Thelma E. Andrews

Thelma Elaine (Hoisington) Andrews, 82, passed away to her Heavenly Home on October 2, 2018 at the Governor’s Center in Westfield, MA.

She was the daughter of David and Thelma (Putnam) Hoisington of Weathersfield Center, VT.

She graduated from Springfield High School in 1953. She then attended Fisher Junior College in Boston, MA. She married John Andrews, March 6, 1981 in Southwick, MA. John and Elaine enjoyed many activities together, including hunting, traveling and family. Elaine kept records for 13 reunion years of the USS Siroma AKA 43 that her husband John served on during his time in the U.S. Navy, in World War II. She was a member of the VFW, American Legion Auxiliaries and the Southwick Public Library.

She is survived by her loving husband and a son, David LaGrow of Stafford Springs, CT. Predeceased by a son David Andrew; and two daughters, Janice LaGrow and Judith Csekowski. She also leaves two sisters, Sylvia R. Hoisington of NYC and Nancy Humphreys of Lexington, SC. We wish to thank Governor’s Center for the excellent and compassionate care during her stay.

A Memorial Mass will be offered at 11:30AM on Saturday (October 6, 2018) in Our Lady of the Lake Church, 224 Sheep Pasture Road, Southwick. Burial is private. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Southwick Ambulance or to a charity of your choice. Southwick Forastiere Family Funeral Home. www.forastiere.com

  (Click on photo to enlarge)

Read More »

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.

  (Click on photo to enlarge)

Read More »

Robin E. Merchant

Robin Elizabeth (Acker) Merchant passed away peacefully surrounded by family at her sister’s home in East Durham, NY on May 25, 2018, at the age of 58. Robin was born on July 19, 1959, in Albany, NY to the late Leon E. Acker and Betty Ann Armstrong. She settled in Springfield, Vermont with her 3 children, where she eventually met and married the love of her life Donald R. Merchant. They were married on June 27, 1992 and made their home in Weathersfield, VT where she enjoyed her flowers and gardening, reading, listening to music, laughing and dancing, riding with Don on his motorcycle, and especially her grandchildren.

Robin had been currently living close to family and friends in Springfield, VT with her little dog Lilly prior to her passing. She was a beloved mother, Nana, sister, aunt and loving friend to many. She loved staying in touch with all her friends and family and would light up a room with her joy, laughter and carefree spirit. She cared deeply and knew how to make each person feel valued and needed. She is remembered for many things, but two of her greatest gifts she gave the world were her ability to love and her faith in God.

She is lovingly remembered by her children, Jean M. Willard and her husband Steve of Springfield, VT, Steven M. Towsley and his wife Carolyn of Highgate, VT, and Roy M. Towsley, of Springfield, VT. She is also survived by 8 grandchildren who meant the world to her, brothers Michael Acker, Timothy Acker, and James Acker, her sisters Lynn Mauriello, and Laura Ferrara, their families and several nieces and nephews.

Robin was predeceased by her loving husband Don, her parents, and her brothers Eric Acker and Patrick Acker.

A celebration of Robin’s life will be held on Saturday, June 23rd, at 3 p.m., at Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield, VT, followed by a short graveside ceremony at Oakland Cemetery in Springfield, VT where Robin and her beloved Don will rest together forever.

  (Click on photo to enlarge)

Read More »

Russell Roy

Russell Roy, 79, of Weathersfield, passed away Friday, March 23, 2018, at his home. He was born June 13, 1959, in Claremont, the son of Elmer and Evelyn (Valley) Roy.

He attended Springfield High School and graduated in 1956. He and his wife remained active in the affairs of the Class of ’56. After graduation, Russell served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1956 to 1958. He then went on to work in the area machine tool industry for years at Pratt & Whitney, and for 23 years at Jones, Lamson & Co.

On June 13, 1959, on his 21st birthday, Russell married his high school sweetheart, Betty Lou Partridge. The two remained devoted to each other for the next 58 years.

