College news
• Dillon Glazer of West Wardsboro recently graduated from Plymouth (N.H.) State University with a B.S. in business administration.
• Alex Shriver of Brattleboro recently graduated Summa Cum Laude with a B.S. in computer science from Tufts University in Medford, Massachustts.
• Emeline Stewart of Wilmington recently graduated from Fairfield (Conn.) University.
School news
• Connor Griffus of Vernon, a member of the Vernon Volunteer Fire Department, recently graduated from the Vermont Fire Cadet Academy in Pittsford.
Obituaries
• Mary Lou Fogg, 74, of Westminster. Died at home on July 3, 2025, after a period of declining health. Mary Lou was born to Leo and Edith (Bohonowicz) Nauceder on September 22, 1950, in Bellows Falls. Raised locally, she graduated from Bellows Falls High School in 1968, after excelling academically and proudly being crowned Miss Bellows Falls 1968. Mary Lou worked for many years in Brattleboro with New England Telephone as a switchboard operator. After corporate consolidations, she transitioned to ConTel in Springfield, Vermont, and finished her career working for the U.S. Postal Service in White River Junction, retiring in 1995. Mary Lou and her husband, Robert, built their home and life together up at the "end of the road" on Wellington Hill. Mary Lou was a big kid at heart and her daughters benefited from her love of the outdoors and all things active. She loved the snow and sledding down snowmobile trails near home or in "Williams' pasture" with after-church groups. She encouraged her children to be active in sports of all kinds and ensured they learned how to ski, joining them on the slopes at Okemo and Ascutney mountains. She adored her childhood horse, a palomino named Julie and, after convincing Robert to build a barn, there were horses in the yard as she passed this love on to her daughters. Mary Lou was dedicated to attendance at every sporting event Kimberly and Michele had, even after working the night shifts at her job. Camping, hiking, and bicycling were pastimes she enjoyed and the White Mountains, Ogunquit, Maine, and Acadia National Park were her favorite spots to visit. Kittens were smuggled home and, after one snuggled up to Bob, the home was never without purr-babies. After retiring, she gave a great deal of her time to her beloved grandchildren and fostered their lives with just as much enthusiasm. Mary Lou was known as Muffy by Bob, Mumsie by Michele, Mom by Kim, Gramma by the "boys"…she was Aunt Mary Lou, a friend to many, and her heart was always in the right place. She cherished her friendship with cousin, Joanne (Bohonowicz) Pliska of Hadley, Massachusetts. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends. Mary Lou was faithfully active with the Christian Family Circle Church for many years, migrating back to her St. Charles Parish roots in her senior years. She was a dedicated parishioner until she could no longer physically attend mass. Mary Lou was predeceased by her parents and her brother, Anthony. She is survived by her husband of 48 years, Robert Fogg; daughters Kimberly Comstock (Kenny) of Alton, New Hampshire, and Michele Lingley of Westminster; twin grandsons, Nicholas Deistler and Brian Deistler of Westminster; grandsons Dylan Griffen of Depew, New York, and Alex Montgomery of Guilford; great-grandson Liam Deistler, nieces, Lori Benn (Brian), Noreen Kumar (Naren), and Toni Martin (Steve); and cousins Gary Bohonowicz (Deb) and William Bohonowicz (Evelyn). Memorial information: A graveside service was held at the Westminster New Cemetery on July 12. Donations to the Westminster Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 98, Westminster, VT 05158.
• Edith Mae (Lambert) Hussey, 96, of Windham. Died peacefully at her home, surrounded by family, on July 2, 2025. She was born in Springfield, Vermont, on Sept. 13, 1928, the daughter of George and Evelina (Rouilliard) Lambert. Edith married the love of her life, Bernard M. Hussey, in 1945. They raised nine children while residing in Vermont, Florida, California, and then back to Vermont again. Raising nine children was her primary job, though she did work for Grant's department store, and as a cook at Mt. Saint Joseph school in Rutland. She and Bernard settled for the small-town life in Windham. They owned and operated a small store, Twin Maples Groceries, near the Windham Fire Department. Edith had bells on the doors that she could hear from her home if people entered, and she would walk to the store (usually barefoot) to wait on customers. She was also known for always having free hot coffee and baked goods for customers. It wasn't uncommon to see her behind the counter, with a customer pulled up in the front of the counter, and they would be playing a game of cribbage. Edith was also known to open the store in the middle of the night for a family if their child had a fever and they needed some aspirin. Edith and Bernard were contributing founders of the Windham Volunteer Fire Department. They had a hand in helping to build the building on family land. Edith is also known for starting the famous pie auction that brings in hundreds of dollars in donations each year to the Windham Volunteer Fire Department. In the late 1970s, two brothers were arguing over who was going to buy her well-known apple pie. It ended up going to the brother who was willing to pay the most for it. From that point on, each year the fire department hosts a pie/bakery auction in August. For several years, the Hussey's phone number was the number for people to call if there was a fire. Edith had a call tree that she would activate if a call came in for a fire. Edith started the Ladies Auxiliary at the Windham Fire Department. She took pride in the "Fire House Cook Book" that she spearheaded. Many Windham families and friends contributed their favorite recipes, and the book was sold as a fundraiser. Edith enjoyed baking, reading, knitting, quilting, and Bingo. She was known for her ability to knit while reading a book! For the past 50-plus years, Edith volunteered at Thrifty Attic in Londonderry, and was an icon there. Many people would show up on Wednesdays and Saturdays to see her, more than to shop. Some call it, "Edie's Store." Edith was predeceased by her parents, her husband in 1989, her son Bernard M. "Mike" Hussey, Jr. in 2020, one granddaughter, two great-granddaughters, a great-grandson, a great-great grandson, and all of her siblings. Edith is survived by her daughters, Donna M. (Hussey) Cummings of Springfield, Brenda J. (Hussey) Vandenburgh of Aynor, South Carolina, Judith A. (Hussey) Lopez, New Bern, North Carolina, Karen S. (Hussey) Baccei (Stephen) of Rutland, Cathy L. (Hussey) Clay of Windham, Cindy L. (Hussey) Bedard of North Clarendon, Elaine M. (Hussey) Robertson of Aynor, South Carolina, and Barbara J. (Hussey) Vandenburgh (Kenneth) of Springfield. She is also survived by 21 grandchildren, 44 great-grandchildren, and 23 great-great grandchildren (with one more on the way), as well as several nieces and nephews. Memorial information: Funeral services were held at Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield on July 12, followed by burial in North Windham Cemetery. Donations to Hospice/VNA, the Windham Volunteer Fire Department, and the Londonderry Volunteer Rescue Squad.
• David C. Judd, 61, of Westminster. Died at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire on June 30, 2025. His wife, soulmate, and the love of his life of 40 years, Elaine, as always, was by his side. David, affectionately known as "Chief Nine Toes" and "Papa Bear," was born in Burlington, on Oct. 23, 1963, the youngest child of five to Charles Dane Judd and Jane Chapin Hand. The family moved to Springfield, Massachusetts, when David was two. There he made many wonderful lifelong friends, and he discovered his passion for cars, especially Mopars. David was everyone's mechanic. David spent his summers, from the time he was born, until right before he died, with family and friends at the lake house in Canada. It was his heaven on earth. In 1984, he met his forever love, Elaine, by accident and, six months later, they were married on Prom night. They blinked and it was ten years later, they had three children, and he moved his family "home" to Westminster. There, he started an auto repair business and added one more child, and many more wonderful friends to his family. David was known for his unmatched sense of humor even in the worst of times. He was hardworking, loving, caring, and generous to others without hesitation. Whether there was shared DNA or not, his family meant everything to him, and he would do anything for them. David is survived by his wife and his four children, Crystal (Cheyenne), Steven (Kayla), Richard (Sophie), and Logan; his adopted children, Stephen and Paige; "red-headed stepchild" Eric; brothers Kurt (Sherry) and Peter (Myra); his sister, Lori (Brian); brother-in-law Richard (Crystal); sister-in-law Theresa; grandchildren Layla, Dominic, Xander, Joshua, Kyle, Sarah, Olyvia, and Madyson; many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews; and his ever-faithful companion Marley, the Golden Retriever (aka Shmoo). He was predeceased by his parents and his sisters, Stephanie and Kristen. Memorial information: A celebration of his life is planned for Aug. 23 at the Polish Picnic Ground on Darby Hill Road in Rockingham. Donations to the Kidney Foundation and American Heart Association.
• Bernard "Bernie" Lawrence Jr., 83, of Dummerston. Died peacefully on July 7, 2025. A warm-hearted presence known for his spotless lawn, spotless car, and unshakable sense of humor, Bernie was born in Walpole, New Hampshire, in 1942, to Loraine and Bernard Lawrence Sr., who lived close by throughout their life in Westminster. Growing up with four brothers provided plenty of colorful drama and lifelong bonds. Bernie built a life rooted in dedication, family, and connection. He was a member of the Army National Guard and, for decades, he served as the Postmaster in Westminster Station - a post he filled with care, pride, and a rare kind of personal touch. He often had mail pulled and ready for neighbors before they even reached the counter, a testament to how well he knew - and genuinely cared about - everyone who came through the door. He retired in 2015, leaving behind not just a job, but a legacy of service and friendship. Bernie had an eye for the details - his yard was always trimmed just right, his car gleamed year-round, and not a hair was ever out of place. But beneath that meticulous nature was a soft heart and a playful spirit. He loved a good laugh and could be counted on to tell a risqué joke with a mischievous twinkle in his eye. His family and friends knew him as someone who brought levity and warmth to every gathering. A lifelong sports fan, Bernie especially loved football, boxing, and auto racing - where Dale Earnhardt's iconic No. 3 car held a special place in his heart. For many years, he and his son, Scott made an annual pilgrimage to Loudon, New Hampshire, to take in the roar and rush of the races. He also cherished peaceful getaways to Back Lake in Pittsburg, New Hampshire, and never missed a chance to join in the joyful chaos of family parties, holidays, and milestone celebrations. Above all, Bernie was deeply devoted to his family. He took great pride in their accomplishments, in maintaining strong lifelong friendships, and in simply staying connected whether through a phone call, a shared meal, or one of his legendary chats with anyone willing to talk, anywhere, anytime. He is survived by his daughter, Deborah Kesler (Chris); daughter-in-law, Daniella Lawrence; grandchildren Ethan Kesler, Jared Kesler, Nicole Lawrence, and Sydney Lawrence; brothers Daniel Lawrence, James Lawrence (Vicki), David Lawrence, and Dana Lawrence; along with many nieces and nephews and his extended family through Sheila: stepchildren, Sherry Ames (Brian), Shelly Hain (Bob), Glen "Johnny" Hutchins Jr. (April), Greg Hutchins, and Stephanie Powell (Ray); and step-grandchildren, Megan Pouliot, Amanda Bohigian, Tyler Hain, Molly Hain, Crystal Hutchins, Colby Hutchins, Courtney Pierre, Taylor Hutchins, Troy Powell, and Alec Powell. He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Nancy (Merrill) Lawrence; his son, Scott Lawrence; his second wife, Sheila (King) Lawrence; and nephew/godson, James "Jamie" Lawrence Jr. Memorial information: A private graveside service will be held for immediate family. A celebration of his life, open to the community, will take place on Wednesday, July 23, from 3 to 5 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Westminster - a chance to share stories, laughter, and memories in true Bernie fashion.
