College news
• Madelynn Marie Rollins, of Dummerston recently earned an undergraduate degree in kinesiology from Longwood University in Farmville, Va.
• Elkanah Linder of Townshend, a doctor of pharmacy student in Philadelphia College of Pharmacy at University of the Sciences, received a white coat at a ceremony on Sept. 23. The white coat ceremony is an annual rite of passage for students in their first professional year (third year) of USciences' six-year pharmacy program, and symbolizes their dedication to the profession of pharmacy and to the care of others.
Obituaries
• Charles G. Blake, 81, of Brattleboro. Died Sept. 24 at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H. Born in Gardner, Mass., on Feb. 20, 1936, the son of the late Charles and Helen M. (Bosworth) Blake, he was a lifelong Brattleboro resident. He enjoyed spending time with his children and doing crossword puzzles. He is survived by a two sons, Charles Blake of Bellows Falls and Norman E. Hall of Rutland; a daughter, Helen Wilkinson and her partner Reed Fisher of Brattleboro; five siblings, Carl, Dennis, June, Ella, and Mildred; as well as many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins. He is predeceased by four siblings, Bobby, Roger, Cindy, and Irene. Memorial information: A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date. Condolences may be offered at www.kerwesterlund.com.
• Leon W. “Lee” Brunswick, 65, of Guilford. Died Oct. 4 in the comfort of his home surrounded by his family. Born in Florida, N.Y., on April 15, 1952, the son of Leo and Josephine (Slesinski) Brunswick, he was raised and educated in Florida, N.Y., and was a graduate of John S. Burke Catholic High School in Goshen, N.Y., Class of 1970. He went on to attend the State University of New York at Morrisville, where he received an associate's degree in journalism in 1973. He had been employed as an auto body technician for Demco Auto Body in Guilford. Previously, he owned and operated Norm's Auto Body in Guilford for many years. He was the proud recipient of the Guilford Citizen of the Year Award and for several years served as a Scout leader for Troop 403 in Guilford. A faithful and devoted husband and loving father, Leon was known for his spirit of friendship. Of his leisure time activities, he loved the outdoors and enjoyed snowmobiling, hiking and gardening. In 1973, he married Suzan Honczar, who survives. Besides his wife of 44 years, he leaves one son, Dale Brunswick of Guilford; two brothers, Donald Brunswick of Windsor, N.Y., and Timothy Brunswick of Florida, N.Y.; two sisters, Joan Kissinger of Florida, N.Y., and Patricia Higgins of Bluffton, S.C. Additionally, he is survived by his mother-in-law, Elisabeth Costigan of Guilford and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a sister, Leona Harter. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church with burial in Baker Cemetery in Guilford. Donations to Brattleboro Memorial Hospital, 17 Belmont Ave., Brattleboro, VT 05301 or to Visiting Nurse Assoc. & Hospice of VT & NH, 88 Prospect St., White River Jct., VT 05001. To send messages of condolence, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Evelyn “Evie” Burtis, 93, of Brattleboro. Died Oct. 1 in Brattleboro Memorial Hospital of lung failure, following general anesthesia and major surgery. Born May 26, 1924 in Nassau County, N.Y., her family moved to Mt. Lebanon, Pa, near Pittsburgh, in 1938. She graduated from Mt. Lebanon high school in 1942 and then attended Bethany College in West Virginia. for three years, followed by graduation with B.S. from Carnegie Institute of Technology in Pittsburgh in 1947. While in college, she was elected to membership in Phi Kappa Phi, a technical college equivalent of Phi Beta Kappa. From 1947 to 1957, she worked in the Microbiology Research Dept. of Merck and Co. From 1957-1983, she was in the Esso Research and Engineering Co's Medical Research Division Toxicology group. This division evolved over years to become Exxon Biomedical Sciences, Inc., from which she retired. She was active in professional societies, including the Society of Toxicology (SOT), in which she chaired the Regulatory Affairs Committee, and was appointed by the president of SOT to the first Council of the International Union of Toxicology. Subsequently, she served on the Toxicology Committee of the American Industrial Hygiene Association, in which role she traveled widely to national and international conferences. During these years, she lived in Northern New Jersey. After retirement, she was in close contact with relatives, including her brother, Richard T. Burtis, and his family in Brattleboro. In 2013, she moved here to reside in Holton Home in Brattleboro, where she was very secure and comfortable. Memorial information: Funeral arrangements are in the hands of Atamaniuk Funeral Home, with assistance from the Burtis family: brother Richard, sister-in-law Irene Burtis, nieces Jennifer and Krista Burtis, of Brattleboro, and nephew Patrick of California. A family memorial service will take place in the coming weeks at Atamaniuk Funeral Home, 40 Terrace St., Brattleboro. Greetings and messages will be welcomed by Richard Burtis, 16 Vermont Ave., and at Holton Home, 158 Western Ave., Brattleboro, VT 05301.