Russell loved his family, and enjoyed spending time with them; especially giving them a “hard time.” He was also very involved in the raising, training and racing of standardbred trotting horses. He competed at many regional fairs, Saratoga Raceway and Plainridge Raceway. His involvement in horse racing also included a long-time membership in the U.S. Trotting Association. Russell was also an avid outdoorsman, and enjoyed hunting and fishing in his spare time. advertisement

Russell is survived by his wife of 58 years, Betty Lou Roy of Weathersfield. He also leaves behind a brother, James Roy and his wife Gwen, of Tequesta, Florida; two sisters, Hazel Roy of Claremont and Sharon Kramer of Sarasota, Florida; a daughter, Deanna Ballek and her husband Frank of Hartley, Delaware; two sons, Michael Roy of Baltimore, Vermont and Joseph Roy and his wife Jackie, of Springfield, Vermont; five grandsons, Samuel Lau, Benjamin Lau and his fiancee Alexx, Jesse Roy and his fiancee Rochelle, Brady Roy, Justin Roy, and one great-grandson, Kahn Lau.

A private service will be held at a later date.

Contributions may be made in Russell’s memory to the Visiting Nurse and Hospice Association of VT & NH at www.vnhcare.org or P.O. Box 881, Brattleboro, VT 05302. The Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield, Vermont has been entrusted with arrangements.

  (Click on photo to enlarge)

Read More »

Arthur T. Monteith

Arthur T. Monteith, 89, of Sebastian, Florida, formerly of Springfield and Weathersfield Bow, Vermont, died Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2018, at the William Childs Hospice House in Palm Bay, Florida.

He leaves Joanne, his loving wife of 32 years. He will also be dearly missed by his nieces Elsie, Lois and Patricia and his extended family in Florida.

Arrangements are in the care of Davis Seawinds Funeral Service of Sebastian, FL 32958.

  (Click on photo to enlarge)

Read More »

Edward R. Gosselin

Edward R. Gosselin, 85, of Weathersfield, died Feb. 6, 2018, at Springfield Hospital, after a long illness, surrounded by family and friends.

He was born Jan. 4, 1933, in Springfield, the son of Onesime and Yvonne (Rabideau) Gosselin. He graduated from Springfield High School in 1951. While in high school, he was on the basketball team and was known as a class clown among his classmates. He married Daisy Rogers in Springfield on July 8, 1953.

He began working at Jones and Lamson at age 19 and worked there for 40 years as a machinist and later, as a supervisor in his department. He then worked at Sonnax until his retirement.

He loved his place on the hill and his meticulous attention to detail could be seen in his work inside and outside the house. He spent countless hours maintaining and improving his property. He loved working in his garden or his raspberry patch and completing woodworking or remodeling projects.

He enjoyed hunting and fishing and watching college football and basketball. His greatest joy was hosting family and friends at his home for holidays or summer barbecues. He will be remembered for his kindness, his sense of humor and his love for family.

He is survived by his wife, Daisy, of Weathersfield; four sons Gary (Jeanie) Gosselin, of Rowlett, Texas, David (Kathrine) Gosselin, of Springfield, Jeffrey Gosselin, of Whitefish, Montana, and Peter (Nichole) Gosselin, of Springfield; seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; his sister, Loretta Otis, of Springfield, and brother, Ronald (Sue) Gosselin, of Winooski. He also leaves many nieces and nephews.

Edward was predeceased by his daughter, Diane (Gosselin) Smith; his sisters Lorraine Archambault and Janet Routhier and brother, Raymond.

A graveside service will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are under the direction of Davis Memorial Chapel.

  (Click on photo to enlarge)

Read More »

Elizabeth J. Augustinovich

Elizabeth Josephine Augustinovich 92 died Sunday January 7, 2018 at Springfield Health & Rehab. Center in Springfield, Vt. She was born December 1, 1925 in Weathersfield, Vt. the daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth S. Kamel. She attended Springfield Schools and graduated from Springfield High School.

