MIDDLEBURY — Services will be private for John L. Boyle Jr. who died Aug. 16 at his residence after a brief illness.
He was born March 4, 1928 in Charleroi, Pennsylvania, son of John and Myrtle (Jones) Boyle.
He was a graduate of Charleroi High School. He furthered his education at the University of Pittsburgh and the University of Pennsylvania Law School where he was on the Law Review.
John worked for Smith Kline and French, now Glaxco Smith Kline in Philadelphia his entire career, retiring as Assistant General Counsel. John and Vivian retired to Dataw Island, South Carolina where they lived for 26 years before moving to Middlebury.
John loved his family, golf and the Pittsburgh Steelers, not necessarily in that order.
He is survived by his wife Vivian Boyle of Middlebury; his daughter Susan Ford and husband Jim of Woodstock and grandsons Sumner Ford of Burlington and Ian Ford of Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
He was predeceased by his beloved son, Stephen Colyer Boyle.
In lieu of flowers, kindly make donations to Pine Island Camp, P.O. Box 242, Brunswick, Maine 04011.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Sanderson-Ducharme Funeral Home.

This obituary will also appear in the August 24, 2017 edition of the Vermont Standard.

To see more obituaries click here.

HARTLAND- At her request there will be no services for Pauly Bourdon Mathews, longtime resident of Woodstock and later Hartland who passed away at home on August 17, surrounded by family. She was 78 years old.
She was the daughter of Robert ‘Bob’ Bourdon and Margerie (Fox) Bourdon of Woodstock. Pauly grew up in various places in New England, graduating from Woodstock Union High School in 1957. She married Joseph Mathews, from Boston, in 1963, with whom she had one daughter, Julie Mathews Aydinli, who lives with her husband and son in Turkey.
Pauly was a fiercely independent spirit. She worked in various jobs over the years—from early days training horses at the Kedron Valley stables, to later becoming one of the first female UPS drivers in New England. She was co-owner of the first ever pizza place in Woodstock, long-time assistant to veterinarian Jim Roberts, and a well-known figure in the local dairy goat industry. She enjoyed all kinds of outside activities, including downhill and cross-country skiing, which she learned at an early age from her father, as well as biking, hiking, and snowshoeing. She was an avid reader, devoted NPR supporter, and fan of all kinds of music—with a special passion for opera.
Pauly is survived by her daughter Julie, son-in-law Ersel Aydinli, and grandson, Anadolu Aydinli of Ankara, Turkey. She is also survived by four brothers: Rod Bourdon of Exeter, NH; Rick Bourdon of Lyme, NH; Robert Bourdon Jr. of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico; and Tedd Parker of Plymton, MA; two sisters: Noel Parker Shaw of Exeter, NH and Melody Parker Camire of Biddeford, ME; step-brother Dave Parker of Carver, MA; cousins Diane Bourdon Tiezzi of West Newbury, MA; Kathleen Bourdon Halperin of Lebanon, NH; and Don Bourdon of Woodstock; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by one brother, Todd Parker of MA, and her cousin, Curt Bourdon of Woodstock.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Cabot Funeral Home in Woodstock. An online guest book can be found at cabotfh.com

This obituary will also appear in the August 24, 2017 edition of the Vermont Standard.

To see more obituaries click here.

