College news
• Julianne Liebow of Townshend received a Master of Science degree from Elms College in Chicopee, Massachusetts.
• Kiera Noble of Guilford receieved a Bachelor's degree from Adelphi University in Garden City, New York.
• Lindsey Weaver of Brattleboro graduated with a post-graduate degree in PMH nursing from Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas.
• The following local students were honored for academic achievement in the spring 2025 semester at Vermont State University. Named to the President's List were Thad Engstrom Keep of Guilford, Christian Henning of Bellows Falls, Claire Holmes of Wardsboro, Trevor Kipp of Brattleboro, Maggie Parker of Grafton, Parker Richardson of Townshend, and Jake Stockman of Bellows Falls. Named to the Dean's List were Myles Belove of Brattleboro, Alex Bingham of Brattleboro, Ev Bond of Londonderry, Billy Dornburgh of Whitingham, Katelynn Dunn of Wilmington, Amy Fielding of Putney, Kayla Gralia of Bellows Falls, Madi Haskell of Bellows Falls, Johannah Parker of Grafton, Fiona Perez Razzaque of Brattleboro, Leo Schnipper of Bellows Falls, Adam Shard of Bellows Falls, Clay Thompson of Grafton, Kes Voulgarakis of Wilmington, and John Webb of Brattleboro.
• Caroline Mehner of West Wardsboro, Spencer Butynski of Brookline, and Munasqa Choque Stenn of Marlboro were all named to the spring 2025 President's List at the University of Hartford in West Hartford, Connecticut.
• Hazel Handy of Guilford was named to the spring 2025 Dean's List at Bates College in Lewiston, Maine.
• Emma Hillock of Bellows Falls, Leah Madore of Williamsville, and Kylie Reed of Jacksonville were all named to the spring 2025 Dean's List at Russell Sage College in Troy, New York.
• Riley Dionne of Wilmington was named to the spring 2025 Dean's List at Nichols College in Dudley, Massachusetts.
• Carly Gallivan of West Dover, Jamie Jarvis-Stores of Putney, and Ella Korson of East Dummerston were named to the spring 2025 Dean's List at Emerson College in Boston.
• Caden Haskell of Bellows Falls and Jake Moore of Saxtons River were named to the spring 2025 Dean's List at Salve Regina University in Newport, Rhode Island.
• Zachary L. Rounds of Putney and Andrew J. Peloso of Townshend were named to the spring 2025 Dean's List at St. Michael's College in Colchester.
School news
• The Brattleboro Area Chamber of Commerce has announced that Baylie Houle of Vernon, a graduating senior from the Windham Regional Career Center, is the recipient of the Skills for Success Scholarship for 2025. The scholarship will provide $1,000 to help offset the costs of tuition, fees, and books. The Chamber established the scholarship in 2009 to support area students who are seeking to further their education in technical training, trade certification, or other nontraditional post-secondary education.
