Obituaries
Editor's note: The Commons will publish brief biographical information for citizens of Windham County and others, on request, as community news, free of charge.
• Christie Lynn Archer, 35, of Wardsboro. Died Nov. 3 at her home. Wife of Mark Archer for 14 years. Mother of Kenneth William Archer. Sister of Adam and Donald Thomas, Jr. Born in Brattleboro, the daughter of Donald Thomas Sr. and Sandra (Adams) Thomas, she spent most of her childhood in Townshend and attended Townshend Elementary School, Leland & Gray Union High School and the Windham Regional Career Center. For many years, she was the friendly face behind the front desk at the Stratton Mountain Inn. She was a fantastic mother, and devoted much of her spare time chaperoning field trips, coaching, score keeping and helping out in her community. Family was the center of her life, and she loved family trips, camping, and fishing. She was an avid Red Sox fan, and really enjoyed going to games. The Archers went to the Maine coast as often as they could, and she loved going fishing with people she loved. She had an amazing sense of humor, and her outlook on life, and positive attitude enhanced the lives of everyone around her. Memorial information: A funeral service was held Nov. 9 at the Wardsboro Methodist Church, with graveside committal services and interment following in Oakwood Cemetery in Townshend.
• Daniel Martin Bliss, 17, of Brattleboro. Died Nov. 6 in an automobile accident in Bernardston, Mass. Son of Coretta Corbin Bliss of Brattleboro and Robyn Bliss of Vero Beach, Fla. Brother of Anne-Marie Bliss of Brattleboro. He was a talented artist and aspiring graphic designer who enjoyed video games, pool, hunting, and snowboarding. He was a senior at Brattleboro Union High School, and worked at Price Chopper in Brattleboro. He was a great student and well-liked by his teachers, fellow students, and co-workers, and will be greatly missed by all of his family and friends. Memorial information: A memorial service was held Nov. 12 at All Souls Church in West Brattleboro. Donations to Coretta Bliss FBO Daniel Bliss Memorial Fund at People's United Bank, 100 Main Street, Brattleboro VT 05301.
• Edmund Eugene Gilbert, 82, of Vernon. Died Nov. 6 at home. Former husband of Helen A. (Stewart) Gilbert for 25 years, and the late Sharon and Jeannie Gilbert. Father of Patricia A. Gilbert and Eugene Edmund Gilbert. Born in Springfield, Mass., the son of Alonzo Eugene Gilbert and Ora (Dowd) Gilbert, he moved to Vermont with his family at an early age and attended the one-room schoolhouse in Marlboro, and Brattleboro High School. He joined the Army in June 1948, and proudly served his country during the Korean War. He was Post Commander of American Legion Post 5 in Brattleboro and also served as a District Commander. He also served on the Brattleboro Selectboard. He was a Master Licensed Plumber, first with Huestis Plumbing & Heating, and later started his own business, Gilbert Plumbing & Heating. When he retired, he worked for Vermont Yankee, and continued to do plumbing and heating work for family and friends. He had a deep and profound love for nature, and was an avid hunter and fisherman. His proudest moment came when he shot a moose at the age of 75. He had a great sense of humor, always joking and eager to share his many stories with those around him. He had a heart of gold. He took great pride in his vegetable gardens and enjoyed reading, politics, and spending time with his family and friends. Memorial information: A celebration of his life was held Nov. 12 at American Legion Post 5. Donations to the American Cancer Society.
• Alice E. (McGovern) Hawes, of Sudbury and Marston Mills, Mass. Died Nov. 7. Wife of Richard Hawes, a retired Sudbury fire captain, for 60 years. Mother of Kathleen Hawes of Wrentham, Mass.; Marcia Swenson and her husband, Richard, of Bellingham, Mass.; Betsy Mele of Newport, R.I.; Richard Hawes and his wife, Donna, of Wilmington; Jennifer Michaels and her husband, Stephen, of Hudson, Mass.; Deborah Davin of Townsend, Mass. Sisters of Jean Henderson of Sarasota, Fla., and Marion Zulliger of Lima, Ohio. She was a valued employee of Emerson Hospital in Concord and at Lady Grace in Hyannis. She loved to laugh and was always an avid story teller. Her love and commitment to her family was without equal. Memorial information: A funeral service was held Nov. 11 at the Sudbury United Methodist Church. Donations to the Wrentham Mental Center, Special Gifts Fund, 131 Emerald St. Wrentham, MA 02093.
• Frederick J. Jutras Sr., 70, of Brookline. Died Nov. 6. Husband of Dorothy A. Jutras for 32 years. Father of Bill, Normajean, Robert Jutras, and Frederick Jutras Jr. Stepfather of Eyvonne, Bernard, Ronald, Edward, and Beverly. Brother of Nancy, Jane, John, and Roger. He worked for the town of Newfane for 20 years until he retired. He was a kind-hearted man who was always willing to lend a helping hand or advice. He was always telling a story, and was never without a joke. Memorial information: Graveside committal services and interment were performed on Nov. 10 in Pleasant View Cemetery in Randolph.