GOODE, Virginia — A Funeral Mass was held on Aug. 11 at St. Thomas of Canterbury Anglican Catholic Church in Roanoke, Virginia for Lanighta West Lewis, who passed away in her home on Aug. 1 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. The Rite of Christian Burial was held in Johnson on Aug. 19
Lanighta was born Feb. 9, 1932 in Johnson, daughter of Trefley and Emma West.
She graduated from Johnson High School and went on to graduate from the Gifford Memorial School of Nursing in Randolph.
She continued to work for Gifford Memorial Hospital after graduation and married Donald Lewis who in November 1955 moved to Pomfret to his family farm where she had four children, Eric, Paula, Anita and Scott. Donald predeceased her June 18 after 61 years of marriage.
In 1963, the family moved to Florida and Lanighta worked first for Holiday Hospital in Orlando. She worked in various capacities becoming a supervisor and Director of Nursing before the hospital was sold. She happened to meet a man who started a concept of extended care facilities and he needed a Director of Nursing. The startup eventually became what we know today as Humana. She took the job and eventually the third floor became a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center. She became a certified drug and alcohol rehabilitation nurse to become nursing director of the facility. This was a new field for nursing care and she wrote several articles for nursing magazines and for teaching textbooks during her tenure at this facility.
Another door opened in her life and she took a change to rehabilitation nursing and began work with St. Paul Insurance Company. This required her to travel to check on their Workman’s Compensation claims patients to make sure they were getting the best care possible to return to work. The company noticed she had an eye for the facilities that were not up to par and she was sent to be certified as a Risk Manager and was moved to the Risk Management division of the company and sent with the team to certify hospitals and medical facilities for their malpractice coverages.
She retired from St. Paul Insurance and setup her own company, Caduceus Consulting, to provide Workman’s Compensation Nursing services to insurance companies in Florida, Tennessee and Vermont. She formed a staff of herself and several other nurses and ran the company until she finally retired and sold the company.
She and Donald then moved to Goode, Virginia to be near their daughter Paula since the mountains reminded them so much of Vermont where they spent their younger years. They bought a little farm and lived out the remainder of their days there.
Lanighta is survived by her brothers, Vernon (Skip) West (Ronnie) of Champlain, New York and Boyd (Bud) West (Carol) of Albany, New York; two sons Father Eric Lewis of Savannah, Georgia and Scott Lewis (Kimberly) of Omaha, Nebraska: two daughters, Paula Hegner (Gary) of Augusta, Georgia and Anita Trout (Daniel) of Augusta, Georgia; seven grandchildren; and a great-granddaughter.
She was predeceased by her husband, Donald E Lewis; and her sister, Patricia Baker of Glens Falls, New York.
Memorial donations should be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (alzfdn.org) for research into a cure for this devastating and life taking disease.
Faith Funeral Home of Morrisville is assisting with local arrangements. Online condolences may be made by visiting faithfh.net.

This obituary will also appear in the August 24, 2017 edition of the Vermont Standard.

To see more obituaries click here.

HARTLAND — A memorial gathering will be held on Saturday, Sept. 2 at 11 a.m., at Damon Hall, in Hartland for Joseph S. Silver who died Aug. 26 at his home. All of his children had gathered to be with him while he was in the hospital.
He was born in Milton, Massachusetts on Feb. 21, 1944, second son of Lillian and Samuel Silver.
He grew up in Mattapan and Newton, Massachusetts and graduated from high school in Newton. He traveled a circuitous route through college, eventually graduating from Boston University, and later earning his master’s degree from Springfield College. During his early college years, he spent time on a kibbutz in Israel.
He was married to Emily Barrett on Oct. 7, 1979, in Newport, Rhode Island and they made their home in Hartland.
An educator and mentor to many, Joe was a teacher, guidance counselor, vice principal, principal, and superintendent, and worked in a number of school districts in Vermont and New Hampshire. He served as director of the Hartford Career and Technology Center, was vice principal of Lebanon High School, principal of Windsor High School, and superintendent of schools in Springfield.
After retiring, he served many districts as an interim superintendent and assisted school boards in their superintendent searches.
Joe’s laughter was contagious; it would fill a room and get everyone with him laughing. He loved to cook—and to eat, especially pickles, and never found a recipe that he wasn’t willing to try. He had a keen eye for antiques and loved to poke around at yard sales. He was a gardener, growing vegetables and perennials, which he would trade with friends. He and Emily opened their home to many friends, new and old, and would sit for hours over dinner and visit.
His greatest joy was to be with Emily, their children, and grandchildren. Their family would meet each summer on Cape Cod, and also take vacations together in far-flung locations, including London, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, and Hawaii.
In addition to his wife, Emily Barrett Silver, he is survived by four children: son, Benjamin Silver, of Charlotte, North Carolina and his wife Kimie Silver, and their children Kailee, Aiden, and Zachary; a daughter, Emily Turner, of London, and her husband, Tom Turner, and their children, Tommy and Lindsey; son, Matthew Silver, of Rockport, Massachusetts and his wife, Molly Silver, and their children Ella and M.J.; and son, Daniel Silver, of Hartland, and his wife, Yujin Silver, and their sons Isaac and Dean; one brother, Frank Silver, of Queens, New York; two nieces and two nephews; his first wife, April Silver, of Gloucester, Massachusetts; and many friends in Hartland, the Upper Valley, and beyond.
He was predeceased by a brother, Robert Silver.
The family wishes to express their gratitude to the excellent and compassionate staff, including the palliative care team, at the Norris Cotton Cancer Center at the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, at LLS.org, or to the Norris Cotton Cancer Center, 1 Medical Center Drive, Lebanon, N.H., 03756.

