Obituaries, Seven Days

"Momma Jill" is remembered as an active congregant and caregiver Gilberte “Jill” Messier passed peacefully into the arms of her late husband, Victor Messier, on Saturday, February 8, 2020. She spent the prior week surrounded by her children and grandchildren as they shared fond memories about growing up in a loving family in Claremont, N.H., and, later, Shelburne, Vt. Jill was 92 years old at the time of her death and had resided for the last 20 years in Shelburne. Jill was born on January 27, 1928, in Claremont, N.H., the daughter of Adalbert and Aurena Boissonneault. She was a graduate of St. Mary High School, class of 1945. On June 26, 1948, she wed Victor Messier, to whom she was married for 55 years until his death on January 15, 2003. Jill was a loving homemaker, raising not only her five children but offering childcare over the years to many others who affectionately called her "Momma Jill." Jill was a congregant of St. Mary Church in Claremont, N.H., and participated in several organizations, including the Catholic Daughters of America, Ladies of Saint Ann, adviser to the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO), and PTO (30 years). She also spent many years in a supporting role with the St. Mary Drum and Bugle Corp. While living in Shelburne, Jill was a congregant of St. Catherine’s parish. Jill was a volunteer at SCHIPS, where she offered her amazing ironing skills. Jill was also a member of the singles fellowship and always brought the best desserts to their monthly gatherings. Members of her surviving family include her children, Linda Messier of Reading, Mass.; Daniel Messier and his wife, Phyllis, of Holiday, Fla.; David Messier and his wife, Kyle, of Claremont, N.H.; Lisa Bonser and her husband, Mark, of Grand Haven, Mich.; and Michele Noonan and her husband, Mike, of Shelburne, Vt.. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Jeremy Malley (Laura), Nathaniel Malley (Iveta), Micaela Long (Tim), Joseph Malley (Emily), Danny Messier, Katie Helmick (Raymond), Sam Noonan (Celsea), Amanda Messier, Fiona Noonan and Ronan Noonan; and great-grandchildren, Sophie Helmick, Olive Long, Eloise Malley, Jack Malley, Aurora Noonan, Juno Long, Calvin Malley, Maggie Malley and Autumn Noonan. A Rite of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 21, at All Souls Interfaith Gathering in Shelburne, Vt., with her son, the Rev. Daniel Messier, officiating. A Committal Service will be held at a later date at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Claremont,…

Nature lover helped grow businesses such as Shelburne Farms and Ben & Jerry's David Draycott Barash, age 64 of Waterbury Center, Vt., passed away peacefully at his home on February 11, 2020. David was born on December 30, 1955, in Doylestown, Pa., the son of Theodore and Elise Ludeke Barash. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Juliet Barash; two children, Molly and Cole; daughter-in-law, Alix; and grand-daughter, Iya Willow. Additional survivors include his siblings, Phoebe, Timothy and Mahlon; as well as many other close family members, friends and business colleagues. So many people were touched by David in so many ways. He was an incredibly loving, optimistic and hardworking human being. Throughout David’s life, he devoted his work toward helping others and growing small businesses in an environmentally conscious and socially responsible manner. Some included Shelburne Farms, Ben & Jerry's, Burton Snowboards, Autumn Harp, Vermont Energy Investment Corporation and Brimstone Consulting. He was an avid lover of nature and an active supporter of land conservation efforts. In his free time, he much enjoyed spending time with his family, hiking throughout the Green Mountains, and reading the New York Times either by the woodstove or in a hammock. A celebration of life for David will be held in the barn at Sleepy Hollow Ski and Bike Center in Huntington, Vt., on February 28, 2020. Pre-gathering begins at 1 p.m. Remarks begin at 2 p.m. Please RSVP to barash.phoebe@gmail.com. Assisting the family is the Perkins-Parker Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Waterbury. To send online condolences and to read a more complete obituary, please visit perkinsparker.com or the funeral home's Facebook page.…

Accomplished athletic researcher made his mark at the University of Vermont and beyond Dr. Declan Connolly, a loving son, husband, father, teacher, mentor and friend to many, passed away unexpectedly in France on February 4, 2020. Declan was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, in 1965 to Charlie and Geraldine Connolly. Declan earned a degree in sports studies from the University of Ulster and later graduated with a master’s degree in exercise science from the University of Rhode Island. In 1995 he completed his PhD in exercise science from the University of Oregon. Declan was an accomplished athlete, playing for numerous champion Irish Gaelic football teams, winning the Irish National Cycling Championship and playing rugby in the first professional rugby union league in Europe. Declan also completed three Ironman competitions. Declan brought his many talents to the University of Vermont, coaching the university rugby team and combining his science and athletic experience to open the Human Performance Laboratory, which helped many athletes to improve their performance. Declan mentored many graduate students and was sought after by professional sports organizations. Declan was sought after by the National Football League, National Hockey League and World Rugby Network, just to name a few. Declan’s practical research has impacted the approach to training for professional athletes, and his contributions will leave a lasting impact in this field for years to come. Declan’s greatest treasure and pride were his wife and five children. Declan and Shannon met at UVM, where she played for the Lady Cats. Declan was extremely devoted to this family and provided so much for them. He was proud of his children. Even though his profession demanded a great deal of his time, his family always came first. Declan’s spirit will always be a guiding light to Shannon, Kiaran, Fiona, Cillian, Nuala, and Cian. Declan is also survived by his parents, sister Nicola and brother James of Burlington, and nephew Matthew Connolly. Declan will be missed by many family and friends in Northern Ireland and here locally. Declan was predeceased by a brother, Cathal. A memorial service and Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday, February 29, at 1 p.m. at the Ira Allen Chapel on the campus of the University of Vermont. Following the service, family and friends will be invited to the Burlington Country Club to continue to celebrate and share stories of Declan, of which there are many. Shannon and her children are so thankful to this amazing community for…

