and life partners for nearly forty-seven years.

She worked as a volunteer school teacher at Bow Baptist Academy and Independent Christian Academy for more than four years. Her students held a special place in her heart.

Pat’s passion was baking. Her dinner rolls and raspberry filled cookies were famous among family and friends. She was happiest when baking for those she loved.

Her dogs were her family. If her husband had let her, she would have adopted every stray out there.

Loved ones left behind are her devoted husband, Dennis; her three daughters, Jennifer Riviezzo Haynes, Lisa Riviezzo Mack, Mary Riviezzo and their partners. Her five grandchildren, Colin, Ethan, Ava, Sophia and Addison will miss their Grammie’s endless supply of love and her commitment to spoiling them!

A graveside service will be held at Hope Hill Cemetery in North Charlestown, NH on Saturday, June 23rd at 4:00pm. A celebration of life to follow at the Charlestown Town Hall.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Fast Friends at helpinggreyhounds.org.

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Ruth A. Robinson

Ruth Ann (Nichols) Robinson, 87, died peacefully in her home in Swanville, Maine, Tuesday, May 15, 2018.

Ruth was born March 20, 1931, in Belfast, Maine to Albert Nichols and Frances (Rogers) Nichols-Blanchard.

Ruth graduated from Searsport High School in 1948. She served as a preschool teacher at both the Searsport and Springfield, Vt., Methodist churches. Additionally, she worked for Youngs Community TV in Springfield, Vt., for 15 years before returning to Swanville.

Ruth was predeceased by her parents; her husband of 47 years, Edward Robinson Jr.; and sons Michael Edward and Kelley Albert Robinson.

She is survived by sons, Patrick Robinson of Maine and Kevin Robinson and fiance Theresa Shonio of Vermont; daughters Darlene (Robinson) Pawulak of Vermont and Doreen Robinson and husband Leslie Davio of Maine. She also leaves one granddaughter, Kristina (Merrill) McKeighan of Vermont; grandsons, Keith Merrill of Florida; Patrick Robinson II of Vermont, Bertram Robinson of New Hampshire, and Lander Smith-Robinson of North Carolina. Ruth is survived by sisters Alberta Ames of Maine; Ina Trundy of Arizona; and Helen West of Vermont. She leaves several great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Burial services to celebrate Ruth’s life will be held at Greenlawn Cemetery in Swanville, on Monday, May 21, at 1 p.m.

Arrangements are under the care of Riposta Funeral Home Belfast, Me.Memories and condolences may be offered to the family at ripostafh.com.

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Robert P. McLaughlin

Robert P. McLaughlin, 97, of Springfield, died Jan. 7 , 2018, a t Dartmouth- Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire.

He was born Dec. 7, 1920, in Bennington, the son of William and Mary (Parker) McLaughlin.

He received his education in Vermont, Maine, Boston College and the University of Vermont.

Mr. McLaughlin was a World War II veteran, serving as a pilot in the Army Air Corps.

He was employed at Fellows Gear Shaper in Springfield, and retired in 1983 from teaching at Springfield High School.

Survivors include his children Barbara Mahoney, Mary Anne Amsden, both of Springfield, Robert McLaughlin Jr., of Essex Junction; grandchildren and great-grandchildren; his wife, Barbara Litchfield; and caregivers Paul Litchfield and Bonnie Sue Munson.

He was predeceased by his wife, Alison (Hayes) McLaughlin, in 1992, whom he married in Bennington May 25, 1943, and by a brother, James McLaughlin.

There will be no calling hours or service.

Arrangements are by Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield.

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Harold G.Vincent Jr

Harold G. "Hal" Vincent Jr., 92, of Glover, died Nov. 22, 2017, in Bradenton, FL.

He was born April 14, 1925, in Pittsfield, MA, the son of Helen (Cook) and Harold G. Vincent Sr. He graduated from Kennett High School in Conway, NH, in 1943. He earned a bachelor's degree in history from Bowdoin College in 1948, and a master's degree in education from Harvard University in 1949.

He married Rachel Buck in Barton, VT, on June 5, 1947. She died in 1999. He married Adeline Hamersley in 2001. Mr. Vincent served in the U.S. Army infantry during World War II. He was awarded a Purple Heart for wounds received during the Battle of the Bulge.

His entire professional career was spent as an educator, beginning as a teaching principal and coach in Chester, VT, in 1949. In 1956, he moved to Springfield, VT, where he taught English and coached JV basketball and golf and was athletic director for several years. He retired in 1982.