• Charles Alden "Chuck" White, 82, of East Dummerston. Died July 8, 2025, following a period of declining health. Chuck was born in Boston on March 16, 1943, the son of Charles and Nella (Zolyniak). He was raised and educated during his early years in St. Petersburg Beach, Florida. He later became a foster son to Charles and Ada Simeon and attended Brattleboro Union High School and graduated from South Broward (Fla.) High School with the Class of 1962. On March 18, 1967, at Thetford Congregational Church, he married Stella Wilmot, who survives. Chuck and Stella lived in New Hampshire for a little while and then moved to Florida, where they spent almost 20 years. Chuck held many various jobs that he enjoyed very much, including working at Maneros Steakhouse. He went on to take electrical courses at Nova University and later received his license as an electrician. With his wife, he owned and operated his own electrical contracting business in Hollywood, Florida. The Whites eventually returned to the Brattleboro area, where he was employed by A.L. Tyler. Chuck later drove trucks for Brattleboro Haulage and then for Matuszko Trucking, based in Northampton, Massachusetts, which he retired from following many dedicated and safe years at the wheel. Steadfast in his daily walk of faith, he enjoyed reading his Bible daily and living a prayerful life, as well as sharing his knowledge with his family who loved to hear it. In Florida, the Whites were very active in the United Methodist Church of Hallandale, Florida, In Vermont, Chuck attended the Methodist Church in Brattleboro and Windham Community Chapel in East Dummerston, and finally Grace Community Evangelical Free Church in Spofford, New Hampshire. He enjoyed learning about history, gardening, and the outdoors. Most important to him was time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren who adored him. Besides his faithful and devoted wife of 58 years, he leaves twin daughters, Lydia Holmes (Matt) of Gansevoort, New York, and Heidi White Gale of East Dummerston; grandchildren Emily White, Olivia Gale, Kyle Holmes, and Trevor Holmes; a sister, Priscilla Small (Dick); a newly found half-sister, Carrie Scott; a foster brother, Tom Simeon (Barb); a foster sister, Lydia Case; a foster sister, Annabelle Kleinfeldt; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a sister, Dorothy White. Memorial information: A memorial service was held on July 12 at Grace Community Evangelical Free Church. Donations may be made to Atamaniuk Funeral Home in Brattleboro, to assist the family with the final expenses. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Christopher John Wilder, 48, of Grafton. Died on July 3, 2025. Affectionately known to many as "Wilder" and to some as "Red," he was a native of Vermont, born on March 26, 1977. Chris made his home in Grafton, where he built a life filled with love, loyalty, and quiet strength. Chris was the cherished son of Diane and Donald Bartlett of Bellows Falls and John and Patricia Wilder of St. Albans. He was preceded in death by his beloved grandmother, Rita Belisle and her husband, Henry, as well as his maternal grandfather, Richard Rayner Sr., and his brother, Eric Hill, whom he deeply missed every day. He was also predeceased by his cousin, Monica Curtis Dunn; grandparents William Wilder Sr. and Marion "Hannah" Wilder; and an aunt, Carol Wilder. Chris leaves behind the light of his life, his son, Aidan Wilder, and Aidan's mother, Melissa Wilson. Nothing mattered more to Chris than being a father to Aidan. His love was absolute, fierce, loyal, and filled with pride for the son who meant everything to him. Also dear to his heart were Reed, Lorelei, and Asher Hill, the children of his late brother, Eric. Chris cared for them deeply and held a special place in his heart for each of them, a reflection of the love he had for their father. On his mother's side, Chris is survived by cousins who were more like siblings and lifelong friends: Timothy Maxfield, Trevor Ramsey, and Tonya Hansen, along with their spouses and children, all of whom held a special place in his heart. He is also survived by his aunt, Marlene Curtis, and her husband, Lee ,who remained a steady and loving presence throughout his life. On his father's side, he is survived by his siblings: Kelly Campbell and her husband, Harold, Kris Senesac and her partner, Joe, Rose Wilder, and Tiffany Wilder and her husband, Dustin, as well as his uncles, Timothy Wilder and his wife Tara, and William Wilder Jr. He is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles, multiple cousins, and dear friends who will miss him deeply. Chris's love extended to his loyal dogs, Oxford, Piper, and Caesar and to the numerous other loved ones who shared in the chapters of his life. Chris had a soul that connected deeply with animals, often finding peace and joy in their company. He loved nature and felt most at home in the quiet stillness of the woods. He loved with rare intensity, whether it was his people, his pets, or his passions, he gave his whole heart. He felt deeply and cared in ways that left lasting marks on those who knew him. Chris's absence leaves a space that cannot be filled, but the love he gave and the memories he created will forever echo in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. Memorial information: A memorial service was held July 11 at Fenton & Hennessey Funeral Home in Bellows Falls.
Services
• The family of Nita Harrison invites those who knew her to attend a celebration of her life at noon on Saturday, July 26, at the Laura Heller Community Barn, 54 Kimball Hill, Putney. Nita lived in Putney from 1964 to 2015 and in Townshend from 2015 to 2019. She died in Connecticut on Jan. 2, 2025. RSVP at nitaharrison.wordpress.com/rsvp.
This Milestones item was submitted to The Commons.