Former Vermont Historical Society director loved state history and Lake Champlain John Joseph Duffy Jr., age 85, died on February 27, 2020, in Burlington surrounded by his loving family. John was born and raised in Trenton, N.J., but without question, he was happiest on or near the shores of Lake Champlain. John was a resident of South Hero and then Isle LaMotte for more than 45 years, and for him a good day involved fishing, a duck blind or just sitting on the porch looking at the water, plotting the next day’s adventure. When he was not indulging in outdoor pursuits, John was one of Vermont’s foremost historians. He was a graduate of Georgetown University and the University of Vermont. Upon completing his PhD at Syracuse University, he made it a goal to return to Vermont permanently. After stints on the faculty at Rider University, University of Maryland College Park, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and the University of New Hampshire, he returned to Vermont in 1971 to serve as the director of the Vermont Historical Society. He later joined Johnson State College, first as dean of humanities and then as professor of English and the humanities, becoming emeritus faculty in 1990 upon his retirement. He became active in the faculty union at Johnson, eventually serving as the president of the Vermont Federation of Teachers. Upon his retirement, he began a prolific period of research and writing, producing several books on topics in American and especially Vermont literary and cultural history. He cowrote Inventing Ethan Allen with longtime friend and collaborator H. Nicholas Muller III and was the chief editor of Ethan Allen and His Kin: Correspondence 1772-1819. He was also the coeditor of The Vermont Encyclopedia with Samuel B. Hand and Ralph H. Orth. His final book, The Rebel and The Tory, will be published this spring. He also served as the chair of the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Board in the early 1980s and was elected side judge in Grand Isle County, where his proudest accomplishment was the renovation and restoration of the courthouse in North Hero. John is survived by his wife of nearly 59 years, Barbara, and his daughters Arline Duffy of Burlington and Sarah Duffy (Timothy Duffy) of South Burlington. Whether it was a theatrical performance, a soccer game or a great dinner conversation, nothing gave him more joy than his grandchildren, Emma Rose and Caitlin Balón and Liam Duffy. He is predeceased by his parents, John…

Former B-17 copilot flew 35 missions and skied until age 90 Our dad, a member of the Greatest Generation, climbed one more time into the cockpit of a B-17 and departed the surly bonds of Earth for his final mission Thursday, February 27, 2020. Daughter Gail, son Bradford and son-in-law Chris were there to see him on his way…. off to the heavens. At the young age of 20, Bill enlisted in the Army Air Force. With the rank of first lieutenant, Eighth Air Force, he earned the right to the copilot seat in a new B-17 Flying Fortress headed to Europe to assist the Allies in defeating Adolf Hitler. Stationed in Knettishall, England, Dad’s initial commitment was to fly 25 bombing missions. He volunteered for 10 additional missions. Returning from his 35th and final bombing run on Christmas Eve 1944, Dad’s B-17 was badly damaged by enemy flack, injuring his captain, the pilot. Three of the aircraft’s four engines had been hit and failed. Dad took control of the plane, crash-landing in a field in Belgium. All were rescued by Allied Forces. All survived. Bill and his wife, Rae, traveled annually to the Mighty 388th Bomb Group reunions held around the United States and England to reminisce and rejoice with lifelong B-17 veterans and their families. Perhaps one of Dad’s most famous missions was not a bombing run at all but a highly top-secret flight. His crew was selected to escort Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. on what was an ill-fated attempt to deliver a lethal blow to the enemy. Dad’s crew was to provide escort coverage for Kennedy. Positioned 500 feet off the right wing of Kennedy’s plane when it blew up, Dad’s B-17 became inverted due to the violent explosion. He and his pilot had all they could do to control their Flying Fortress. Soon after the war, Dad was in Hyannis, Mass., for a weekend getaway. John and Bobby Kennedy heard Dad was nearby and met up with him on the beach near the Kennedy Compound, thanking Dad for his bravery and wanting to learn more about the fate of their oldest brother. William W. Worthen was born in Springfield, Mass., on December 20, 1922, the son of Ernest N. and Emma L. (Merrill) Worthen. His mother nicknamed him Birdie, as he was always happily singing and whistling — a quality he shared throughout his life. Bill spent his younger years traveling to the family farm…