This obituary will also appear in the August 31, 2017 edition of the Vermont Standard.

To see more obituaries click here.

ROCKINGHAM and formally of Killington – A memorial service was held Aug. 26 in the United Church of Ludlow for Johanna Marie Harpster who died Aug. 21 at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center.
Rev. Bruce Bishop, of Rutland, officiated. Burial will be in Graysville Cemetery in Pennsylvania Furnace, Pennsylvania.
She was born Dec. 17, 1946, in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania, daughter of Victor and Marie (Wentz) Lucas.
Johanna graduated from State College (PA) Area High School in 1964; received a B.A. from Allegheny (PA) College in 1968; received a M.Ed. from Pennsylvania State University in 1975; and earned her doctorate in educational administration from the University of Vermont.
On June 15, 1968, she married the Rev. Dr. Donald E. Harpster in the Presbyterian Church in State College, Pennsylvania.
Johanna was a member of Grace Congregational United Church of Christ and was an associate member of the United Church of Ludlow.
She was the chairperson of the board for Greater Falls Connections and a member of the Bellows Falls Rotary.
From 1970-1972, she taught sixth grade in Branford, Connecticut schools; from 1986-1989, taught English and social studies, grades 7 and 8, in Bangor, Maine; in 1989-1990, she was assistant principal in Dexter, Maine, Primary-Middle School; then became principal there from 1990-1991. In the Windsor Central Supervisory Union, she was principal at Woodstock Union Middle School from 1991-1997, and then became principal at Woodstock Union High School 1997-2006. From 2006-2011, she was the superintendent of the Windham Northeast Supervisory Union.
Survivors include her husband, the Rev. Dr. Donald E. Harpster; and two sons, Benjamin E. Harpster and his wife, Christine, and Matthew L. Harpster.
Memorial contributions may be made to the United Church of Ludlow, 48 Pleasant St., Ludlow, 05149.
Arrangements are with Tossing Funeral Home.
This obituary will also appear in the August 31, 2017 edition of the Vermont Standard.

To see more obituaries click here.

HARTFORD — A private family service will be held at the convenience of the family for Beatrice Mary Catlett, 79, who died Aug. 26 in her home in White River Jct. with her family by her side. Burial will be in the Christian Street Cemetery along with her daughter Sherry.
She was born Nov. 24, 1937 in Hartland, daughter of Benjamin and Christybell (Mizo) Charles.
Beatrice grew up and attended school in Hartland and then lived in a variety of places while moving around the country with her family.
She was married to Howard Catlett in Hartford, Connecticut in 1965; they spent several years in Connecticut before returning to Vermont where she has lived since.
Mrs. Catlett worked as a home health care provider and in her free time enjoyed staying involved in her children’s lives.
She leaves a daughter Robin Mullins of Hooksett, New Hampshire; three sons Richard Mullins of Hartland and Billy Mullins and Howie Mullins, both of White River Jct.; seven grandchildren Heather, Robin, Terry, Michelle, Wade, Melissa and Billie; 15 great-grandchildren; three sisters Patricia Sullivan of North Carolina, Claudia Bogoslofski of Hartford, Connecticut and Nancy Trombley of Florida; two brothers Harold and Benjamin Charles, both of Florida; and several nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her husband, Howard, in 2001; a daughter Sherry Nichols in 2007; a grandson Richard as well as two sisters, Carol Brown and Christy Gilbert.
Condolences may be expressed to Beatrice’s family in an online guestbook at www.knightfuneralhomes.com