Obituaries
• Catherine (Santasania) Barker, 73, of Brookline. Died peacefully in her home in Cary, North Carolina on June 15, 2025. Born in Kingston, Pennsylvania, on July 28, 1951, Cathy and her three brothers grew up in Brattleboro. After graduating from Brattleboro Union High School in 1970, Cathy married Carlton Richardson and had two children, Lori (TJ) Gotshall and Robert (Megan) Richardson. Tragically, Carlton died shortly after Robert was born, and two years later, Cathy married pharmacist Richard Barker and moved to Brookline, where she had two more children, Jeffrey (Gillian) Barker and Sarah (Brad) Edgerton. Cathy had several careers in her lifetime - book binder, seamstress, waitress, deli clerk, and airbrush artist - but she took the most pride in her role as mother and grandmother, a role that extended far beyond blood relatives. That's because Cathy acted as den mother (both literally and figuratively) to all her kids' friends, who loved Cathy's live-and-let-live attitude and her passion for cooking and baking. In Cathy's house, there were three things you could always count on: a refrigerator full of leftovers; a counter crowded with cookies, cakes, and pies, and a pantry stuffed with snacks. All was fair game - well, except for Cathy's Pepsi, obviously - but you were expected to serve yourself, and everyone did. In that way, Ma Barker's house functioned more like a clubhouse than a private home, and if you pissed her off, she'd let you know. There was never any bite to it, though, because her love was unconditional, and everyone knew it. That's why, even after all her kids grew up and flew the nest, some of their friends would randomly plow her out or cut her grass, free of charge. Cathy was a Vermonter through and through, trudging across the yard in subzero temperatures in her nightgown to brush snow off the satellite dish and not batting an eyelash when her young son shot a chicken with his bow and arrow and slung its carcass over the swing set. You would be hard-pressed to find a more loyal, tolerant, empathetic, and resilient person. She was as liberal with her forgiveness as she was with her unsolicited observations, and she faced life's challenges, of which she had more than her fair share, with grace, dignity, grit, and humor. Cathy was hilarious, with a dry wit and zero capacity for pearl clutching. Like the adventurous Golden Girl she grew into, she sold her home in Brookline in 2021 to fulfill her lifelong dream of living by the ocean. Once settled in Port St. Lucie, Florida, it wasn't long before she and her beloved dog, Lukie, were vital members of their 55 and older community. She voted, attended town meeting, always said yes to party invitations, went on group cruises and bus trips, formed a posse of evening dog walkers, and supported her local economy with a love of shopping and eating out. She maintained her independence until the very end. In February of this year, she moved to North Carolina to be closer to family and spent her last night dining with friends, conversing with neighbors, and watching her seven-year-old grandson show off his skateboard tricks over Facetime. Cathy was a proud grandmother for 35 years and, in addition to her four children, is survived by eight grandchildren: Tyler, Parker, Angelina, Jade, Connor, Violet, Avery, and Sebastian. She was preceded in death by her two husbands, her mother and father, and her three brothers, Thomas, John, and Mark Santasania. Cathy loved the beach, cruises, soap operas, cheesy Christmas movies, heartfelt Facebook memes, romance novels, family dinners, shopping, socializing, and attending ball games and musical performances. Memorial information: A celebration of life will take place at Newfane Congregational Church on Saturday, July 26, at 1 p.m. Donations to Fosters of Yorkie Rescue, 30 White Birch Court, Gibsonville, NC 27249 (Venmo @Charna-Sansbury) or to an animal rescue charity of your choosing. While she had many hobbies, one stood above the rest: Bingo! With that in mind, her friends and family will also be celebrating Cathy by playing her favorite game at the NewBrook Firehouse in Newfane on the evening of July 26.
• Elizabeth "Betsy" Bashaw, 84, of Bellows Falls. Died at her home, with her family by her side, on June 23, 2025. Betsy was born on Aug. 28, 1940, in Norwood, Massachusetts, to Anthony and Elizabeth (Goodwin) Coyne. Her family moved to Vermont in 1951, where she attended St. Charles School and graduated Bellows Falls High School in 1959. After graduation, she worked as a telephone operator at Green Mountain Telephone Company. On Nov. 4, 1961, at St. Charles Church, she married Charles Bashaw, who predeceased her on April 11, 2025. Betsy was a self-taught baker, pianist, and cake decorator. Many people in the community enjoyed a cake made by Betsy for various celebrations. She taught cake decorating classes at the high school, was a religious education teacher, and a childcare giver to many. Her faith was important to her and she recently received the Servant Heart Award in honor of her faithful dedication, selfless service, and Christ-like love for the Parish and community. Betsy is survived by her children Michael, Patrick, Timothy, Monica Kieffer, and Charles Jr., along with 12 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, Tony, and his wife, Pat. In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her siblings Francis Coyne, Cathy Parker, and Coleman Coyne. Memorial information: Donations to Betsy Bashaw Culinary Scholarship Fund, in care of Tim Bashaw, 32 1/2 Green St., Bellows Falls, VT 05101.