Brussels-born woman survived German occupation and followed American airman to the States Francine Louise Dissinger passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and friends, on the morning of Saturday, February 22, 2020. Born in Brussels on October 3, 1942, during the German occupation of Belgium, Francine was the only daughter of Lucien and Marthe Coulise. While her early years were marked by the trials and hardships of living during the height of a World War, Francine experienced a loving childhood equally immersed in both the Walloon and Flemish cultures of her beloved home country. A free-spirited youth who would occasionally interrupt a school class with her antics, Francine was once hushed and chastised by fellow student, Anne Appels. That moment was to be the unlikely start of a legendary friendship that would not wane for their entire lives. As a young woman, Francine met the love of her life when he quite literally fell out of the sky into her life. During a parachuting demonstration in Spa, Belgium, an American airman landed astray when his main parachute canopy failed to deploy and he relied on his less maneuverable reserve chute. Francine was among the local search party to locate him, and it was love at first sight. In months they were wed and blessed with two children, Isabelle and Chris. In 1968, Francine — a lifelong traveler — courageously embarked on her next big adventure, moving to America with her young family. First residing in Baltimore, Md., she realized her dream of moving to the country in a few short years when — in New Windsor, Md. — she and Jack purchased an old farmhouse in need of a loving hand. Francine had an extraordinary talent in designing and creating both interiors and clothing. Always working with a meager budget, she could tailor couture from curtains and transform a room with abandoned remnants. Unforgettable with her impish smile, her lilting French accent and a bright twinkle in her eye, Francine delighted everyone she met with her easy and spirited manner, her zest for the simple pleasures of life, and her voracious appetite to learn and experience new things. As a mother, she was loving, generous and ever thoughtful. She lived frugally and saved earnestly to be able to send her family back to Belgium every two years to visit her parents and friends, and to expose her children to the wonders and joys of traveling — a passion they retain to this…

Westminster mechanic remembered for his "MacGyver"-like ingenuity Brian Paul Weir died after a short illness on Saturday, February 29, 2020. He was born on September 15, 1960, in Attleboro, Mass., and lived in the Underhill area before moving to Westminster, Vt., 11 years ago. He graduated from Mount Mansfield Union High School in 1978. Brian drove a tractor trailer and worked for several years as a truck mechanic, most recently for the Harlow Farm in Westminster. He is survived by his parents, Walter and Marilyn Weir of Underhill; siblings Lorinda and Jim Crowley of the Villages, Fla., Steven and Monica Weir of Underhill, and Janet Carlson of Hinesburg; niece Lauren Ball of Bethel, Conn.; nephews Tom and Dustin Weir of Colchester and Richmond, Vt.; two great-nieces; and one great-nephew. Brian will always be known for his "MacGyver" cleverness and the ability to fix anything. There will be no calling hours, but please consider donating in Brian’s memory to the American Diabetes Association at diabetes.org/donate.…

Lifelong educator was honored for "Distinguished Service to the Arts in Vermont" Bill died peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones, from complications of congestive heart disease. Known affectionately as “Professor Bill,”“Captain Bill,”“Bugs” and “Billy,” he was a lifelong learner with a curious mind and remarkable ability to connect with friends and strangers alike. A proud Michigander, Bill was born in Grand Rapids to Daniel N. Lipke and Katherine Prentiss Lipke. The second of four siblings, Bill graduated from Creston High School (1954) and Albion College (1958). A failed pre-med student, he was tripped up twice by inorganic chemistry and eventually turned to art history as consolation. A three-year position (1958-1961) teaching eighth-grade English and humanities in Milford, Mich., which he described as his most challenging and rewarding years of teaching, was followed by completion of an MA in integrated humanities at Wayne State University (1963). He earned a PhD in art history from the University of Wisconsin (1966), having spent the previous year on a Roijtman Traveling Fellowship at the Courtauld Art Institute in London. Bill completed an MA in theology and pastoral counseling from Saint Michael's College (1996) to learn, as he remarked to his daughter, “how to pastor one's own strayed sheep.” Bill's entire professional career was happily and productively spent in the field of education. He taught at Cornell University (1966-69) and Reed College (1969-70), coming to the University of Vermont in 1970. He was a favorite and energetic UVM lecturer who was known for drawing inspiring connections between the past and present. He retired from full-time teaching as a tenured professor of art history in 2001, teaching part time for another 10 years with a special interest in first-year seminars and advising students. Bill also served as director of UVM’s Fleming Museum of Art (1977-1979) and as interim chair of the Department of Art and Art History (1989). His scholarly publications and teaching focused on British, American and Canadian art of the 19th and 20th centuries. He held a special interest in New England and especially Vermont art and architecture, served as a trustee of the Vermont Council on the Arts (VCA), and was honored by the VCA with an Award of Merit for Distinguished Service to the Arts in Vermont. He served as a consultant to the National Endowment for the Humanities and the New England Regional Chapter of the Archives of American Art. He was an avid singer; he sang tenor (“They’re…