This obituary will also appear in the August 31, 2017 edition of the Vermont Standard.

To see more obituaries click here.

This obituary will also appear in the August 31, 2017 edition of the Vermont Standard.

To see more obituaries click here.

Burial will be in Woodstock at a later date for Frederick B. Lee, Jr. who died August 18.

He was born in New York City and raised in Washington, D.C. He attended St. Alban’s School in Washington, D.C. and graduated from St. Paul’s School in Concord, NH. He graduated from the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, VA. Shortly after, he served in the U.S. Army. Upon completion of his service he attended the McGeorge School of Law in Sacramento, CA where he earned his J.D.
Rick spent the summers of his youth in Woodstock, VT, and visited there as often as he could as an adult. He was drawn to the West through his Billings family history and his life-long friendship with the Gavin Farr family. He settled in Elko, NV and loved it—and it loved him.
Rick worked for Nevada Indian Legal Services for many years, and then spent 24 years serving as Elko County Public Defender before retiring in 2015.
A life-long Episcopalian, Rick was a member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church where he served at various times as a vestry member, senior warden, and usher. He also held licenses as a lector, worship leader, Eucharistic visitor, and preacher.
The word most often used to describe Rick was “kind”; he had an open heart and his life touched and improved the lives of countless individuals. He had a probing intellect, a prodigious memory, and a dry sense of humor. He was a loyal companion and a loving son, brother, uncle, father, and husband.
He is survived by his wife Karen Albrethsen, daughter Laura Emma Lee, son Frederick Billings Lee III, the stepchildren he loved as his own, Greg Blackwell, Jennique Lee, and Cheryl Wright, and his sisters Jane Wolfe and Laura Kent, as well as a niece and several nephews.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Billings Farm and Museum at billingsfarm.org/give or mailed to: Billings Farm & Museum, P. O. Box 489, Woodstock, VT 05091-0489

This obituary will also appear in the August 24, 2017 edition of the Vermont Standard.

To see more obituaries click here.

HARTFORD — Thomas F. Thibodeau, Sr., 83, died Sept. 1, at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire.
Tom was born July 1, 1934 in Wilder, son of Joseph and Frances (Wooden) Thibodeau.
He attended Hartford High School and left at the age of 16 and joined the United Stated Marine Corps. He served his country as a machine gunner in Korea.
Upon his honorable discharge he return home and went to work for Purcell Oil Company and later for Moulton Construction. Tom went to work for Lebanon Crushed Stone where he worked for 40 years retiring in 1995. After retirement he worked in sales at Pike Industries to keep busy.
Tom was a member of the Groveton Trail Blazers Snow Mobile Club in Stark, New Hampshire where he would spend his winters snowmobiling, and his mornings at McDonalds with the gang.
He enjoyed taking care of his property mowing and landscaping. He was a former member of the Hartford Elks BPOE #1541 and the White River Junction Lions Club.
He is survived by his wife Beverly (Barber) Thibodeau; a daughter, Wendy Luce and her husband Clayton of White River Junction; two sons Thomas F. “Turk” Thibodeau, Jr of White River Junction and Tim Thibodeau of Hartland; eight grandchildren, Shawn Thibodeau his wife Jenn, Meagan Luce, Ashley Farris, Zackary Thibodeau, Ryan Thibodeau, Kayla Thibodeau, Kelsey Thibodeau, and Hayden Thibodeau; seven great-grandchildren, Amber and Jazz Wilson, Kyra and Tucker Thibodeau, Jaden Farris, and Gabby and Gunner Rice.
Tom is predeceased by a daughter Marsha Farris.
The Knight Funeral Home in White River Junction is assisting with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed in an online guestbook at www.knightfuneralhomes.com
Memorial Contributions may be made to: Groveton Trail Blazers Snow Mobile Club, 5 Hall Rd, Groveton, N.H. 03582.