• Diane Elizabeth Clementine, 77, of Putney. Died on June 2, 2025. Diane was born on Dec. 2, 1947, and was a longtime resident of Putney Meadows and a member of the congregation at Green Mountain Chapel in Brattleboro. She was deeply involved in her spiritual community and found great solace and joy in her faith. Diane is survived by her daughter, Michelle Houghton; four granddaughters; a great-grandson; brothers Roy and Darryl Baltzer; and sisters, Cindy and Candy. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Bruce and George Baltzer. Memorial information: Donations in her name may be made to Putney Community Cares, Kimball Hill, Putney, VT 05346, or to the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302.
• Anne Middleton Hyde Degan, 71, of Weston. Died peacefully on May 28, 2025, after a long and courageous battle against a debilitating lung disease. Anne was born on Sept. 8, 1953, in Springfield, Vermont, the daughter of the late Henry Cheves and Ellen Leigh Martin Hyde. During her childhood, the family lived in Chester, and along with her brother and sister, Anne attended Chester elementary and middle schools. She described those early years as idyllic and simple, with fond memories of community tennis tournaments, rope tow skiing on the Pinnacle, bike riding down Lovers Lane, and playing tirelessly with her friends and neighbors in their backyard next to Buttonwood Farm. Anne left Chester to attend Abbot Academy in Andover, Massachusetts. After graduating in 1971, she enrolled at the University of Vermont. While in college, she spent a year in Guatemala living in a Mayan village through a program sponsored by the Experiment in International Living. On her return, she took great pride in raising funds to provide running water to the region. Journalism was Anne's true calling, however. When her family relocated to Landgrove in the mid-1970s, she founded and managed the Londonderry Aire, a weekly newspaper reporting on regional issues and profiling local residents and their unique perspectives. The paper covered the mountain towns of Londonderry, Landgrove, Andover, Winhall, Weston, Peru, Jamaica and Windham. Anne later became an investigative journalist for the Rutland Herald and she eventually moved to Washington, D.C., where she worked at States News Service covering Capitol Hill and national politics. While in Washington, she met her husband, Daniel John Degan, on a tennis court. Seeking a simpler life in the country, they eventually bought an old farmhouse on Hancock Point in Maine where they were married in 1986. Their son Mat was born in 1988. Anne continued her career as a science writer for the University of Maine and as a freelance journalist. Jobs and careers eventually took the family back to Vermont, where they settled in Norwich for many years. Anne's writing career was varied and always successful. She was admired among her colleagues as a fierce and determined investigative reporter, and among other accolades, she was the recipient of the Jesse H. Neal Award for business journalism. Anne and Dan eventually retired to Weston, enjoying tennis and all things outdoors, including hiking, pond hockey, camping, kayaking, sailing, and skiing. Anne was civic-minded and politically engaged. She served for many years on the Weston Planning and Conservation commissions. She was also a member of the Weston Women's Club, and on the board of the Landgrove Meeting House. She was a member of the Landgrove Tennis Club, Ekwanok Country Club, and the DACOR-Bacon House in Washington, D.C. In recent years, Anne and Dan purchased an apartment in Washington, returning frequently to the city where they first met. Anne's immediate and extended family always came first. Her defining trait was that of a giver, totally devoted to her family and selfless to a fault. Known as Gigi to her two grandchildren, favorite games, puzzles, stuffed animals, and musical instruments were always waiting in their special places for Henry and Harriet. She was the spark and driving force behind countless gatherings and celebrations for generations of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Anne is survived by her husband, Dan, and son, Mat Degan (Kate) of Landgrove, a sister, Leigh Hyde Adams, also of Landgrove; a brother, Henry Cheves Hyde Jr. (Connie) of Falls Church, Virginia; two grandchildren, Henry and Harriet Degan; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. Memorial information: A private memorial service will be held. Donations to the Jack Byrne Center by contacting Marie Stansfield at 603-646-5919 or [email protected]; to Neighborhood Connections, P.O. Box 207, Londonderry, VT 05148; or to the Londonderry Volunteer Rescue Squad, Inc., P.O. Box 911, Londonderry, VT 05148.