Stowe attorney remembered for a life of community service and wise counsel David Barrows Stackpole, born October 19, 1933, died peacefully on February 16, 2020, at the age of 86, surrounded by his loving family. Northern Vermont was David’s lifetime home. He grew up in Johnson, attending grade school there and graduating from Peoples Academy in Morrisville. He attended Dartmouth College, graduating in 1956, where he remained actively involved in the alumni association. From there, David went on to Cornell Law School. Upon graduating, he returned to Vermont, where he clerked in Lamoille County until he passed the Vermont bar exam. In 1964, David was the first attorney to set up private practice in Stowe, where he settled and raised his family. From 1968 to 1978, he partnered with his longtime friend Tom Amidon. He then went on to hire and, in 1993, partner with Ed French, forming the current Stackpole & French Law Offices. David served the Vermont Bar Association on various committees, including the Professional Conduct Committee. He served as state's attorney for Lamoille County, trustee of the Village of Stowe and moderator of Stowe Town Meeting for 20 years. He was a past president of Stowe Rotary Club, a founding director and officer of Lamoille County Mental Health, a director of Lamoille Family Center and a former chair of the Johnson State College Foundation. He enjoyed years of serving on the Mount Mansfield Ski Patrol. He was involved in community theater and was instrumental in the birth of the farm-to-school movement. He became chair of the board of Green Mountain Farm to School, Inc., a nonprofit committed to delivering farm-sourced foods to schools throughout northern Vermont. David retired in 2015 but never stopped giving wise counsel until his last breath. David was many things to many people. He spent his life in quiet service to his community — assisting and mentoring those in need well beyond his professional responsibilities. He had a wonderful way of creating fun and could find adventure in the every day. He was a devoted father and passionate grandfather. He had a unique way of seeing the individuality in people, especially his grandchildren. He encouraged and joined with them in pursuing what they love. Living in close proximity and participating in their daily lives brought them all great joy. He will be remembered for his limitless love and devotion to his family, his stewardship of the land, his passion for his community, merriment, song,…

Lifelong Vermont educator fostered creativity and empathy in students Marian (Ramos Usher) Santos, 74, passed away at home with her children by her side on Tuesday, December 10, 2019. She was born April 11, 1945, at Waterbury Hospital in Waterbury, Conn., to Alice and Mario Ramos. Marian grew up in Naugatuck, Conn., surrounded by a large extended family. After high school, she enrolled at Johnson State College and then received her master’s in education from the University of Vermont. She was a lifelong educator in Vermont, nurturing and inspiring generations of schoolchildren from the early ’70s through the mid-’00s. She taught elementary school in Addison and Vergennes, and was principal at Northeast Elementary in Rutland and associate principal at Mary Hogan School in Middlebury. A holistic approach to educating children was always at the forefront of everything Marian did as a teacher. From yearly flea markets to benefit the humanitarian organization CARE and Chinese New Year luncheons (all with food prepared by Marian and her students) to weekly Class Star celebrations where each student would pick friends to bake a treat to share with the class, Marian created a classroom where creativity and empathy for others were valued, very often through cooking! She moved to Colorado in 2012 to be near her grandchildren, who were absolutely the loves of her life. She is survived by her children Matthew Usher, Blythe Usher and Electra Usher Peckham; son-in-law Dan Peckham; grandchildren Ava and Charlie; and former husband Charles Usher. She is predeceased by her parents and her brother Mario Ramos Jr. A gathering to celebrate Marian's life will be held at the UVM Alumni House in Burlington, Vt., on Saturday, May 30, at 1 p.m. All who knew her are invited to attend and to bring stories and remembrances to share with friends and family. To read more about Marian’s life, to share online memories and for additional information, visit inmemoriamservices.com/notices/marian-santos.…