• Clarence H. “Dan” Daniell Jr., 90, of Brattleboro. Died Oct. 1, 2017 at Thompson House Nursing Home. He was born in West Danville on Jan. 27, 1927 to Clarence H. Daniell, Sr. and Hazel Badger (Daniell) Dowdell. He graduated from St. Johnsbury Trade School and then entered the Navy, training at Sampson Naval Base in Seneca Falls, N.Y., and deploying on ABSD-6 to Apra Harbor, Guam during World War II. Upon his discharge, he relocated to Brattleboro, working with Ray Thompson's Mobil Station. His 30-year career in banking began with First Vermont Bank & Trust, then with Burlington Savings Bank, which he retired from in 1989. In 1950, he married Carolyn Morris who predeceased him in 2000. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Brattleboro, Brattleboro Lodge #102, life member of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Valley of Brattleboro, Cairo Temple and Royal Order of Jesters, Rutland, American Legion Post 5, and honorary life member of Sampson WWII Navy Veterans. He loved to fly and was an accomplished pilot for 44 years. He also enjoyed gardening, feeding the wildlife, bowling, snowmobiling and hunting. He volunteered for 28 years with the Brattleboro Shrine Bingo, being one of the original workers. He is survived by his two children, Marc Daniell and wife Candace of Guilford and Marcia Russo and husband Nicholas of Portland, Maine; his sisters, Marvourine Filgate of Brattleboro and Betty Jane Barnes of Hanover, Mass.; three grandchildren and two step-grandchildren. Her was predeceased by his sister, Beverly McCann. Memorial information: Graveside committal services with full military honors were conducted Oct. 6 in Meetinghouse Hill Cemetery Donations to the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To send messages of condolence, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Alice May Dufield, 89, of Putney. Died Oct. 2 at Thompson House in Brattleboro. She was born in Brattleboro on Feb, 17, 1928, the daughter of the late Gerald and Mineva (Felch) Turner. Her family includes her son, Lester Provenchia and his wife, Cindy, of East Swanzey, N.H.; her daughter, Dorothea Brissette and her husband, Robert, of Brattleboro; 12 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and four nieces and nephews. Memorial information: A funeral service was held Oct. 6 at Charlestown (N.H.) Memorial Chapel, with burial in Williamsville Cemetery. To send messages of condolence, visit www.stringerfh.com.
• Darren A. Loomis Sr., 57, of Putney. Died Oct. 2. Born in Wallingford, Conn., on Dec. 31, 1959. In his early 20s, he moved to Putney with his wife and oldest son, Darren Jr. Known to family and friends as “Big D,” he was known for his generosity and willingness to help the community of Putney, as well as his work ethic and devotion and love for his family. He worked at Putney Paper, now known as Soundview, for over 20 years. He is survived by his parents, Kline and Joyce Loomis; his wife of 36 years, Lisa Loomis; his son, Darren Loomis Jr., his daughters, Samantha Gundry and Tabitha Loomis; his son-in-law, Adam Gundry; four grandchildren and a future grandson; his brother, Dean Loomis; sisters-in-law, Becky Loomis and Chrissy Moscatelli; and brother-in- law David Belanger Sr.; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews and many dear friends. He was predeceased by his son, Dillon Michel Loomis; and his sister-in-law, Robin Belanger. Memorial information: A graveside service was held Oct. 7 in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Putney. Donations to Our Place Drop In Center, 6 Island St., Bellows Falls, VT 05101.