• Carl G. Madjerec, 71, of Hinsdale, New Hampshire. Died unexpectedly at his home on June 21, 2025. Carl was born in Boston on April 23, 1954, the son of John and Ruth (Strobis) Madjerec. A proud son of "Southie," he was raised and educated in South Boston, graduating from South Boston High School with the Class of 1972. He went on to attend Boston Business School, where he received his associate's degree in accounting. He later attended his local community college. He worked as a bookkeeper his entire career and, at the time of his death, was employed at F.A. Farrar Corp. in Keene, New Hampshire. Previously he worked at Greenwood School in Putney and for the former Chittenden Bank at their Putney location. He served as bookkeeper for several other businesses throughout his career and also served as a notary public for many years. Carl recently enjoyed playing cribbage with members of the Keene Elks, Lodge #927. Of his leisure time activities, he enjoyed music and playing his guitar (by ear), enjoyed anything science fiction, especially the Star Wars series, kept a vegetable garden every summer, and cherished time with his family, especially his grandchildren. Affectionately known as "Mister Magic," he loved to entertain his grandchildren and their friends with his unique magic tricks. On March 8, 1971, in Trumbull, Connecticut, he was married to Michele LeClear, who survives. Besides his faithful and devoted wife of 54 years, he leaves two daughters, Jennifer Smith (Dale), of Rindge, New Hampshire, and Amber Doherty (Kenneth), of Carver, Massachusetts; one son, Magio Madjerec (Thierry), of Sugarland, Texas; one brother, John Madjerec, of Dorchester, Massachusetts; and two sisters, Tisha Collins (Stephen), of Hull, Massachusetts, and Theresa Nania (Bernie), of Braintree, Massachusetts. Additionally, he leaves six grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Carl was predeceased by one son, Thom Madjerec, and a brother, Thomas Madjerec. Memorial information: In keeping with his final wishes, there are no funeral or memorial services scheduled. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Kenneth Paul Mangan, 70, of Marlboro. Died unexpectedly and peacefully in his sleep on June 21, 2025. He was born on Sept. 1, 1954, in Queens, New York, to Harry and Anne Mangan, and grew up with an older brother, Richard. His family lived in Woodside, Queens, until he married. Kenny met his wife, Patricia Harney, in 1982 at European American Bank, where they both worked in midtown Manhattan. After a few years of dating and Kenny biking from Woodside to Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, to see her, they married on Aug. 17, 1985, in Brooklyn. They moved to Vermont in 1989 to build a house and raise a family in Marlboro. After working in banking in New York City, Ken started his career in Vermont at Vermont National Bank, then moved onto real estate appraising and eventually to hospitality at Mount Snow. Kenny will be remembered for his gentleness, kindness, and calm demeanor, but those who knew him well will also remember his quick wit, dry sense of humor and snicker about an inside joke. He never complained but was quietly impatient - walking too fast, driving just over the speed limit, and frustrated about traffic. He enjoyed the simple things in life: carrot cake or any sweets made by his wife or daughters, a glass of wine with his wife, or a White Russian around the holidays. He enjoyed skiing with his daughters - first down their driveway and then at Mount Snow - swimming at South Pond and rooting for the Yankees. He had an incredible sense of direction: studying any map that came across his lap, learning the New York City subway system at a very young age, driving and learning the back roads of Vermont like the back of his hand, and leafing through any map his younger daughter brought from her cross-country bike travels. He saw some of the great concerts in his youth and would laugh about how close he was to the speakers for three out of four nights at Madison Square Garden to see The Who. Most recently, he loved playing with his grandson, who lit up his world. Kenny leaves behind his wife of almost 40 years, his daughters Colleen, her husband Artie and their son Jack, and Emily and her fiancée Charlotte. He was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Richard. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Brattleboro, followed by burial in King Cemetery in Marlboro. Donations to St. Brigid's Kitchen & Pantry, 38 Walnut St., Brattleboro VT 05301, or theWindham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Elsa Semeraro Morissette, 91, died peacefully at the end of April 2025 in Portland, Oregon. Elsa lived a life of love, beauty, and connection. Enigmatic and engaging, she had a rare gift for making everyone feel seen and welcomed. Admired by all who had the good fortune to meet her, she loved beauty and created it wherever she went - through her words, her presence, or the spaces she touched. Her warmth, entertaining nature and charm drew people in effortlessly, making them feel instantly comfortable and valued. She was unforgettable. Elsa was born in Williamsville to Helen "Sally" (Perkins) and William Semeraro. She grew up in the Fort Dummer area of Brattleboro, and attended Brattleboro High School, Class of 1951. She went on to Boston University and Keene State College, and she also studied acting with Arthur Lithgow. Elsa Semeraro and Paul Morissette met while in high school. She was a cheerleader for Brattleboro High School and he was a member of the Keene, New Hampshire, High School football team. Elsa and Paul were married and after living in Connecticut and North Carolina, they moved back to Brattleboro and started the Country Kitchen Restaurant in 1959. It became a very popular place for tourists as well as local residents. Elsa's creativity was evident in the decor and ambience of the restaurant. Hiring local artists, sculptors, and weavers, she was responsible for the special artistic atmosphere inside and outside the building. At times, there was dinner theater and musical events. Many famous people frequented the restaurant over the years - two of Elsa's favorites were Ted Kennedy and Paul Newman. When Bernie Sanders was new to Vermont, he came to visit Brattleboro and Elsa was his local guide and chauffeur. Elsa became committed to and was very involved with the Democratic Party. She was an activist and supported many causes, including women's rights. Elsa and Paul were divorced and the restaurant was sold in the 1980s. Elsa had a flair for drama and style. She was always creating and acting. She would read stories to her children and grandchildren while acting out all of the characters. She performed in many Brattleboro and New Hampshire area theatrical productions from the 1960s through the 1980s. She also loved fashion, and worked in the fashion industry in California. Elsa became the district manager for an upscale clothing company in the San Francisco area. Her hobby was collecting antique paper dolls and the clothing/fashion for them. Although she was a true Vermonter, Elsa spent many years with her sister and best friend, Marlene Juscen in Burlingame, California, and she spent several years in Portland, Oregon, with her daughter, Tara. Elsa is survived by her devoted daughters, Roxanne, Mikell, and Tara Morissette; Tara's husband, Bryan Archibald; son-in-law John (Gianni) Hohl; beloved grandsons Max W. Morissette, and Nathan J. and Calvin E. Archibald. Her daughter Wendy (Phil Chadwick) died in 2023. Elsa is also survived by several beloved nieces and nephews: Megan, Holly, Mary Margaret, Ann Marie, Bobby and Barry, as well as her "adopted daughter" Sandy. Memorial information: A celebration of life will be held for Elsa in Vermont at a later date.