On June 14, 1947 she was married to John P. Augustinovich, He predeceased her on June 2, 2014.

John and Elizabeth owned and operated a second generation dairy farm well into their eighties on Elm Hill in Springfield.

In addition to working the farm she enjoyed gardening and raised 7 children.

She is survived by her 6 daughters – Sandy Miller and her husband Robert of Walpole, N.H. , Nancy Salo of Frederica, Delaware, Sherry Brosseau of Clifton Park, N.Y., Patty Augustinovich of Bethel, Vt., Joanne Greene of Springfield and Susan Ballard of Springfield. 1 son Peter Augustinovich of Springfield, 8 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren and numerous nieces, and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents, 5 brothers – John, Mike, Floyd, Frank and Joe Kamel, and by 4 sisters – Helen Kamel, Ida Lavoie, Lee Lavoie and Mary Wilson.

Per her wishes there will be no calling hours. A memorial service will be held in the spring at the Elm Hill Farm.

Contributions may be made in her memory to the Springfield Health & Rehab. Center 105 Chester Road Springfield, Vt. 05156.

Davis Memorial Chapel is assisting with arrangements.

  (Click on photo to enlarge)

Read More »

Harold E. Harris

Harold E. Harris 88, of Walpole, N.H., passed away on Tuesday evening August 1, 2017 at the Keene Center in Keene, New Hampshire. He was born December 24, 1928 in Grafton, Vt. the son of Harold R. and Mildred (Clogston) Harris.

He married Beverly Young in Weathersfield, Vt. They enjoyed 60 + years together before her passing in 2012.

Harold worked at Valley Farms and for many years he was employed with Boggy Meadow Farm in Walpole, N.H.

He enjoyed hunting and fishing and vegetable gardening. He loved trips to York Beach, Maine, enjoyed feeding the birds and loved spending time with his grandchildren.

He is survived by 1 son Dennis Harris of Hinsdale, N.H. , 1 daughter Dianne Fontaine of Rutland, Vt. 1 sister Mary Vittum of North Walpole, N.H. 3 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren. Also by many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by 2 brothers – Willis and Henry and 2 sisters – Josephine and Gertrude.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Sunday August 6, 2017 at the Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield, Vt. Friends may call at the Chapel from 10:00 to 11:00 A.M. Reverend Mark Harris will officiate.

Burial will follow in the Bow Cemetery in Weathersfield, Vt.

Contributions may be made in his memory to the Walpole Ambulance Service 278 Main St. Walpole, NH 03608.

  (Click on photo to enlarge)

Read More »

Gordon Gurney

Gordon “Sam” Gurney, 85, died peacefully Sunday, May 28, 2017, at his home in Weathersfield, Vermont, after a lengthy illness. He was born April 12, 1932, in Springfield, Vermont, the son of John Gordon and Lillian (McDonnell) Gurney. He attended Springfield schools, graduating from Springfield High School Class of 1951. He served in the United States Army, and later graduated from Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston, Massachusetts.

In 1957, Sam bought his first Caterpillar D-4 and that was the beginning of Gurney Bros. Construction of North Springfield, Vermont.

In June 1957, he married Beverly Anne Prouty-Lee in Springfield, Vermont.

On July 6, 1991, he married Jane (Frothingham) Harding at his home in Weathersfield, Vermont.

Sam was an avid naturalist with a vast knowledge of everything outdoors. He shared his knowledge as a gift with anyone who would listen.

He was a devoted family man who wanted his family to be together and enjoyed all family gatherings, large and small.