Central Vermont painter's life was "marked by an inspiring resiliency" Artist Ray Brown passed away peacefully March 13 at his Montpelier home, with his wife, Jody, and dog Max at his side, after suffering from respiratory and coronary illness. He was born Raymond Lewis Brown on April 14, 1940, to George V. Brown Jr. and Ellen Frances (Crowe) of Brookline, Mass. His grandfather George was instrumental to the birth of the Boston Marathon, Boston Garden and the Boston Bruins hockey franchise. His uncle Walter founded the Boston Celtics. In school, Ray was more interested in sports (especially hockey) and art than in academics. He attended Massachusetts College of Art, graduating with a BFA. It was there that he met Linda Hardy. They married shortly after graduation and had a son, Dylan, and daughter, Emlyn Kate. Ray taught art and coached sports at high schools in Massachusetts for 18 years. Following the tragic deaths of his wife and daughter in 1970, Ray and Dylan spent a year in Michigan, where he attended the Cranbrook Academy of Fine Art. There he married his second wife, Wendy (Hughes). They resettled in Brookline but later divorced. Soon after, Ray rented out a few rooms in his home to Mass Art students, including Jody Wilson, who would become the love of his life. Ray and Jody purchased land in Woodbury, Vt., in the late 1970s and, in 1981, decided to move to Vermont. They became owners of the Drawing Board, a frame shop and art supply store on Montpelier’s Main Street in 1983. On August 25, 1984, they married and celebrated with friends and family on their land in Woodbury. Soon after, they moved to East Montpelier and then to their current home in Montpelier in 2013. Ray was a prolific painter and a natural merchant, really enjoying customer service and purchasing roles at the shop while Jody ran the picture framing and the business side. In 2006, Ray suffered a serious stroke that immobilized his right side. He reluctantly had to stop working, but he continued to paint, switching to his left hand. Where he had been painting the Vermont landscape and drawing on-site, after the stroke he painted in his studio from his memories, and the work became more abstract. During his last two years, he returned to his old sketchbooks for inspiration to paint landscapes and birds. He used flowers and vessels in his studio to draw and paint from life.…

Mother, wife and teacher was "the first to volunteer, the first to bake, the first to donate" She gave everything her all, and she gave us everything. On Tuesday, March 31, Elizabeth White was unfairly taken from her family after an extended battle against lymphoma and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). We are heartbroken. She was "Mrs. White" to the hundreds of kids at Rick Marcotte Central School, "Grammy" to her six grandchildren, "Gabby" to her many extended family members, and just "Mom" to her three kids who loved her. My mother was an extraordinary person. The first to volunteer, the first to bake, the first to donate. She never ran out of gifts to share — be it food, care, time or one of her amazing quilts. She delighted in teaching kids and adults alike to sew, hosting summer camps and one-on-one sessions in her basement. Even while she was undergoing treatment, she still churned out quilts to donate and made sure that each of the grandkids had a “big kid” quilt to grow into. I will miss her stream-of-consciousness emails and texts — completely without punctuation — that would leave me scratching my head about what she meant while turning to her “other” daughter Jennifer for a second opinion. She leaves behind her husband, Roger, of South Burlington, Vt; daughter Bethani and granddaughter Steele of Kentucky; son Tim and his wife, Kelsey, and their children Rylie, Aubree and Felix in Florida; and son Nick and his wife, Jamie, and their kids Easton and Bailey in Wisconsin. Mom was the baby — two brothers, George and JW Waddell, along with sisters Anna Monahan and Eileen Curran, remember her. Her parents, AB and Rita Waddell, preceded her in death. We have her quilts, so we don’t really need flowers, and all of us, except maybe Nick, are full. Here are a few things you can do to honor Gabby: - Plant something. Mom loved lilacs and peonies. - Learn to sew, and then teach someone else. - Read to a child. - Use your talent (whatever it is) to make someone else feel special. - Register to be an organ and tissue donor. - Donate blood or platelets — be a literal lifesaver. Use the hashtag #SleevesUp4Gabby or pledge your donation here: sleevesup.redcrossblood.org/campaign/save-more-people-like-gabby. - Donate to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in her name; help us end cancer: jimmyfund.org/gift. We are tentatively planning a celebration of life for her birthday weekend (September 27) when we are hopefully finished social…

Mary Fletcher Hospital candy striper worked in nursing for more than 30 years Penelope S. Carlisle (“Penny”) passed away on March 25, 2020, surrounded by her family. Penny was born on April 29, 1937, in Philadelphia, Pa. Penny spent her early childhood in Montréal, Canada, while her father flew for the Royal Air Force. After the war, the Carlisle family moved to Burlington, Vt., where they became lifelong residents. Penny was always a gifted student. She attended Burlington High School (class of 1955) and then Swarthmore College. Being independent and eager to experience the world, Penny left college after two years and moved to New York City. Penny ultimately returned to Burlington and worked as a candy striper at Mary Fletcher Hospital. Her passion for nursing resulted in Penny graduating top of her class from Mary Fletcher School of Nursing (1962) while simultaneously caring for her first two children. Her notable career spanned more than 30 years, with rounds on the ICU floor (Montefiore Hospital, Bronx, N.Y.), infection control (Doctor's Hospital, NYC) and clinical research (University of Connecticut). Penny loved spending time with her family, friends and kitty cat Vixen; traveling; cooking; appreciating Lake Champlain; and mainly taking advantage of life to the fullest. Penny will be remembered most as a devoted and caring grandma. Grandma Penny dedicated her loving self to her grandchildren without limit. Her grandchildren (and many of their friends) will miss Grandma Penny’s cool and worldly advice, oftentimes served with a side of her amazing macaroni and cheese. Penny is survived by her three daughters, Sama Carlisle Meshel of San Francisco, Calif. (and son-in-law Bernie Honigman); Mima Meshel-Esponda of West Hartford, Conn. (and son-in-law Ray); and Leda Carlisle Sedlock of Lawrence, Kan. (and son-in-law Charlie); as well as by seven grandchildren, Austin Meshel-Haun, Isabella Esponda, Natasha Esponda, Sophiya Esponda, Levi Sedlock, Charles Sedlock and Anelise Sedlock; many family members and friends, including Brian Wagner and David Narro of the Bronx, N.Y.; and sister Diana Inman of Burlington, Vt. Mommy, you will be missed dearly. Memorial services will be held in the springtime. In lieu of sending gifts or flowers, please consider a donation to shelburnefarms.org, smiletrain.org (two of Penny’s favorite charities) or your local humane society.…