• Patricia Elaine (Poisson) O'Connor, 73, died peacefully on June 19, 2025,in Brattleboro, following a courageous battle with cancer. She was born in East Grand Rapids, Michigan on March 7, 1952, to William Poisson and Grace (Russo) Poisson. She attended Catholic grade school and graduated from East Grand Rapids High School. Pat met her husband, John O'Connor, and they married on May 30, 1974. Shortly thereafter, they moved to Detroit to work for the Burroughs Corporation. Two years later, Pat and John moved to Ann Arbor in order for John to complete the MBA program at the University of Michigan while Pat continued to support the couple by commuting to work at Burroughs. Following John's graduation, they moved to St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands where they lived for the next 10 years. While living on St. Thomas, Pat worked in a variety of positions at A.H. Riise, a prominent gift shop and spirits distributor on the Island. Her two sons, Drew and Kevin, were born during her time on St. Thomas. Pat enjoyed many adventures in the Virgin Islands and throughout the Caribbean Islands. The family moved to Brattleboro in 1987 after John accepted a position with Vermont Yankee. Soon after her arrival in Brattleboro, Pat began a career as a paraeducator at Green Street School that spanned more than 25 years. She loved working with young children and helping them learn to love learning. Pat's father, grandfather, and great-grandfather were well known in East Grand Rapids as captains of a number of steamships dating back to 1882 that operated on Reeds Lake offering passengers a leisurely day cruising and picnicking on the lake. The boat launch on Reeds Lake was christened Poisson's Landing and dedicated to her father, "Captain Bill," with a monument in his honor. Pat always looked forward to attending her mother's large Sicilian family reunions which were held annually in Grand Rapids on the last Sunday in July for over 75 years. Pat was a very talented crafter. She created beautiful cross-stitch and needlepoint artwork, quilts, needle-felt figures and hand-cut greeting cards and gift boxes, which her friends and family thoroughly enjoyed receiving. She loved nature and the natural world and delighted in tours of our country's national parks, the Canadian Rockies, and the mountains, islands and seashore of New England. She also enjoyed visiting the historic sites and museums in locations across Europe, Canada, and the nation. Her love of bunnies is well known to her friends and family. She amassed a large collection of rabbit artifacts, parts of which she would like to see donated to the Bunny Museum in Altadena, California, whose collection was lost in the 2025 Eaton wildfire. Pat is survived by her husband, John; her two sons living in Southern California, Drew and Kevin; daughters-in-law Lu and Katelyn; and granddaughters, Luna and Kiera. Also surviving her passing are her sister, Annette Littell; two brothers, Jerry Poisson and Andy Poisson; as well as three nieces and a nephew, all living in Michigan. She was loved and will be missed by all who knew her. Memorial information: A celebration of Pat's life will take place at the Brattleboro Country Club on Sunday, July 27, from 1 to 4 p.m. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Hans Peter Parda, 75, died peacefully on June 8, 2025, after four years at Pine Heights in Brattleboro. He is survived by his sister, Pamela Brownell of Belleview, Florida; his brother, Michael Parda of Sedona, Arizona; his nephew, Jason Smith of Westminster; great-nephew Hunter Smith of Maine; niece Randi Copeland of Kalamazoo, Michigan; and many cousins and friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Bill and Issy Pardra. Peter grew up in the Riverview Restaurant, learning the value of hard work and family time. He was a Boy Scout and volunteer fireman and a 1970 graduate of Bellows Falls High School. After school, he worked at Robertson Paper Co. as night foreman until its closing some 15 years later. He then worked at Barrows Oil Co. and Putney Paper Co. After going on disability, Peter started a part-time lawn care business. As a good son, he helped his parents in their later years. A lifelong Vermonter, Peter appreciated nature and solitude going hunting and fishing always with his companion dog along his side. He also enjoyed going to sporting events to cheer on Jason and Hunter. Peter was a good and supportive uncle. Memorial information: Services will be private. Donations to the Westminster Fire Department or Westminster Cares.