Mr. Vincent was active in the Springfield Rotary Club and prided himself on many years of perfect attendance. In retirement, he enjoyed playing tennis and golf and riding his bicycle. His other interests included bird photography, writing poetry and playing bridge.

Survivors include his wife, Adeline H. Vincent; his daughter, Laurel Vincent, of Danville, VT; son, Ralph Vincent, and wife, Nancy, of Sutton, VT. Mr. Vincent leaves two granddaughters Lilla Fortunoff and Robin Vincent and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his first wife, Rachel (Buck) Vincent; brother James A. Vincent; sister Rosemary (Vincent) Shirley Clay; and a nephew, Brian Shirley.

A celebration of Mr. Vincent's life will be announced at a later date. If you wish to honor Mr. Vincent's memory, please give to the charity or association of your choice.

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Marion Whitcomb Stearns

Marion Whitcomb Stearns of Springfield passed away Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017, at the Springfield Hospital, after a brief illness. Born on June 10, 1924, in Rochester, NH, the daughter of Harold and Marion (Corbett) Sheahan, she grew up in Somersworth, NH, spending summers at the family cottage on Moody Beach, ME. She loved the ocean. Valedictorian of her high school class, she continued her education at the University of New Hampshire, graduating in 1945, cum laude, with a BA in Music Education.

Marion moved to Springfield, VT, where she obtained a music teaching position with the public schools there in September 1945.

Marion married Merrill "Deak" Whitcomb in 1947, sharing a life with him and their two daughters, Hallie Jean and Cherry, on the scenic Mount Ararat farm, which has been in the family since the late-1700s. Her work ethic and energy were evident as she balanced a life of teaching, raising children and meeting the many demands of farm life. Merrill passed away in 1978 after a long illness through which Marion tended him lovingly.

After many satisfying years teaching mainly vocal music with some instrumental, covering most of the Springfield schools, she retired in 1980.

Robert Stearns, whom Marion had met while at UNH, reconnected with her on a trip east from California flying in his home-built airplane. They were married at a private ceremony on the Whitcomb farm a year later, September 1982.

Marion and Bob lived in Livermore, CA, where Marion soon became a vital part of the community and made many dear friends. She was active in the UU Church, the Livermore-Amador Symphony Orchestra and Guild, the community exercise group, and contributed to many groups through her musical talents of singing, piano and violin. Bob joined her in the church and LAS activities when he retired from Bechtel Corp. Marion and Bob enjoyed flying to many places in his plane for over 20 years, including two trips to New England. Due to the limitations of the lightweight plane, which could not carry two people plus luggage over the Rockies, Marion would fly commercially to Michigan, where daughter Cherry lived, and Bob would pick her up there so the two could continue on to see friends in New England.

Alzheimer's disease caught up with Bob, and he passed in November 2011. With no relatives in California, Marion moved back to Vermont in November 2013 to live with her daughter, Hallie. She happily renewed friendships from her prior years in Springfield and became active in the local UU Church. Marion's greatest joy was putting a smile on the faces of others. She did this often by making creative cards, telling jokes and singing songs to strangers and friends alike, playing piano for others everywhere she could.


Video from September 2016: Marion sings the simple little song she would always teach to new first graders in their first class together.

Marion learned how to fold origami cranes, pinwheels, boats and hats from her Japanese daughter, Yuko. People will see these treasures all over town as she gave them away to youth and adults alike as thanks or just to brighten their days. This made her smile, as well.

Marion is survived by daughters Hallie Whitcomb, of Springfield, and Cherry (Ken) Westerman, of Ann Arbor, MI; grandchildren Erica Westerman, of Fayetteville, AR, and Michael (Brittany) Westerman, of Bloomfield Hills, MI; step-grandchild Katrina (Stearns) Slater, of Santa Cruz, CA; three special nieces and many cousins.

A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2 p.m., at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 21 Fairground Road, Springfield, VT.

Marion has requested that, in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to The Unitarian Universalist Church in Springfield, 21 Fairground Road, Springfield, VT 05156; The Vermont Land Trust, 8 Bailey Ave., Montpelier, VT 05602; Springfield School District Music Department, 60 Park St., Springfield, VT 05156; or the Livermore-Amador Symphony, P.O. Box 1049, Livermore, CA 94551-1049.

Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield is assisting with arrangements.