This obituary will also appear in the Septemeber 8, 2017 edition of the Vermont Standard.

To see more obituaries click here.

This obituary will also appear in the September 8, 2017 edition of the Vermont Standard.

To see more obituaries click here.

SPRINGFIELD — A beloved husband, father, family man and friend! Darl Gene Hill was born Aug. 22nd, 1962 in Springfield. Born to his parents Harry E. Hill his father and Doris Hill his mother, who are both predeceased.
Darl was a native of Vermont, he loved the beauty the seasons brought to Vermont. Darl was a very hard working man, he worked his whole life, his dream was to retire, and live out the rest of his days comfortably. Darl was last employed at Mac’s Woodstock Market in Woodstock. Previously Darl worked for other companies like The Woodstock Inn, Vermont Soapstone, and The Springfield Fence Company. Darl always helped people in their time of need, he was always tinkering and fixing things to keep busy. Darl was a man of his word and would give the shirt off his back and help you no matter who you were, stranger or not! Darl was dedicated to his wife and loved her very much, Lisa Hill survivor of Springfield. Darl and Lisa were childhood sweethearts and crossed paths later on and got married on Feb. 14, 2004. They got married and honored their vows and each other. It was them against the world. They were outlaws, legends, and lovers of our time!
Darl was a dedicated father to his daughter Felicia Vezina survivor of Springfield, son-in-law Robert Vezina as well as Darl’s son Jon Gassert Jr. both survivors of Springfield,. Darl had many brothers and sisters; Barry Hill of Rockingham, Howard D. Hill, Roy A. Hill, and Harry E. Hill Jr., all survivors of Springfield; Patsy Gannaway of McMinville, Oregon, Doris R. Kilburn and Ruby A. Hill, both survivors of Springfield, and Darlene J. Cooper survivor of Cornish, New Hampshire; two sisters Mabel Garrapy and Vivian Currier and one brother George E. Hill predeceased their brother Darl. Darl had two grandchildren, Daniel R. Vezina and Liam E. Vezina both survivors of Springfield, He had two great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews and cousins.
Darl loved the company of his family and friends. He loved his two Siberian huskies Jasmine and Sasha! He loved his motorcycle, Darl loved to laugh and have fun! Darl fought the good fight! Darl spoke that God told him that God was coming to bring him home on his 55th birthday! Sadly this was true! Darl Gene Hill received his angel wings and was taken from us Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2017 at 6:35 a.m.
Visiting Hours will be held Saturday, Sept. 9 from 5-7 p.m. at the Knight Funeral Home in Windsor. A Celebration of Darl’s life will be held the following day Sunday, Sept. 10 beginning at 1 p.m. at the American Legion Post #25 on Court Street in Windsor.
Condolences may be expressed to Darl’s family in an online guestbook at www.knightfuneralhomes.com.
In memory of Darl to take care of his wife Lisa Hill please make memorial contributions and donations to Lisa Hill, 54 South Street Apt#2 Springfield, Vt. 05156.
Darl Gene Hill will forever be loved and missed! Never forgotten! Gone too soon!
Written by Darl’s daughter ~Felicia Vezina~

This obituary will also appear in the September 8, 2017 edition of the Vermont Standard.

To see more obituaries click here.