• Myrna F. Melroy, 80, of West Dummerston. Died Oct. 3 at Thompson House in Brattleboro, following a period of declining health. Born in Linden, N.J. on Jan. 14, 1937, the daughter of Russell and Edith (Best) Fletcher. She was raised and educated in East Orange, N.J., and was a graduate of East Orange High School. She had served as postmaster for the West Dummerston Post Office from 1976 to 1996, retiring from her position following 20 years of faithful service with the U.S. Postal Service. Previously, she worked as a data punch operator for Esso Oil in New York City. She was a member of the Vermont Federation of National Active & Retired Federal Employees Association and the Vermont Chapter of the United Postmasters and Managers. With her husband, she was a member of Centre Congregational Church in Brattleboro. She enjoyed gardening, vacation trips to Maine. She was also an avid reader, and enjoyed time shared with her family. In 1958, she was married to Ralph G. Melroy, who survives. Besides her faithful and devoted husband of 59 years she leaves one son, Lee C. Melroy of Hinsdale, N.H.; a daughter, Laura M. Nanof and her husband, John, of Goffstown, N.H.; five grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by one brother, Gordon, and a sister, Doris. Memorial information: A memorial service was held Oct. 9 at Centre Congregational Church in Brattleboro. Burial in Taft Cemetery will be held at a later date. Donations to Dummerston Cares, P.O. Box 302, West Dummerston, VT 05357, or Rescue Inc., P.O. Box 593, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To send messages of condolence, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Dorothy J. “Dot” Milkey, 99, of Brattleboro. Died Sept. 26 at her home. She was born on May 22, 1918 in Brattleboro; graduated from Brattleboro High School in 1935; earned a secretarial degree from the Brattleboro Business Institute; and was married to Edwin W. “Ed” Milkey on Sept. 15, 1944. She was predeceased by her parents, Alina Ingeborg and Thorwald Johnson, her husband Ed Milkey (2009), her daughter Joan Chavez (2010), and her two brothers, Harry Johnson and Ernie Johnson, Sr. Her parents emigrated from Sweden, and Swedish was her first language until she entered first grade. Learning English in that setting must have contributed to her incredible ability to become a high-achieving student. She skipped sixth grade and then went on to graduate second in her class from high school. She was also secretary to the Class of 1935 and continued to organize activities for her class for many years. After marrying Ed, Dot joined the First Baptist Church, where she was an active member for many years. Once her four daughters were grown, she and Ed joined the choir, and until the age of 92, she “kept the books” for the Women's Society. She belonged to the Dennis Rebecca Lodge from the time she was young, though she wasn't as active while raising her daughters. Well into her 90's, she would mention going to meetings and making bandages for soldiers. She also volunteered for RSVP of Windham County, for several years keeping track of the hours for over 200 volunteers, doing the math by hand “to help keep her mind sharp.” Employed by Huestis Supply Company in Brattleboro as a bookkeeper/stenographer after she graduated from business school, she left to raise her children in 1947. She returned to work for Huestis from 1961, when her youngest child reached first grade, until her retirement in 1981. She continued to manage the household while working full time - something that was less common in the early 1960s than it is now. Hence, she was also the CFO of the Milkey family, managing all the finances so that her four daughters could all receive a college education - something that was out of her family's reach when she finished high school. She dedicated her life to the care of others. She was a devoted mother, providing a safe, nurturing environment for her four girls. Growing up during the Depression and then living through World War II had a lasting impact on her: gas ration cards for some wedding presents allowed Dot and Ed to honeymoon in Maine; they used coded correspondence while Ed was overseas; and they both were committed to making their children's lives easier than theirs. She was an environmentalist before the term was coined - saving, recycling, and reusing long before it was common. She cared for many people during her lifetime, always willing to help others. Only recently did she need care herself. After Ed died in 2009, she lived alone until January 2013. The family was blessed to have a wonderful caregiver, Elizabeth Addey, live with her for the past 3 1/2 years so that Dot could remain in her home of 64 years, where she wanted to be. They will be forever grateful to Elizabeth for her kind and loving care. She is survived by her three daughters: Gini Milkey and Ed Paquin of Barre; Sue and Bill Minard of Richmond; and Mary Milkey-May and Ernie May of Amherst, Mass.; son-in-law, Freddy Chavez of Albuquerque, N.M., and sister-in-law, Lois Johnson of Cumming, Ga. She is also survived by three grandchildren, eight step-grandchildren and several great-grandchildren and step-great grandchildren, all of whom enriched her life, along with several nieces and nephews. Memorial information: A private burial was held by the family on Oct. 1. A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held on Saturday, Oct. 14, at 11 a.m., at First Baptist Church in Brattleboro. Donations to the First Baptist Church or Brattleboro Area Hospice. All arrangements were made by Atamaniuk Funeral Home in Brattleboro.
• John Patrick “Pat” Robinson, 74, of Newfane. Died Sept. 25 at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, Mass., after being stricken ill at his home earlier in the day. Born in Brattleboro on Oct. 31, 1942, the son of John D. and Irene G. (Jones) Robinson. He attended St. Michael's Parochial School and later attended elementary school in Newfane. He was a graduate of Leland & Gray Seminary in Townshend, Class of 1961. He worked for 28 years at The Book Press in Brattleboro and later worked for Cersosimo Lumber Company on Flat Street, which he retired from in 2006. He was a communicant of Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church in Townshend. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fishing and vegetable gardening. He used to joke that he grew the best cucumbers because he resided on Pickle Hill. He had a wonderful sense of humor and was known for his spirit of friendship, always ready to help someone in need. In 1980, he married Ellen M. Clark, who survives. Besides his faithful and devoted wife of 37 years, he leaves a daughter, Erica Robinson of Brattleboro, and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and a brother, Reily Robinson, who died in infancy. Memorial information: There are no formal funeral services scheduled. A memorial gathering will take place in the springtime at a date and place to be announced. Donations to Grace Cottage Hospital, P.O. Box 216, Townshend, VT 05353. To send messages of condolence, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Mary Patricia (Fiorillo) Robling, 86, of Westminster. Died Sept. 3. She was born in Saugatuck, Conn. She is survived by her sons: Richard Robling of Raleigh, N.C., Frederick Robling III of Westminster, and Marc Robling of Southington, Conn.; and her daughters Jo-Ann Robling of Sandy Hook, Conn., Mary Alice Robling of Milford, Conn., along with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In the mid-1980s, she retired from her billing supervisory position at the Connecticut-based Market Data Retrieval Company. She also worked providing tax assistance for H&R Block, after working many years at a restaurant in Saugatuck, Conn. She then moved to Westminster with her longtime husband, Frederick J. Robling Jr. For many years, she was active with the VFW Ladies Auxiliary. She also assisted Westminster Cares by delivering meals-on-wheels and visits to seniors in need. She was a devout wife for over 63 years, a loving mother, and an overall generous, giving person. She took great joy in solving crossword puzzles, reading magazines, watching butterflies, feeling cool autumn breezes, participating in arts and crafts, but most of all, she loved her family. Memorial information: A celebration of her life was held Oct. 9 at American Legion Post 37 in Bellows Falls. Donations to Westminster Cares, 3534 US 5, Westminster, VT 05158.