 

Last June,  Marion enjoyed being part of the North School Preservation Society's first ever Alumni parade entry.

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Scala Choir video: 'Wake me up when September ends'

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Nancy G. Eaton

Nancy Gertrude Eaton, 80, passed away Friday, Sept. 1, 2017, at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center.

She was born Aug. 29, 1937, in Dorset, Vermont, the daughter of Harlan and Dorothy (Crandall) Coolidge. Nancy grew up on the family dairy farm in Dorset and was a graduate of Burr & Burton Academy. Nancy continued her education at the University of Vermont, where she received her degree in teaching. She went on to become a math teacher in Windsor. She afterward became a social worker for the Vermont Department of Human Services, working in Springfield, Vermont.

Nancy loved the outdoors, she loved caring for her horses and riding with her friends, she was also an avid vegetable and flower gardener and she loved her St. Bernards.

Surviving is her daughter Teresa Eaton of Perkinsville; her two grandchildren, Miranda Holmes and Jeremy Holmes; and her two great-grandchildren, Colin and Gabriel Holmes.

She was predeceased by her husband, Irving Eaton.

The graveside service and interment will take place at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23, at the Plain Cemetery in Perkinsville. A celebration of her life will follow at the Springfield VFW Post #771.

Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to The Springfield Humane Society, 401 Skitchewaug Trail, Springfield, VT 05156.
Arrangements are in care of Adams Funeral Home, Chester.

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Joan H. Creelman

Joan Henrietta Creelman, 85, died Saturday, May 6, 2017.

She was born Oct. 30, 1931, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Samuel and Henrietta (Borland) Creelman.

Born with a disability, she became a special education teacher after graduating from Philadelphia Biblical Institute.

Miss Creelman taught at the Chester Road one-room schoolhouse, Union Street and Park Street schools. In retirement, she owned Miss Creelman’s Ink and Paper print shop.

She was a member of Springfield Community Chorus and Vermont Retired Teachers Association.

She enjoyed singing and listening to music, (classical hymns), bird watching, painting, drawing and crafts.

Survivors include her siblings, Gwen Coppola, Diane Reilly and David Creelman, all of Philadelphia, nieces and nephews.

Miss Creelman was predeceased by a brother, Robert Creelman, and a great-nephew.

The funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 10, at Davis Memorial Chapel where friends may call at 12:15 p.m. prior to the service officiated by David Batchelder.

Burial will follow in Oakland Cemetery in Springfield.

Memorial contributions may be made to Springfield Community Chorus, P.O. Box 231, Springfield, VT 05156; or Springfield Humane Society, 401 Skitchewaug Trail, Springfield, VT 05156.

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Muriel P. Wheelock

Muriel Parker Wheelock, 96, a resident of Lincoln House in Barre, died Monday, March 6, 2017, at Central Vermont Medical Center in Berlin.

She was born Aug. 21, 1920, in East Montpelier, the daughter of Arthur and Christie (Parker) Parker.

She graduated in 1938 from Montpelier Seminary, as valedictorian, and in 1940, from Lyndon State Teachers College.

She taught in both West Barnet and Lyndonville before marrying Elroy Wheelock May 8, 1942, in Newbury. She spent many years as a special education teacher in the Springfield school system.

Mrs. Wheelock enjoyed yard sales and picking strawberries, raspberries, as well as trips to Alstead, New Hampshire, for blueberries.

Survivors include two sons, Brian, of Springfield, and Tim, of Calais; three grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren; and her sister's children. She was predeceased by her husband and a sister, Marion Beardsley.

There are no calling hours. The memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 18, at United Methodist Church in Springfield, followed by a reception.

Arrangements are by Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield.

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Mary V. Bellows

Mary Virginia Bellows, 98, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2017, at Vernon Advent Christian Home in Vernon, VT, with her son and daughter by her side.

She was born April 30, 1918, to Wilbur and Mae Handy. She attended and graduated school in Springfield, later attending and earning her degree in education from Castleton State College.

She returned to Springfield to work in the school system there and in Perkinsville, VT, until her retirement. She and her late husband, Clarence "Stub" Bellows, were foster and adoptive parents, maintaining their small dairy farm, raising chickens, goats and pigs, along with their full-time jobs.

They were avid "birders," extremely active in the Congregational Church, both in Springfield, and their adopted retirement community of Fort Myers, FL. They travelled and camped extensively throughout the country in their retirement. "Ginny" also loved Jeopardy, Scrabble, puzzles, reading, gardening, crafting, singing in the church choir and crocheting.