SHARON — A graveside service will be held on Friday, Sept. 8 at 11 a.m. at the Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Randolph Center for Kenneth Earl Isenor who died Sept. 1 at his home. There will be no public calling hours.
He was born Oct. 24, 1950, in Alabama, grew up in Quechee and Hartland.
Ken and Bonnie were married in 1974 and made their home in Sharon. Ken was a loving husband and devoted father to his three children and their families, Nathan and wife, Kelly of Boston, Stacey and fiancé Brian of Richmond and Greg and wife Sarah of West Hartford.
Poppy Ken modeled strength and courage for his three grandchildren, Rowan, Bennett and Laila, even as he battled the effects of polymyositis, a rare autoimmune disorder that left him with limited muscle control of his arms and legs. All three adored him, and were always ready for a zip around the room in his special chair—especially if they got to beep the horn!
Ken was a proud Navy veteran. He graduated Hartford High School in 1970 and worked at Thermal Dynamics until his illness made it impossible.
Before his illness, Ken was a racecar enthusiast and member of the Chain Gang at Hartford High School football games.
Despite his physical challenges, he mastered the art of using a scroll saw later in life and his work was admired and sold locally around Vermont.
Besides his immediate family, Ken is survived by his parents, Don and Imogene Isenor; brother, Brian Isenor; sisters, Sheila Warren and Donna Waters.
Donations in Ken’s memory may be made to the VNA and Hospice of VT/NH, 66 Benning Street, Suite #6, West Lebanon, NH 03784-3407. The dedication of their staff, especially Kate, allowed Ken to enjoy freedom and independence.
A private message of sympathy for the family can be shared at www.boardwayandcilley.com. The Boardway and Cilley Funeral Home in Chelsea is in charge of the arrangements.

This obituary will also appear in the September 8, 2017 edition of the Vermont Standard.

To see more obituaries click here.

HARTFORD — A memorial service will be held Saturday, Sept. 16, 2017 at 1pm in the Greater Hartford United Church of Christ for Jean M. Doherty, 85, who died Sept. 3, after a brief illness at Lebanon Center Genesis in Lebanon, New Hampshire. A private burial service will be in the Vermont Veterans Cemetery in Randolph Center at the convenience of the family.
She was born May 27, 1932 in Pomfret, daughter of Wendall and Lillian (Whitcomb) Fogg.
She graduated from Hartford High School class of 1950 and later went to work for New England Telephone and Telegraph.
She was married to Frederick A. Doherty on Oct. 6, 1962 they lived in White River Junction. She later worked at Fogg’s Gardens, Cross Company, Kelton Motors and White River Paper Company where she retired from. After retiring she volunteered at the VA Eye Clinic for many years.
Jean was an active member at the Greater Hartford United Church of Christ in Hartford Village, where she was a member of the Ladies fellowship and would help at bazaars. She was a member of the both the American Legion Auxiliary and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary both in White River Junction.
She enjoyed knitting and would donate hats and blankets to the Alice Peck Day Birthing Center for newborns.
Jean is survived by five daughters; Janet Levasseur and husband Jim Peters of West Hartford, Patricia Fountain and her partner Jim Wilson of Canaan, New Hampshire, Susan Gray and husband Michael, Lilly Doherty, and Linda Wright and her husband Gordon all of White River Junction; seven grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; three siblings, Marilyn Grafton of Clarendon, Norman Fogg of White River Junction and Dorothy Cummings of Sharon; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was predeceased by Frederick in 2007; and her son-in-law Doug Fountain.
The Knight Funeral Home in White River Junction has been entrusted with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to Jean’s family in an online guestbook at www.knightfuneralhomes.com.
Due to Jeans allergies please make a contribution in lieu of flowers to: VA Hospital, c/o Patient Services, 215 North Main Street, White River Jct., Vt. 05009.
This obituary will also appear in the September 8, 2017 edition of the Vermont Standard.

To see more obituaries click here.