• Colonel Llewellyn "Lew" Sorenson, 83, of Dummerston. Died at home on June 24, 2025, as his health took a turn for the worse from severe respiratory issues. His passing was not unexpected, but wasn't imminently expected. He went the way he wanted, in his own home, in his own bed, peacefully lying down to rest, not to awake again. Lew was born in LaPorte, Indiana, on Sept. 23, 1941, to Llewellyn and Eunice Sorenson, named Colonel after his paternal grandfather, and Llewellyn after his dad. He went by Colonel until moving to Vermont in 1988, then began introducing himself as "Lew" to everyone. Lew graduated from Beloit Memorial High School (1959) then graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, majoring in community development while also working at Madison Neighborhood Centers where he met his future wife, Gail. His first planning job was for the City of Madison, then on to St. Paul, Minnesota, as the city's zoning administrator. He then served as the assistant county planning director in San Luis Obispo, California, followed by employment as the county planning director for San Juan County in Friday Harbor, Washington. In 1988, Lew happily accepted the position of director of the Windham Regional Commission (WRC) in Brattleboro, which he held until retirement in 1999. After a short-lived retirement, Lew was ready for something else part-time and worked for the CDC. After several years in the job which he totally enjoyed, but which had become close to full-time, traveling throughout New England, he was ready to fully retire. It was time now for volunteer activities with the town of Dummerston, Meals on Wheels, the United Way of Windham County's allocations committee, ushering at Weston Playhouse and Dorset Theatre Festival, WRC, and Maui's Pacific Whale Foundation. He also enjoyed the Monday night cribbage group and his Wednesday morning men's coffee group. In the past year or so, as health issues became more dominating, Lew's activities became more limited and he frequently said the last thing he would give up was mowing the lawn on his John Deere tractor, one of his most favorite activities. He mowed the lawn the Friday before his death. Although not initially knowing anyone in towns where he accepted new employment, Lew appreciated learning about the areas and being part of the community. This last move, to Vermont, was the move where neighbors and friends became like family. It was home. Lew is survived by his wife, Gail, with whom he celebrated their 62nd anniversary on June 15; his two daughters, Stacy of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Rebecca of Brattleboro; his sister, Kathleen Rathbun of Moscow, Idaho; a favorite cousin, Alan Sorenson of Beloit, Wisconsin; brother-in-law Bob Maly of Madison; and one granddaughter, seven nephews, and one niece. Lew was predeceased by his parents, brother Lowell Sorenson, and son-in-law Jack Whitehurst. Memorial information: A celebration of Lew's life will be held later in July, at a place and date to be announced. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Timothy Paul Soule, 66, of West Wardsboro. Died at his home on June 17, 2025. He was born in Westwood, Massachusetts, on Aug. 23, 1958, to Evelyn and Donald Soule, who survive him. He is also survived by his wife, Kimberly, his daughters Melissa and Zoe, and his sons-in-law, Patrick and Ryan. Tim built the world around him. He was born and bred a carpenter in a long line of carpenters, and his business, his house, and anything else worthwhile (in his book) were shaped with his own two hands. Those who knew him will be unsurprised to learn that on the morning of his passing, a pile of driftwood adorned his front yard, awaiting a future project. He had stolen it from a beaver dam on Grout Pond. (What can we say? He was an admirer of their work). Tim built his life and his family in Vermont, first visiting the area in his childhood and then returning as a proud ski bum in 1979. He happened upon a cute undergrad in Deacon's Den in 1981, and the two moved to West Wardsboro permanently in 1991. His collection of old ski passes documents the birth of his daughters in 1993 and 1996, proudly held up in their onesies in front of the Mount Snow banner. Though he appreciated an adventure, from hiking the Appalachian Trail to backpacking through Europe, he was delighted to become a "Vermont hermit" as he aged. In these unsettled times, he was deeply proud of our brave little state. Tim built an awe-inspiring music collection, one of his many passions, and could be found listening to the perfect song for the moment day or night. He loved live concerts, and taught his children to dance to a beat using The Who's Baba O'Riley and Big Audio Dynamite's E = MC2. With an encyclopedic knowledge of the strange little dirt roads of Southern Vermont, he loved nothing more than taking the long way home with an album or 93.9 The River for company. A true artist at heart, he found magic all around him and was forever collecting antiques, mushrooms, stones, and always, always, interesting bits of wood. He attended the Boston School of the Museum of Fine Arts for two years, eventually dropping out because there were "too many rules." Carpentry became his main medium, although he continued to enjoy making and consuming visual art of all kinds. A rabid perfectionist, his home was his life's work, referred to simply as "the sanctuary." He taught his friends and family to pay attention to the world around them, and to always look for the interesting, odd, horrific, and beautiful in equal measure. As a proud Mayflower descendant, he appreciated his roots, but was also unafraid of charting his own paths, values, and beliefs. He led by example, and loved as he did most things - fiercely. Tim was a builder in the truest sense of the word, and his family will continue building in his honor. Memorial information: In lieu of flowers, the family suggests the following - Political support: secure.actblue.com/donate/vsaanxietyrelief?refcode=web-funds-hero; Cultural support: Support a local artist, craftsman, musician, etc., as often as you can.