Ginny was predeceased by her husband, Clarence Bellows, and her son, Richard Prouty. She is survived by her daughter-in-law, Lou Prouty, of London, KY; her son, Woodrow Prouty and his wife, Linda, of Charlestown, NH; her son, Mike Bellows and his wife, Nancy, of Shrewsbury, MA; her daughter, Janie (Bellows) Aremburg and her husband, John, of Springfield, VT; as well as many nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

There will be a memorial service and celebration of life reception in the spring, details to be announced later. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Vernon Advent Christian Home Music in Memory Program, 61 Greenway Drive, Vernon, VT 05354.

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Earl C. Boudette

Earl Cornelius Boudette, longtime resident of Charlestown and formerly of Claremont, died January 20, 2017.

Earl was born February 24, 1930 in Claremont, a son of William E. and Ida (Young) Boudette. He grew up in Claremont and North Charlestown and graduated from Stevens High School in 1949. He attended the University of New Hampshire and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in history in 1954.

Upon graduation from UNH, he was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army; attended Basic Infantry Officer Course at Fort Benning; and served the rest of his two-year commitment in Germany as platoon leader in the 2nd Infantry Regiment in Munich, and with Special Services in Berchtesgaden.

Upon discharge from the Army in 1956, Earl entered the teaching profession, accepting a position in the Woodstock, Vt., school system. He then taught in Saranac Lake, N.Y., before returning to graduate school at the University of Innsbruck, Austria, in 1959. Upon completion, he accepted a position at Springfield High School, Springfield, Vt., in 1960. He made Charlestown his home.

Receiving a Fulbright Scholarship in 1962, he lived in Northeim, Germany, ’62-’63 where he taught at Gymnasium Corvinianum in Northeim and studied at Gottingen University. He also participated in activities coordinated by the United States Information Service in Hannover, Germany.

During his tenure in Springfield, Earl taught social studies, started the German program and was awarded the NEA Pacemaker Award for the design and teaching of a Humanities Pilot Program that was funded by a U.S. Government grant. Among other honors, he was awarded two NDEA scholarships to Dartmouth College and two Arts & Humanities assignments to Williams College and the University of Oregon. He retired from his position at Springfield High School in 1993.

Skiing was his lifelong passion and he captained the USEUR Alpine Ski Team in 1956 that competed in international competitions in Europe. After coaching skiing at Woodstock and Saranac Lake, he served as an instructor and as a ski patrolman and the Mt. Ascutney Resort. Upon retirement, he became an active golfer and was accepted as a member on the Hooper Golf Club, serving one term on the Board of Directors.

Members of his surviving family include his sister, Norma Principe of Springfield, Mass., and several nieces and nephews and their families. Earl was predeceased by his brothers, William and Eugene, his sisters, Thelma Lambert and Nathalie Breault, and his long-time companion, Christine Lawler.

There will be no calling hours. Burial and a celebration of Earl’s life will be held in the Spring. Arrangements are with the Stringer Funeral Home and Crematorium, 146 Broad St. Claremont. To view an online memorial or send a private message of condolence, visit www.stringerfh.com.

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Donna L. Aldrich

Donna L. Aldrich, 78, died Monday, Dec. 26, 2016, at her home in Springfield. She was born Aug. 13, 1938, in Springfield, the daughter of Gerald and Thelma (Cady) Vittum.

She graduated from Springfield High School. Mrs. Aldrich was employed as a para-educator at Chester-Andover Elementary School for many years. She also owned and operated her own bakery for several years. She enjoyed camping.

Survivors include two sons Marty Aldrich, of Springfield, and Rick Aldrich, of Ascutney; four siblings Jerry and Larry Vittum, of Reading, Dick Vittum, of Springfield, Judy Henning, of Chester; two grandchildren and a great-grandchild; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Calling hours are from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Jan. 2, 2017, at Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield. The memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 3, at Calvary Baptist Church in Springfield, with the Rev. Malcolm Fowler, pastor, officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to Springfield Humane Society, 401 Skitchewaug Trail, Springfield, VT 05156.

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Leon L. Perry

Leon L. “Pop” Perry, 85, died Nov. 17, 2016, at Springfield Health and Rehabilitation Center, after a long illness.

He was born Nov. 10, 1931, the son of Leon A. and Christine (Brown) Perry.