HANOVER, New Hampshire — There will be no services for Gara M. Hatch who passed away peacefully on Sept. 3 at Outreach House, her residence for the past five years.
She was born in Phoenix, Arizona on April 22, 1919, daughter of Susan Dunn McQuesten and Charles Greenough McQuesten.
She graduated from Phoenix High School.
On March 23, 1938 she married Stearns S. Hatch of East Wallingford. Stearns predeceased her in 2002.
Gara was a homemaker, worked in retail jewelry, and at Killington Ski Area. She enjoyed knitting, reading, antiquing with Stearns, and practicing yoga.
She is survived by her son, Roy Hatch of Wilder and her daughter, Sue Liberty of Middlebury. Gara is also survived by two grandsons, Parker Hatch (and partner, Libby) of South Royalton and Justin Liberty of Winter Park, Colorado.
Living to age 98, Gara outlived a lot of friends and relatives.
The family would like to thank the loving and caring staff at Outreach House and the team of caregivers from The Lake Sunapee Region VNA and Hospice.
Please consider a donation in Gara’s memory to Outreach House, 11 South Park Street, Hanover, NH 03755.

This obituary will also appear in the September 8, 2017 edition of the Vermont Standard.

To see more obituaries click here.

CHELSEA — A memorial Celebration of Life will be held, Saturday, Sept. 9 at 10 a.m. at the United Church of Chelsea for Ashley Jean Hayward, 36, who died unexpectedly, Aug. 20 in Haverhill, Massachusetts. Calling hours will be held, Friday, Sept. 8, from 6-8 p.m. at the Boardway and Cilley Funeral Home, Chelsea.
She was born, Aug. 15, 1981 in Berlin, daughter of Brian Hayward and Pamela (Maxham) Hayward.
She grew up in Chelsea where she attended school, graduating in 1999 from Chelsea High School. Following graduation she worked two years at Black Cat Copies in South Royalton. She moved to Massachusetts in 2001 where she owned and operated an interior/exterior house painting business.
She enjoyed spending time with her children, going to the beach and raising animals (pigs and oxen) when she was younger.
She is survived by three daughters, Brooke Moses of Tunbridge and Sydney and Kailey, both of Massachusetts, two sons, Kyle and Kaden, both of Massachusetts; her father Brian Hayward and his friend Dorothy Lambert of East Calais; her mother Pamela Doyle and her husband, John of Chelsea; two brothers, Brian Hayward, Jr. and his wife, Chelsea of Ludlow, and Kris Hayward and his wife, Angela of Berlin; her grandparents Arnold and Arlene Preston of Chelsea; two grandmothers, Phyllis Maxham of Roxbury and Helen Eldred of East Montpelier; and several cousins.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to, Northern New England Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 114 Perimeter Rd., Nashua, N.H. 03063. A private message of sympathy for the family can be shared at, www.boardwaycilley.com.
This obituary will also appear in the September 8, 2017 edition of the Vermont Standard.

To see more obituaries click here.

This obituary will also appear in the September 8, 2017 edition of the Vermont Standard.

To see more obituaries click here.

HARTLAND — A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St Francis of Assisi Church in Windsor on Sept. 6 for Elfriede Hedwig Besemer Lemieux, who died Aug. 30 at Cedar Hill Health Care Center in Windsor after eight months of failing health. Burial followed in the St. Francis Cemetery in Windsor.
She was born on May 26, 1924 in Nesconset, (Long Island) New York to immigrant parents Emma Besemer Otto and Max Besemer. She had one sister Charlotte, a brother Siegfried and stepbrother Ernest Otto and his wife, Gloria Otto. She spent her early childhood on Long Island. Later her family moved to North Troy, where she met her husband to be Lionel Lemieux.
They were married on Sept. 25, 1943 at St Paul’s Church Barton, Vt. After marriage they moved to Windsor and started their family. Shortly thereafter they moved to Hartland Four Corners where she lived for the next 67 years raising her family of nine children; Armand (Becky) of Derby, Linda Wiggins (Dennis) of Moreno, California, Robert (Judy) of Pittsford, