College news
• The following students at the Community College of Vermont (CCV) earned associate degrees at CCV's 2025 Commencement on June 7: Sarah Aiken, Jacob Alexander Harrelson, and Alejandra Morcillo-Franco of Bellows Falls; Moussoumakan A. Diallo, Monica Ann Kellar, Carol Ann Maynard, Clay Anthony Barcelos, Erika Carolyn Favreau, Frances Cornick, Drew Del Valle, Hailey Elizabeth Taylor, Melissa Lee Hill, and Monique Tameka Carson of Brattleboro; Sierra Lynn Lane, Krystal A. Martin and Trevor J. Golding of Dummerston; Sierra Gagnon of East Dover; Bryanna Maybelle Finnell, Lily Moon Quintero, and Molly Peters of Guilford; Celine Morin and Kathleen Sullivan of Jacksonville; Carly Rae Lane of Jamaica; Makaila R. Morse of Newfane; Ryan P. Gardner and Alexis Tracy Larsen of Putney; Martha G. Jordan of South Londonderry; Julie M. Cermola of Saxtons River; Tyler Alexander Claussen, Paul Edward Jerz, and Hannah Marie Landers of Townshend; Alyssa Batts, Alexander Douglas Kemp, and Nadine R. Kissell of Vernon; Jeffrey M. Rivard of West Brattleboro; Amanda Batkin of West Dover; Victoria Aurelia Augusta-Summers of West Halifax; Angela Kaye Jardine and Paige Pryor Mellish of Westminster; Jasmine Olivia Cavanaugh of Westminster West; Shannon Fowler Moore of Whitingham; Desiree Moore of Wilmington; and Rheanna Grace Pare of Windham.
• Owen Edwards and Kendra Atkin of Bellows Falls both graduated in May from Paul Smith's College in Paul Smith, New York.
• Ruby Powers, a media arts and design major from Dummerston, graduated Cum Laude in May from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia.
• Kai Costiuc of South Newfane was named to the spring 2025 Dean's List at the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia.
• Abbigale Hodge of Bellows Falls, Alanah Mcallister and Haley McAllister of Putney, and Riley McCormack of Newfane were all named to the spring 2025 President's List at Plymouth (N.H.) State University.
• Ava Cutler of Brattleboro and Christina Czechel of Londonderry were named to the spring 2025 Dean's List at Stonehill College in Easton, Massachusetts.
School news
• Maeve Tholen of Brattleboro and Asher Jackson of Putney were among 192 students, from 24 states and 25 nations, who graduated from Northfield Mount Hermon School on May 25.
Obituaries
• Sandra Ann "Sandy" (Hoff) Anderson, 78, of Westminster. Died peacefully at her home on June 9, 2025, surrounded by her family and beloved dog, Blaze, after a long battle with dementia. Sandy was born on Nov. 24, 1946, in Claremont, New Hampshire, to George Walter and Lucienne Antoinette (Desilets) Hoff. She graduated from Stevens High School in Claremont in 1964 and began her career as a dental assistant. After relocating to Vermont, she worked as a secretary for Southeastern Vermont Community Action (SEVCA) and Vermont Business World. She later served many years as a school secretary at Kurn Hattin Homes in Westminster before retiring. On Aug. 16, 1980, Sandy married Arvi "Skip" Anderson, her partner of 10 years, and together they shared 55 years of love and companionship. Sandy had a deep love for animals, especially her three cherished Pomeranians. She enjoyed dancing - particularly to Elvis Presley - along with hobbies like hunting, fishing, ceramics, and knitting. Proud of her French Canadian and Abenaki heritage, she regularly attended Pow Wows at the Odenak reservation. She is survived by her husband, Skip; two daughters, Michelle and Brieanna; two grandchildren, Chelsea and Danica; and a niece, Terri. She was predeceased by her parents; her grandson, Tristan; and nephew, Eugene. Memorial information: A private family graveside service was held on June 12 at St. Mary's Cemetery in Claremont.