• Paul Joseph Sullivan, 90, died peacefully, surrounded by family on June 18, 2025, while a resident at Mountain View Nursing Home in Rutland. He was the youngest child of Hugh Sullivan and Catherine (Ryan) Sullivan of Bellows Falls. Paul grew up in Bellows Falls and graduated from Bellows Falls High School in 1952. He then went on to graduate from the University of Rhode Island with a degree in economics in 1956. Paul was married to Jeannette (Baird) Sullivan for 67 years until her death in 2023. The two began their life together in Philadelphia, where they started their expanding family. Eventually, they relocated to Vermont, where they raised their eight children in Bellows Falls. Paul was an avid skier and spent many years on the ski patrol at Okemo Mountain, and later served as a Mountain Ambassador. He was known for saying, "There's never a bad day for skiing." Paul took ownership of his father's men's clothing store, J.J. Fenton's, in Bellows Falls. Later, he was a partner in an advertising agency called Sullivan and Brownell in Randolph. As an active member of his community, Paul served on the school board and was a member of the Rotary Club. He is survived by his children: Hilary and Taleb of Arlington, Massachusetts, Dee and Richard of Woodbury, New York, Karen and Jon of Springfield, Vermont, Marie and George of Longmeadow, Massachusetts, Rachel and Adam of Amherst, Massachusetts, Neil of Boulder, Colorado, and daughter-in-law Tracey of South Jordan, Utah. He was also a grandfather to 14 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Paul was predeceased by two sons, Mark of Burlington and Sean of Stansbury Park, Utah. Memorial information: Funeral arrangements will be private. To offer condolences, visit cliffordfuneralhome.com.
• William Edward "Bill" Wait, 83, died on Nov. 25, 2024 in Longview, Texas. Bill was born on Oct. 28, 1941, at Franklin County Hospital in Greenfield, Massachusetts. Bill was the fourth of six children born to David and Lucretia (Lonsberry) Wait. He was preceded in death by his older brothers Arthur Wait of Everett, Washington, and Tommy Wait of Leyden, Massachusetts; his youngest daughter Jennifer Bevis of White Oak, Texas, and his daughter-in-law Debbie Wait of Turners Falls, Masssachusetts. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Myrna Wait of White Oak; three children; David Wait of Turners Falls. Thomas Wait of White Oak, and Shelley Carsten of Chesterfield, New Hampshire. He is also survived by his older brother Jack Wait of North Carolina, younger sister Janet Churchill of Greenfield, and youngest brother Donald Wait of Gainesville, Florida. Bill was proud to have 13 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. Although Bill lived in Texas for the past 30 years, he remained a diehard New Englander, always calling it home. He was raised in Greenfield and Leyden, and talked proudly of the family farm in Leyden. Bill loved animals and truly enjoyed caring for them and never turned a stray animal away. He moved his family to Hinsdale, New Hampshire, where all his children attended school. When all the children completed high school, Bill and Myrna traveled and lived in a variety of places to including Heath and Laurel Lake in Massachusetts and in Guilford, before moving to Texas. Bill never said no to anyone who asked for help, and he opened his home for many people who needed a place to stay. A huge turning point in his life was when he made his commitment to Christianity and the teachings of Christ. Although his transformation was difficult, he remained true to his faith and became an example to his family. Memorial information: Family and friends are encouraged to celebrate the life of Bill Wait on Saturday, July 12, at 3 p.m., at North Hinsdale Community Church.
Services
• A celebration of life for Colin Jay Tobey will be held on Saturday, July 26, at noon at 18 Town Garage Rd. in Searsburg. Mr. Tobey, 70, of Wardsboro, died on Dec. 25, 2024.
This Milestones item was submitted to The Commons.