Champlain Housing Trust associate director helped people in many walks of life Susan Ainsworth-Daniels, 66, passed away Friday evening, April 3, 2020, at the University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington, Vt. She was born March 23, 1954, in Springfield, Vt., as the daughter of Palmer Ainsworth and Aino (Palm) Ainsworth. She attended Springfield schools, graduating from Springfield High School in 1972. In 1976, she graduated from the University of Vermont with a degree in social work. She later went on to get her master's degree from Adelphi University. Susan was employed by the Champlain Housing Trust for 30 years as associate director of resident services. In that capacity, she supported thousands of people needing a helping hand. Susan was the kindest, most generous and gentle of souls and will be missed every day. She was not a person who measured happiness in wealth or material things, but in relationships, love and laughter instead. Her life touched so many walks of life. She loved her family and especially enjoyed her nieces and nephews, as well as great-nieces and -nephews. They brought her a great deal of pleasure and happiness. She loved spending time with them. Susan was an avid knitter and was always making hats, scarfs, mittens, etc., for them. Her nieces and nephews treasured her gifts, made with so much love. She also gifted many beautiful quilts that she had made. Susan was a member of the St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Colchester, Vt., where she was senior warden and in the vestry. Her church community was very supportive, and she truly loved her church congregation. She is survived by her sister, Dana Leone; brother, John E. Prescott; nieces, Wendy Prescott Gorman and Elizabeth Chizmar; and nephews, John M. Prescott, Charles Leone, Daniel Leone, Jason Chizmar and Michael Chizmar. She is predeceased by her husband, Eugene Daniels; her beloved sister Ann Ainsworth-Demond; and sister Linda Ainsworth. Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to the Champlain Housing Trust Susan’s Fund at getahome.org/susan-ainsworth-daniels. Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield, Vt., is assisting with arrangements.…

Burlington-born woman "had a smile and a greeting for every person she saw" The world has lost an exceptionally kind and loving soul in Sherry, a generous and affectionate mother and grandmother, and a compassionate friend to many, who died wise but far too young. Born at Burlington, Vt.'s Lund Center and adopted by loving parents Eugene and Annie Boivin, Sherry attended Morrisville’s People’s Academy High School, graduating with the class of 1978. Sherry was strong-willed and had a wonderful sense of humor and a big heart. She’d walk down the street with a smile and greeting for every person she saw. Her visitors usually left with a bear hug, an armful of gifts and a plate of food, including her famous oatmeal-coconut-butterscotch-chip cookies. Sherry had a strong faith and loved God. She was humble but had many talents, such as sketching, sewing and crocheting intricate laces, a skill inherited from her grandmother, Sitto. She made numerous blankets and scarves for family, friends and community members in need. Sherry was a hard worker who imbued meaning into everything she did. A longtime owner of a cleaning business with a reputation for fairness and honesty, she viewed cleaning as a labor of love, the act of “making something beautiful again.” In her younger years, she enjoyed downhill skiing, yard work, ice-skating, kicking a soccer ball and playing outside with her children, Melissa, Timothy and Matthew. Sherry adored, and was adored by, her children, encouraging their individuality and reminding them, sometimes daily, that she loved and was proud of them. She fiercely loved her grandchildren, Christian and Ava, and spent many joyous moments reading, doing artwork and playing with them. Sherry loved the ocean and the beauty of nature. Her Decker Towers home was filled with seashells, books, art supplies, homemade blankets and family photos. She felt a connection with the spring daffodils, the chickadees and starfish. During a walk at dawn, she and her children once rescued great numbers of beached starfish, returning them to sea. Sherry, an optimist to the core, believed that everyone’s story mattered, that we are all special and worthy of love. Her compassion, sensitivity, and open and loving heart shone through even as she endured trauma, loss and alcoholism. Her willingness to try and try again was admirable. She was fond of saying, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way” and “Showing up is half the battle.” She practiced forgiveness even when it was difficult and…