• Jonathan Blumenthal, 87, died on May 3, 2025 at Southern Vermont Medical Center in Bennington. He was a proud American, who served in the Army and believed in our Constitution. Jonathan is survived by his significant other, Ilene Holden and her son, Michael Beam; his daughter, Sara Spengler; his sister Shelley Zara and brother-in-law Harvey Zara; his nieces and nephews Cynthia Zara Isaacson, Michelle Zara Evans, Ben Zara, and Dan Zara, as well as all of their children; and his beloved grandnieces and grandnephews. Jonathan was an honorary native Vermonter who lived for decades in West Dover; even though he was born and raised in Manhattan. Jon earned a bachelors degree from New York University and worked for the New York City Welfare Department in the Bronx, where he met his first wife, the mother of his daughter, Sara. He earned an M.Ed. from City College and got a job with the New York City Board of Education, teaching math for students in special education at a high school in Times Square. Jon loved skiing fresh powder, golfing, playing tennis, hunting, and shooting trap and targets. He was a member of the NRA and supported them fully. He was also a fabulous chef who loved fine foods and beverages, and delighted his friends, family, and neighbors when he would show up with a dish or host a dinner party. His food could never be spicy enough, and his cars never fast enough. Needless to say, he was never happier than when he was in the home he built in West Dover in the late 1960s for himself and his late wife of 30 years, Joanne Blumenthal. Those who knew him will miss him as they happily remember his generosity, loyalty, and his ability to make them laugh, even if they didn't want to. He never told the same joke more than once, except when he always did. Memorial information: A celebration of life was held on June 14 at the Cooper Hill Inn in East Dover.
• Barbara Malcolm Hunt, 93, of Guilford. Died peacefully on June 9, 2025, after a life well-lived. Barbara was born to Douglas and Frances Malcolm at Concord (N.H.) Hospital on April 21, 1932. She lived in Hooksett, New Hampshire, for most of her childhood until her father's job required a transfer to Templeton Furniture Company in Brattleboro in 1949. The family settled on Marlboro Avenue in Brattleboro. Barbara graduated from Brattleboro High School in 1950. As a graduation gift, she sailed to Scotland where she met and stayed with her father's family in Forfar, Scotland, her father's hometown. On May 8, 1953, Barbara married Stuart W. Hunt at First Baptist Church on Main Street. Barbara worked for the Holstein Association in Brattleboro until she was expecting their first child. Stuart and Barbara resided in Brattleboro until they purchased a farm on Hinesburg Road in West Guilford in 1955. She resided at this home for 70 years. Barbara was predeceased by her husband, Stuart, in 2014, after 61 years of marriage. They raised four children who survive: Stuart W. Hunt II (fiancée Jill Howe), Douglas (wife Cathy), Thomas (wife Emmie) and Jane (husband Bill DeCosmo). Barbara had two younger sisters; Ann Kempf, who predeceased her in May 2023, and Ina Cassidy who survives. She was extremely close to both her sisters and shared many great memories with them. She also leaves her dear friend Patsy Hallett Sanderson, whom she grew up with in Hooksett, New Hampshire. They had remained friends for over 80 years and shared many adventures. Thankfully, they were able to speak on the phone shortly before Barbara passed. She is also survived by five grandsons, one granddaughter, and three great-grandchildren, many nephews and nieces and two dear Scottish first cousins, Alan Guild and Mary Milne. Fortunately, she was able to speak with Alan shortly before her passing as well. There were many neighborhood kids that she thought the world of and always welcomed into her home. These "kids" as she always called them, remained in touch with her throughout the years, often stopping for a visit to catch up with her and reminisce. Barbara was a kind and attentive mother and wife. She was an excellent cook. Barbara loved to read and was often seen sitting in her lovely sun room reading or just enjoying looking out over the fields and rolling hills. She also loved her yearly trips to Rye Beach, New Hampshire with her daughter, Jane. She loved to watch and listen to the waves. Some lobster or fried clams hit the spot after a hard day at the beach. Active in the town over the years, she served on the Guilford School Board and Guilford Selectboard, was a reading tutor at Guilford Central School, and volunteered at the Guilford Free Library. She was a volunteer election worker, was a life member of the Guilford Grange, and was the town's Tax Collector for many years. Memorial information: Plans for a service have not yet been finalized, but one will be held at a later date. Donations to the Guilford Free Library, 4024 Guilford Center Rd., Guilford, VT 05301.
• Sheila Agnes Kinnare, 78, of Cross Road in West Chesterfield, New Hampshire. Died unexpectedly on June 11, 2025, at Lahey Hospital in Burlington, Massachusetts, following complications from cardiac surgery. Sheila was born in Lee, Massachusetts, on March 9, 1947, the daughter of John Howard and Agnes Bernadette (L'Heureux) Landon. She was raised and educated in Lee, attending local schools, and went on to graduate from Middlesex College in Middletown, Connecticut, where she received her Licensed Practical Nurse diploma. Sheila worked as a private duty nurse for many years in the state of Connecticut, later moving to New Hampshire where, with her late husband, she established Hemlock Hill Antiques located in West Chesterfield. She enjoyed many years attending antique shows and selling from their shop. Following the declining health of her husband, she returned to the nursing profession where she worked at Prospect Place in Keene, New Hampshire. A devout Catholic, Sheila was a communicant of St. Michael Roman Catholic Church in Brattleboro where she devoted many hours tending to the facility gardens as well as her own beautiful gardens at her home. She was a member of the Garden Club where she served as vice president. A devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother, Sheila especially enjoyed spending time with her family and many friends. On January 11, 1969, at St. George Catholic Church in Guilford, Connecticut, she was married to John Edward Kinnare, who predeceased her on July 6, 2014. Survivors include her three children: Jennifer A. Ingham and husband Robert, Brian M. Kinnare and wife Stephanie, and Lisa A. Kopcha and husband Michael; and grandchildren, Christopher Ingham and wife Emily and great-grandson Connor, Courtney Ingham, Joseph Hernandez, Jesenia Hernandez, Eli Kopcha, Ryan Kopcha, and Molly Kopcha. Additionally, she leaves two brothers, David Landon (Jean), Kevin Landon (Judy), and many nieces and nephews. She was also predeceased by one brother, John Landon. Memorial information: A funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, June 24, at noon at St. Michael Catholic Church in Brattleboro. Following the Mass, all are welcome to gather at the Kinnare homestead at 136 Cross Road, West Chesterfield. Committal rites and burial in Chesterfield West Cemetery on Poor Road will take place on Wednesday, June 25, at 10 a.m. Donations to St. Michael Catholic Church, 48 Walnut St., Brattleboro, VT 05301. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Robert John "Bob" Lanoue, 78, of Brattleboro. Died peacefully at his home on June 2, 2025. He was born on June 27, 1946, in Jersey City, New Jersey, to John Lanoue and Lucy Biscone Lanoue. His family moved to Orleans, where he spent his youth and graduated from Orleans High School in 1964. Bob proudly served in the Navy from June 1964 to June 1966 in the Pacific and the Gulf of Tonkin in Vietnam. He was a cook aboard the destroyer, USS Stickell. After his military service, he graduated from the Culinary Institute of America as a chef in 1969. A chef at several restaurants in New England, Bob discovered his love of French and Italian cuisine. Meanwhile, career centers were opening to teach skilled trades throughout Vermont. Bob returned to his home state in 1971, where he dedicated 30 years to teaching culinary arts at the Windham Regional Career Center. As a teacher, "Chef Lanoue" made a lasting impact on countless students-many of whom credit him with shaping their careers and inspiring their lives in general. He left his mark on the Brattleboro community with the "Cordon Bleu Room" (and later, the "Hideaway") Restaurant at the Career Center. Students brought dates, and townspeople enjoyed professionally prepared entrees served by polite young men and women, often transformed from their more rebellious ways. He was honored to be a Chef Instructor of the year for Vermont along with articles about his program in Country Journal magazine and Reader's Digest. He is also fondly remembered as "Coach Lanoue" by many BUHS girls' varsity soccer alumnae. Bob was a dedicated member of the Brattleboro Elks Lodge 1499 for 53 years. He rarely missed lending his talents to Elks "Friday Night Supper," "Hoop Shoot," and "Drug Awareness". He was honored to receive the Elk of the Year award in 1989. For many years, he dedicated Christmas morning to volunteer at Charlie Slate's free breakfast, for anyone looking to share a meal with others. Bob will be remembered for his generous spirit, dry wit, steadfast loyalty, and his deep love for his family and friends. Whether in the kitchen, the classroom, or at home, he was always ready to lend a hand, share a story, or serve up a hearty meal. His influence continues to live on in the many students whose lives he touched with patience, guidance, and encouragement. On Aug. 9, 1975, Bob married the love of his life, Nancy Lent, who survives. He is survived by his daughter Heather Lanoue Cutler, her husband Lance, and grandchildren Ava and Harper Cutler. In addition, he leaves a niece and nephew, Lori Anne Ouellette, and Steve Wing. Also, Nancy's niece to whom he has been close for most of her life, Caroline Garbett. He was predeceased by his sister, Florence Lanoue Wing, his father, John Paul Lanoue, stepmother, Jean Lanoue and his dear aunt, Irene Lanoue. Memorial information: Friends, former students, and neighbors are invited to share remembrances at an open house on Bob's birthday, Friday, June 27, at his home at 25 Laurel St., Brattleboro, from 4 to 7 p.m. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, June 28, at Saint Theresa Cemetery, 50 Tanguay Lane, Barton, at 11 a.m. Donations to the Vermont Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, 60 Kimball Ave., South Burlington, VT 05401 (vabvi.org), or to American Legion Post 5 Baseball, 120 Hinesburg Rd., Brattleboro, VT 05301 or digitally with Venmo @ Eric-Libardoni-1. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Priscilla M. Rodgers, 82, of Bellows Falls. Died at her home on June 7, 2025. She was born on Jan. 10, 1943, the daughter of Fred and Alice (Green) Arbuckle in Randolph, VT. She attended schools in Randolph. Priscilla worked as a housekeeper at Vermont Academy in Saxtons River. She was a member of the Bartonsville Grange, and was a very giving person wh0 donated handmade gifts to schoolchildren, the homeless, and the VFW. Priscilla touched many with her thoughtfulness of sending cards and letters ,no matter what the occasion. She enjoyed knitting and crocheting, and playing Bingo and a variety of other fun Christmas games. She was a kind person with a good heart and she will be missed by many. On May 13, 1959, she married Robert Rodgers, who predeceased her. She is survived by her son, James Rodgers and wife, Nancy of Bartonsville; a daughter, Sharon Lester of Bellows Falls; a brother, Walter and wife, Elizabeth Arbuckle; grandchildren Jeremy and Frederick Scott, Timothy and Thomas Arbuckle, Kevin Thomas, Shawn Thomas (Jenn) Kendra Ingalls (Kel), James Mills (Carrie); great-grandchildren Hannah and Carson Arbuckle, Scott Thomas, Maddison Thomas, Gavin Ingalls, Shawny Thomas, and Sam Thomas; and a great-great-grandchild. Besides her husband and parents, she was predeceased by her son, Robert and daughter, Sandra Rodgers, and brother, Ralph Arbuckle, and sister, Linda Rodgers. Memorial information: There will be a graveside service on Saturday, June 21, at 3 p.m., at Pleasant View Cemetery in Randolph. A celebration of her life will be held at the Bartonsville Grange, 116 Upper Bartonsville Road, Rockingham, on July 19, at 1 p.m.
• Wayne Keith Watson, 84, of Vernon. Died June 1, 2025 at Vernon Green Nursing Home. He was born on Feb. 9, 1941, in Fryeburg, Maine, and was a graduate of Bonny Eagle High School. Shortly after, he served in the Army, dedicating three years to military service. Following his time in the Army, Wayne built a successful career at Pratt & Whitney in East Hartford, Connecticut, where he worked with dedication for 27 years before retiring. He was a man of many passions and a heart full of joy. He loved bowling and dancing, always bringing a smile to those lucky enough to share the lanes or the dance floor with him. A devoted father and grandfather, he never missed an opportunity to cheer on his children and grandchildren at their sporting events. His love for family was evident in everything he did. He found peace and happiness in the outdoors-whether it was camping or enjoying the serenity of a fishing trip. A lover of music, he especially enjoyed playing the banjo. In quieter moments, he could be found lost in the pages of a good book. Wayne was predeceased by his stepfather Ronald Woodbrey, infant son Frederick, sister Joan, sister-in-law Donna, nephew Shawn, and brother-in-law Ernie. He is survived by his spouse of 51 years, Cheryl Watson; his children Michelle, Kimberley, Steven, Travis, and Seth; his mother Mary Woodbrey and sisters Donna, Kathy, and Cheryl; and brother Ronald; his grandchildren Gordon, Victoria, Ashley, Michael, Ariel, Maya, Dante, Tucker, Deacon, Brianna, Gabriel, Remedy, Andrew, Anna, Eva, and Madison; and 13 great-grandchildren. Memorial information: A memorial service will be held at First Congregational Church in West Brattleboro at a date and time to be announced later.
Services
• The Jerald family invites everyone to attend a Celebration of Life for Michael Jerald on Sunday, June 22, at 2 p.m., at The Retreat Farm's North Barn, 45 Farmhouse Square, Route 30, Brattleboro. Mr. Jerald, 82, of Brattleboro and Narragansett, Rhode Island, died on Jan. 16, 2025.
This Milestones item was submitted to The Commons.