• Roy Krause, 89, of Brattleboro. Died Nov. 4. Survived by his children, Roy A. Krause of Brattleboro, Susan Hall and Brian Duryea of Melbourne, Fla., and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife, Ruth, and son, Mark. Originally from Hartford, Conn., he enjoyed the Boston Red Sox, horse racing, and movies. Memorial information: A memorial service will be held in the summer in Palm Bay, Fla.
• Gertrude E. Kroeger, 96, of Waterford. Died Nov. 8 at her home in Waterford. Wife of the late Richard D. Kroeger. Mother of Eugeine Kroeger and her husband, John, of Waterford, and the late Richard Kroeger Jr. Daughter of the late Russell and Gertrude (Veilmouth) Gray. Memorial information: A memorial service was held Nov. 12 at the East Dover Baptist Church. Donations to the East Dover Baptist Church, 34 Dover Hill Rd., Dover, VT 05341, or the Samaritan's Purse International Relief Foundation, P.O Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607.
• Eleanor Mae “Tillie” McCormick, 89, of Hinsdale, N.H. Died Nov. 8 at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H. Wife of Edward “Red” McCormick for 67 years. Mother of Mary Kowalchyk and husband Harry of Liverpool, N.Y., Ellen Gomarlo and her husband, John, of Winchester, N.H., and the late James Nolan McCormick II. Sister of Sonja Hurley of Brattleboro and the late Russell Streeter. Born in Hinsdale, the daughter of the late Roger and Margaret Burke Streeter, she graduated from Hinsdale High School, Class of 1940. She had worked at the former J.E. Mann Store on Main Street in Brattleboro for several years. She was also a devoted homemaker whose life centered around her family. She especially enjoyed time shared with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Active civically, she was a volunteer at the American Red Cross Blood drawings in Brattleboro, and for many years served as supervisor of the voter check list for the town of Hinsdale. She enjoyed golf and with her husband she was a member of the Brattleboro Country Club. The McCormicks were seven-time champions of the Husband and Wife Golf Tournament held annually at the club. She was a communicant of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Hinsdale and was a member of the Catholic Daughters. She enjoyed feeding the birds and chipmunks that visited her yard, loved her flowers, and time with her friends at her weekly fitness and exercise meetings held at the Millstream Community Center in Hinsdale. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held Nov. 12 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, with burial in St. Joseph's Parish Cemetery. Donations to Winchester Learning Center, 5 Michigan Street, Winchester, N.H. 03470 attn: Roberta Royce, or to the Michael Abbott Athletic Scholarship Fund, Hinsdale High School, 49 School St. , Hinsdale, N.H. 03451, in care of Michael McKosker, Athletic Director. Condolences may be sent to Atamaniuk Funeral Home at www.atamaniuk.com.
• George Carl Mitchell, 69, of Vernon. Died Nov. 5 at his home. Survived by his companion of 29 years, Esther Johnson, and her three daughters, Betty Squires, Barbara Piper and Brenda Damon. Brother of Frank Mitchell and his wife, Mary, of Putney; Zoa Given of Brattleboro; Virginia Hughes of Fairfield; Karen Towle of Hinsdale, N.H., and the late William and Charles Mitchell, and Janice Mitchell. Born in Stowe, the son of the late William and Marjorie (Zeno) Mitchell, he was raised on farms in Stowe and Fairfield. He attended schools in Fairfield and Westminster West. He had worked for the Brattleboro Retreat, Lawrence Leathers in Winchester, N.H., and Fulflex. He served in the National Guard for six years during the 1950s. He was an avid gun collector and outdoorsman. He was a member of the National Rifle Association, and loved hunting and fishing. He also enjoyed photography and foraging mushrooms. Memorial information: Funeral services were held Nov. 9 at Ker-Westerlund Funeral Home in Brattleboro, with graveside committal services and burial in Tyler Cemetery.
• Margaret “Peg” H. Morgan, 87, of Searsburg. Died Nov. 9 at Pine Heights in Brattleboro. Wife of the late Henry H. Morgan for 32 years. Mother of Nishon Morgan and his wife, Katy, of Dummerston; Florence Wilson and her partner, Sonny Gates, of Wilmington; and the late Harry, John and Mike Morgan. Sister of Nathan Harpootlian, Helen Wight, Alice Heath, Florence Ireland, and the late Esther DeAngelis. Born in Camden, N.J., the daughter of the late Harry and Florence Rosetta Smith Harpootlian, she attended Hightstown, N.J. schools. She enjoyed helping others and did so by volunteering for R.S.V.P. and the Council on Aging. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Senior Citizens Bowling League in Wilmington, was an avid New York Yankees baseball fan, but most of all she cherished times spent with her family and friends. She was also very active in town government and held many positions, including serving as a member of the Searsburg School Board. Memorial information: Graveside funeral services were held Nov. 14 at Riverview cemetery in Wilmington. Donations to the Wilmington Fire Department, in care of Covey & Allen Funeral Home P.O. Box 215 Wilmington, VT 05363.
• Paul Wilder Ratte Sr., 88, of Corvallis, Ore., formerly of Brattleboro. Died Nov. 4 in Corvallis. Husband of Judith Ratte for 25 years and the late Georgette Caron Ratte. Father of Paul Jr., and his wife, Linda, of Longview, Wash.; Karen Gressinger, and her husband, Jim, of Tucson, Ariz.; and Clifford II, and his wife, Lynne, of Pensacola, Fla. Born in Hartford, Conn., the son of the late Clifford and Ruth Ratte, he grew up in Brattleboro. He was a veteran of World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Inspired by the 1936 movie, Brother Rat, he decided on a Naval career. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1945, then served as a naval aviator for 26 years. His final tour of duty was as Executive Officer of the Naval ROTC Unit at Oregon State University. In his retirement, the Rattes loved to travel and spent many winters in Kauai, Hawaii, where they served as docents on Kilauea point, a favorite whale-watching spot. He enjoyed bowling, was a life member of the Corvallis Elks, and a Life Master Bridge player, attending tournaments throughout the United States. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held Nov. 9 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Corvallis, with a military burial at Oaklawn Memorial Park Cemetery. Donations to the Oregon Multiple Sclerosis Society.
• George W. Wright, 69, of Cumberland, R.I. Died Nov. 4 at Fatima Hospital following a very brief illness. Husband of Nancy Wright. Father of Tammy (Wright) Normandin and her husband, Ron; Craig Brazell and his wife, Cindy; and Brendan Pursel and his fiance, Donna. Brother of Carolyn Peck of Brattleboro and Arthur H. Wright, Jr. of Keene, N.H. Predeceased by his mother, Cora Wright Carey; his stepfather, Harold P. Carey; his father, Arthur H. Wright, Sr.; and his sisters, Louise Petrie and Janice Seaver. He had been in the watch and jewelry business for more than 50 years and was the longtime owner of Walker's Jewelers in Cumberland, having gotten his start in the jewelry business with James Lantz of Simon's Jewelers on Main Street in Brattleboro. He was a graduate of Brattleboro Union High School, Class of 1960, and Bowman Technical School in Lancaster, Pa. Following graduation from Bowman, he worked with the Hamilton Watch Co., and Bulova Watch Co., before acquiring Walker's Jewelers. Memorial information: Funeral services will be private.
Births
• In Brattleboro (Memorial Hospital), Oct. 26, 2011, a daughter, Peyton Georgia Thibault, to Hannah Parker and Bob Thibault of Dummerston; granddaughter to David Parker and Fran Ziperstein of Brattleboro, Penny Packard of Naples, Fla., and David and Patricia Thibault of Centerville, Mass.
• In Brattleboro (Memorial Hospital), Oct. 24, 2011, a daughter, Kaitlin Nicole Kurkul, to Jennifer (Howland) and Kevin Kurkul of Westminster; granddaughter to Linda Howland and the late Arnold Howland, and Walter and Cathy Kurkul.
• In Brattleboro (Memorial Hospital), Sept. 30, 2011, a daughter, Althea Krause Herron, to John Herron, Jr. and Jessi Krause Herron of Saxtons River; grandaughter to Julie Zolnoski, Roy Krause, and John and Susan Herron.
• In Brattleboro (Memorial Hospital), Sept. 15, 2011, a daughter, Abigail Jean Dunn, to Ashley (Johnson) and Ryan Dunn of Brattleboro; granddaughter to Tim and Heidi Johnson and Susan and Jay Dunn.
School news
• Eleven composers from grades 6-7 at The Grammar School in Putney, working with their teacher Alli Lubin, submitted their final entries to the Vermont Midi Project's Opus 23 competition on Nov. 11. Those competing are seventh grader Colette Anton, sixth graders Molly Durling and Isaac Freitas-Eagan, and four teams: Kit Blazej and Roselle Lovell-Smith, Tyler Silbey and Luke Cuerdon, Ethan Foster and Robin McOwen, and William Parkman and Gabriel Feal-Staub.
The instrumentation for Opus 23 is brass, piano and percussion. The selected pieces will be performed live by professional musicians in the Opus 23 Concert on Monday, Dec. 5, at the Elley-Long Music Center at St. Michael's College in Colchester.