Self-taught musician and artist found peace at Burlington’s Birchwood Terrace Stephen Albright died on Sunday morning, April 19, 2020, in Burlington. He was born on July 13, 1949, in Hagerstown, Md., the son of Roger Lynch Albright and Jeanne Stewart Fraser Albright. Stephen spent his early years growing up in the Mendon and Rutland area, which provided him with many fond memories. His family later moved to Burlington, where he attended Burlington High School and the University of Vermont. Stephen was a self-taught musician who learned to play guitar in his late teens. He was involved with local bands such as Sass, the Lights and Fake Cities, which played at school dances and local hot spots such as the Mill in Winooski and Hunt’s and Nectar’s in Burlington. He wrote many original pieces of music and became an excellent guitarist with a soulful touch. He was always glad to be a mentor to young up-and-coming guitarists. He was also creative in many other artistic areas, such as drawing, painting and leathercraft. In his mid- to late twenties, Stephen developed both mental and physical disabilities that he suffered from throughout his adult life. He still pursued his music and other artistic pursuits when he could and lived most of his adult life in an apartment at 101 College Street in downtown Burlington. He loved to walk on the marketplace and was a friendly face to many folks on the street and in the stores he frequented. As his health failed, he stayed at home more and finally moved to Birchwood Terrace for the last years of his life. Once he moved to Birchwood, his friends and family noticed a big change in Stephen’s attitude and well-being. He finally seemed at peace and happy with his day-to-day life. He participated in many activities there and was back to his social, sweet self. He enjoyed talking to us on the phone about his experiences and the friends he was meeting. He laughed again and was able to spread his love and joy to everyone around him. Even during his quarantine due to contracting the coronavirus, he maintained a positive attitude and talked with us on the phone. We were able to Zoom with him a couple of times on his last day due to the thoughtful and caring PA at Birchwood who kept us apprised of his condition. We are very grateful to all the health care professionals and workers for the…

A Northeast Kingdom “country doctor” served his community for 40 years Dr. Frank Philip Fiermonte passed away peacefully at the age of 99 on April 21, 2020, in South Burlington, Vt. Born January 7, 1921, in Malden, Mass., Frank was the son of Italian immigrants Carmine Antonio Fierimonte and Marinetta (Bevilacqua) Fierimonte. Survivors include his two children, Paula of San Rafael, Calif., and her husband, Bill Hartman; and Philip of Burlington, Vt., and his wife, Irene Jednak. He was predeceased by his wife of 55 years, Lucile (Rondeau), in 2001, as well as by his daughter Judith Ann in June 2019 and his brother Stanley in 2013. He graduated from Malden Catholic High School, where he played third base for the legendary baseball coach Brother Gilbert. Frank graduated from the Massachusetts College of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) in 1944 and from the Kansas City University of Physicians and Surgeons (MD) in 1945. He did his residency at City Hospital in Fall River, Mass., where he met his future wife, Lucile (Rondeau), who was a registered nurse at St. Anne’s Hospital in Fall River. He began his private medical practice in 1946 in Derby, Vt., and always said it was the view from Baxter Park in Derby Line that sold him on Vermont. His wife, Lucile, helped him with his practice in the early years. Frank practiced in Derby for 40 years and was known throughout the Northeast Kingdom simply as “Doc.” Frank was a true “country doctor.” He made house calls daily and was willing to see his patients at all hours and in all seasons. His office was in his home on Main Street in Derby, where patients came during office hours, no appointment necessary. As stated in an October 20, 2015, Congressional Record entry by U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), “We would do well to learn from people like Dr. Frank Fiermonte. Motivated by the desire to serve his community and deliver the best care possible, for Dr. Fiermonte it was all about the patient.” He loved the people of the Northeast Kingdom and was a fixture in the local community for all the years he lived there — golfing at Newport Country Club, an original member of the Derby Lions Club, a member of the Elks Club, and the public health officer for the Town of Derby for many years. He was a very good bridge player (but not as good as his wife, she often reminded him).…

A disability rights advocate led by powerful example Amelia Evelyn Voicy Baggs — disability rights advocate and a pioneer in the disability rights movement — lost her fight to live on April 11 at age 39. A prolific blogger, writer, artist, lecturer and poet, she made her home in Burlington, Vt. She loved friends, cats, redwoods, books, crocheting and life! In summer you may have seen her in her wheelchair at the farmers market, or in winter seen her crocheted gloves, hats and scarves left in plastic bags on park benches with the note, “If you are cold please take these, I made them for you.” You may have read her words online or in books, or seen her art in a local gallery. Many knew of Mel from her video "In My Language," which she created as an act of developmental disability solidarity, illustrating how nonstandard ways of being in the world were as deep, rich and as valid as those experienced by nondisabled people. Mel fought ableism for her very survival. She worked hard to live independently in her own apartment with support services. She was in an escalating battle to convince a failing local support system that her life had value. It became more difficult to attain adequate services and, without them, she weakened after having a regular flu. Mel’s untimely death is a heartbreaking loss to the disability community, where her writing became a gateway to self-understanding, acceptance and new perspectives on disability. You taught us so much, Mel! We mourn the life you did not get to finish. May the world grow into your wisdom. Rest in power and love. The family requests that remembrances in her name go to the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (autisticadvocacy.org).…