• Jane Louise Staib, 87, of West Townshend. Died Sept. 22 at Thompson House Nursing Home in Brattleboro. She was born in Hartford, Conn. on Aug. 1, 1930, the daughter of Ralph K. and Phyllis L. (Fowler) Harger, was raised and educated in Bloomfield, Conn. She received her nursing degree from Middlesex Hospital School of Nursing in 1951. In 1952, she married to Alexander “Al” Staib Jr. who predeceased her in 2005. She and her family moved from Granby, Conn., to Vermont in 1973 where she and Al started a farm. Her passion for gardening and baking led her to helping start the Brattleboro Farmers' Market. But foremost was her love of nursing. She loved her profession. Even after moving to Vermont, she still commuted to Hartford Hospital to work in the ER and run the farm until she became a “Grace” at Grace Cottage Hospital, a place that she enjoyed and held dear to her heart. She later worked for Dr. Mulhren's office in Townshend until her retirement in 1995. She enjoyed camping, gardening, cooking, working around her yard and house, and an occasional lobster and steamer dinner. Survivors include her son, Thomas Staib and his wife, Lori, of West Townshend; her daughter, Debra Staib, of Bradenton, Fla.; three granddaughters, three great grandchildren, two brothers, two sisters, and many nieces and nephews. Memorial information: In accordance with her final wishes, there will be no formal funeral services. Donations to Grace Cottage Hospital, P.O. Box 216, Townshend, VT 05353, or Thompson House Nursing Home, 80 Maple St., Brattleboro, VT 05301. To send messages of condolence, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Mildred “Tiny” (Boyd) Stark, 82, of Colrain, Mass. Died Sept. 30 at the home of her son in Charlemont, Mass. Born in Wilmington on Feb. 25, 1935, the daughter of Jasper and Laura (Moulton) Boyd, she was a graduate of Whitingham High School. She married Donald M. Stark in 1954, who predeceased her in 1994. They resided in Buckland for 59 years where she was an active member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church. She operated the church-affiliated “store” in the basement of the church for several years. She moved to Colrain four years ago, but remained active in the church. For 35 years, she was employed by Lamson & Goodnow Manufacturing Co. in Buckland. During the 1960s, when her children were young, she was a Brownie Scout troop leader. In the early 1970s, she was a foster mother to brothers Barry and Donnie Smith. She is survived by two sons: Daniel (Cheryl) Stark of Augustine, Fla. and Kenneth (Michelle) Stark of Charlemont; three daughters: Linda (Leonard) Derby of Halifax, Kelly Malek of Colrain, and Sandra (Norm) Ward, also of Colrain; 17 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren, and 13 great-great grandchildren. Memorial information: A funeral service was held Oct. 8, at Smith-Kelleher Funeral Home in Shelburne Falls, Mass. Burial was in Whitneyville Cemetery in Halifax. Donations to Hospice of Franklin County, 329 Conway St., Greenfield, MA 01301
• David Fenton Usher, 72, of Brattleboro. Died Sept. 5, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in San Antonio, Texas on July 29, 1945, the son of Fenton George and Wilma Joyce (Collom) Usher, he was a graduate of Charlotte Hall Military School in Maryland and earned a degree from Franklin Pierce College. He served in the Army during Vietnam and was stationed in Okinawa where he did aerial photo reconnaissance. He loved the culture, and began his career in photography there. He also served as a drill sergeant in the Army. After discharge from the Army, he moved to California and spent a lot of time traveling, especially in Scotland and Ireland. He spent a lot of time in Hawaii and loved his time in Vermont. He worked for the U.S. Department of the Interior as a photographer and geologist. He also taught photography at Zone VI for Fred Picker at The Putney School during summers and studied photography with Ansel Adams. He was a lover of life and people, curious about history, and gave himself to his friends, sharing his knowledge freely with others. He was a brother to folks who needed a hand. He was fond of the saying, “Old soldiers never die, they just fade away,” and he believed it to the end. On Aug. 22, 2017, he married Maria Florence Bruce, who survives. Also surviving is his mother, Wilma Joyce Usher of Bradenton, Fla.; sister Donna Joyce West of Bradenton, Fla.; and niece Amanda Suazo of Woodbridge, Va. He was predeceased by his father. Memorial information: Per his request, there were no services.