He graduated in 1949 from Springfield High School where he was a member of the 1948 state football championship team. He graduated from Castleton State College with a bachelor’s degree in education and then from Boston University with double master’s degrees in education and administration.

Mr. Perry’s 40-year career in education included as a teacher, guidance counselor, director of guidance and vice-principal, and at Chester High School, Bellows Falls High School and Springfield High School, schools where he coached basketball and football and each dedicated a senior yearbook to him. After retiring from education, he was president of Great Brook Furniture until it was sold.

He married his wife, Mary, Aug. 25, 1962, in Bellows Falls. In 1984, they purchased Pierce-Barton Travel which she ran until they sold the agency in 2005.

An avid hunter and trapper in his youth, he later enjoyed golf and tennis and was known for his storytelling.

Survivors include his wife; a son, Christian Perry of Little Rock, Arkansas, and a daughter, Pamela Perry of Littleton, Colorado; two granddaughters and two nieces.

Mr. Perry was predeceased by a daughter, Linda Gates, on May 28, 2016, and a sister, Agda Newell.

The memorial service and celebration of his life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Springfield Hospital, P. O. Box 2003, Springfield, VT 05156. Arrangements are by Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield.

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Linda Archer

Linda Archer, 71, of Chester, died Wednesday, July 20, 2016, at Mount Ascutney Health Care Center in Windsor.

She was born March 31, 1945, in Chester, the daughter of Clarence and Mary (Dragon) Lane. She graduated from Chester High School, class of 1963, and graduated from Castleton State Teachers College in 1967.

Her first job as a teacher was in Cambridge, New York, for a year or two before moving home to Chester and teaching for 33 years at Chester Andover Elementary School.

On July 21, 1990, Linda married Richard Archer at Calvary Baptist Church in Springfield.

She enjoyed playing bingo.

Linda is survived by her husband; a sister, Sherry Williams of Milford, Delaware; a nephew, a niece, great-nieces and -nephews and several cousins. She was predeceased by her parents.

A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 27, 2016, at Pleasantview Cemetery in Chester, with the Rev. George Keeler officiating.

Arrangements are by Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield.

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Muriel H. Berg, 87

Muriel Hoisington Berg, 87, of Medfield, MA, formerly of Springfield, VT, and Pittsford, VT, passed away Monday, April 25, 2016, at Norwood Hospital. She was the wife of the late Dana A. Berg, and the mother of the late Dana J. Berg.

Born in Springfield, VT, on May 15, 1928, she was the daughter of the late Frank and Lillian (Avery) Hoisington. Muriel grew up in Springfield and spent most of her life in the VT/NH area. She was a graduate of Springfield High School and Castleton State College in Vermont.

Muriel taught elementary school for many years, before retiring from the Rutland Town School in 1986. Muriel loved animals, nature and music, playing violin in school and singing for many years in her church choir. In her spare time, she enjoyed being outdoors and reading. Most of all, she loved to spend time with her family.

She is survived by her two grandsons Dana A. Berg II of Rutland, VT, and Erik Berg and his wife, Christine, of Norfolk, MA, and their son, Gabriel. She also leaves behind many, much-loved extended family members.

Graveside services will take place at a later date. Arrangements are under the care of Ginley Funeral Home (www.ginleyfuneralhomes.com), 892 Main St., Walpole, MA. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in her memory to Castleton State College or the ASPCA.

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John L. Allen, 81

John L. Allen, 81, of Brockton, Mass. passed away on April 20, at home. He was formerly from Springfield, Vt., the eldest child of Lyndon and Irene (Roys) Allen, and a graduate of Springfield High School and Northeastern University.

A Randolph, Mass. teacher of 30 years, and Korean War veteran, he enjoyed history, movies, theatre, family, friends, and a really good meal.

He is survived by his sister, Maryann (Allen) OMalley; his children, Jennifer Drosos, Geoffrey Allen and Jason Allen-Forrest; his grandchildren, Ashley Walter, Charles Dorsey Jr. and Nicholas Dorsey; and his great-grandchildren, Brendon Hemingway, Aundrea Dorsey and Aiden Dorsey.

A memorial service will be held Sunday, May 1, at 2 p.m. in the All Saints Episcopal Church, 44 Park Avenue, Whitman. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Northeastern General Fund (northeastern.edu/giveonline) or SpeakEasy Stage Company (speakeasystage.com/support). For online condolences and directions, please visit www.blanchardfc.com.

 

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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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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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