Part-time Burlingtonian remembered for his love of animals, stories and laughter Ethan Wallis Townsend, of Burlington, Vt., and Bozeman, Mont., passed away unexpectedly on April 4, 2020, in Longmont, Colo. We are heartbroken. Ethan left us far too early and will be deeply missed. Ethan was born December 29, 1981, in Northampton, Mass., to Marybeth Kearney Blakeney and Glenn Wallis Townsend. He is survived by his loving family; parents Jim and Marybeth Blakeney; brother Adrian Seth Townsend (wife Dixie Lee and children Meara, Cailan, Tori, Adrian and Odin ); sister Acacia Maris Blakeney (partner Jay Brauch); stepmother Jeannie Martin Townsend; and grandfather Matthew J. Kearney Jr. He was predeceased by his father, Glenn Wallis Townsend; his brother Craig Martin; and his grandparents Ray and Van Blakeney, Moira Waldron Kearney, and Don and Polly Townsend. He is also survived by many, many dear friends and extended family. Ethan was a special person. He loved all animals, and all animals loved him, especially dogs. He had recently returned to school, studying for his animal behavior certification. He touched many lives and brought great joy to all who knew him. We will all hold him close to our hearts forever. Donations in Ethan's name may be made to Best Friends Animal Society. Go to bestfriends.org to make a donation. Ethan’s Montana family celebrated him with a memorial gathering on April 6, on Pete’s Hill in Bozeman. Social distancing prevented many from attending. That memorial can be viewed at the Facebook page Always Ethan Always. We will wait to have his Vermont celebration when COVID-19 precautions are lifted. Look for an announcement at a later date. Until then, share great stories and many laughs with each other, as Ethan would have.…

Despite struggles, Vermonter found joy and shared it with others Elias Brennan Jonathan Howard came into this world six weeks early on February 10, 1988. On May 1, 2020, he left the world early, as well. Reach high, Buddy ... You are finally free to fly. As a young child, Eli delighted in the great outdoors, building forts and enjoying the magical world of the Huntington River valley, Mount Mansfield Union school area and Bolton Valley, where he grew up. As he got older, his connection to nature continued. Always in motion, he ran and then ran some more; rode; and skied Nordic, racing to much acclaim. He took great joy in music and his wonderful friends of many ages, races, social groups, cultures and backgrounds. He had great compassion for the underdog and those differently abled. His adventurous years in the Chittenden East school system and St. Lawrence University provided him with many opportunities for deep thought, deep bonds with friends and some outrageously good times. Along with, and in spite of, his struggles, Eli both found and brought joy through music, his love of running and the outdoors, good food, humor, and friendship. It is hard to let him go or forget the indelible stamp of his presence in our lives. As much as Eli asked for a great deal from us individually, he also gave us much creativity and pushed us to higher levels of creativity, too. At times, no matter how fast he ran, rode, skied, worked or played, the peace he sought eluded him. Yet he was no stranger to questioning deeply, working hard, playing hard and striving earnestly. He had many, many mentors, champions, lovers and friends. You know who you are. You know that you tried hard, and he did, too. You tried to help him feel worthy, loved and lovable. And he was reciprocal in letting you know how much he cared for you. We thank you all for your kindness. Eli leaves behind his father, Tom Howard, of Richmond and Stuben, Maine; his mom, Meg Howard, and her partner, Tom Northrop, of Huntington; his sister April, brother-in-law Ben Dangl, nephew Leon and niece Eulalia, all of Burlington; grandparents Jean Roberts and Howard Gross of Connecticut; many aunts, uncles, and cousins; and beloved friends. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Howard Center or the Richmond Land Trust in the name of Eli Howard. Reach out to one…

Obituary: Gilberte (Jill) Messier, 1928-2020

Obituary: David Draycott Barash, 1955-2020

Obituary: Dr. Declan Connolly, 1965-2020

Obituary: John J. Duffy Jr., 1934-2020

Obituary: William W. Worthen, 1922-2020

Obituary: Francine Louise Dissinger, 1942-2020

Obituary: Brian Paul Weir, 1960-2020

Obituary: William C. Lipke, 1936-2020

Obituary: David Stackpole, 1933-2020

Obituary: Marian Santos, 1945-2019

Obituary: Raymond Brown, 1940-2020

Obituary: Elizabeth White, 1954-2020

Obituary: Penelope Carlisle, 1937-2020

Obituary: Susan Ainsworth-Daniels, 1954-2020

Obituary: Sharon “Sherry” Marie Boivin, 1960-2020

Obituary: Stephen Albright, 1949-2020

Obituary: Dr. Frank Philip Fiermonte, 1921-2020

Obituary: Amelia Evelyn Voicy Baggs, 1980-2020

Obituary: Ethan Wallis Townsend, 1981-2020

Obituary: Eli Howard, 1988-2020