He is survived by his wife, Jane Harding Gurney; one son, Paul G. Gurney of Brandon, Vermont; one daughter, Kim G. Jones of Wallingford, Vermont; two stepsons, John G. Harding and Michael H. Harding, both of Boulder, Colorado; one brother, John J. Gurney of Douglas, Arizona; six sisters, Barbara L. Newport of Windsor, Vermont, Joy Harvey of Saranac Lake, New York, Caroline Staubach of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Nancy Moore of Chester, Vermont, Laura Messier of St. Johnsbury, Vermont and Harriet Abel of Southampton, Massachusetts; four grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by his parents; two brothers, Donald I. Gurney Sr. and David Gurney; and one sister, Priscilla Whitcomb.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 17, at the Weathersfield Center Church in Weathersfield, Vermont. Reverend Susan Church will officiate.

Burial will follow at the Plain Cemetery in Perkinsville, Vermont.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to the Ascutney Mountain Audubon Society, P.O. Box 191, Springfield, VT 05156.

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

  (Click on photo to enlarge)

Read More »

James E. Williams

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  (Click on photo to enlarge)

Read More »

Donald R. Merchant

Donald R. Merchant, 67, of Weathersfield, died Sunday, July 3, 2016, at his home. He was born July 30, 1948, in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, the son of George D. and Oda (Loetta) Merchant.

He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War . Mr. Merchant was employed as a supervisor with Mack Molding for 25 years, retiring July 30, 2014.

On June 27, 1992, he married the former Robin Elizabeth Acker in Reading.

He loved riding and working on motorcycles.

He is survived by his wife, Robin; daughter, Jean Marie Willard; three sons Donald R. Merchant Jr., Roy M. Towsley, and Steven Towsley; two brothers Bill Keller and Woodrow Scott; two sisters, Beatrice Huestus and Loreen Ruser; eight grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, July 30, 2016, at Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield. The Rev. Scott Kearn, pastor, will officiate.

  (Click on photo to enlarge)

Read More »

Margaret E. Stevens, 98

Margaret Elizabeth Stevens, 98, passed away Sunday, May 8, 2016, at the Cedar Hill nursing home. She was born March 23, 1918, in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She was the daughter of James and Agnes (Mawhinney) Ferguson. Margaret lived in Newton Centre, Massachusetts, and worked at Ingersoll Rand for many years until retirement.

On Aug. 21, 1982, she married Everett W. Stevens of Weathersfield Bow. She was active in Fairview Farm, quilting and the Trinity Evangelical Free Church of Windsor. A genuinely nice lady, she lived her life without complaint.

She is survived by members of the Stevens family, longtime friends and her right hand man, Floyd Buck.

Graveside services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 14, at the Weathersfield Bow Cemetery. To view an online memorial or send a private message of condolence, visit www.stringerfh.com.

  (Click on photo to enlarge)

Read More »

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.

 

Read More »

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.

  (Click on photo to enlarge)

Read More »

Gerald Rollin McIntyre, 56

Gerald Rollin McIntyre, 56, of Weathersfield, passed away peacefully Monday, Jan. 4, 2016, in his home surrounded by his family.

He was born June 13, 1959, in Springfield, the son of Robert McIntyre and Donna Barlow. Gerald was a lifelong farmer and mechanic who took great pride in everything he did. “Born and raised in Vermont,” a phrase heard often while walking through his gardens and admiring his home of 25 years,

He always found joy in the little things in life like a good meal, a fresh cup of coffee, or riding the back roads with his dog Sophie by his side. He was always there when any of his friends or family needed a helping hand, yet never expecting anything in return. He was what one would call a “jack-of-all-trades.”

Survivors include his three children, daughters Mandolyn McIntyre and Charlotte McIntyre, and son Sean McIntyre; four brothers, Lee McIntyre, Chris McIntyre, Thomas Ruby and Robert McIntyre; one sister, Beth LaPierre; his fiancee, Deborah Lafko; his dog, Sophie; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

There will be a celebration of Gerald's life 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27, at the Rod and Gun Club in Weston, Vermont. All friends and family are welcome to come celebrate the life of Gerald. Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield is assisting the family with arrangements.

Read More »

Sheryl A. Mears, 64

Sheryl A. Mears, 64, died Friday, Jan. 1, 2016, at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon.

Read More »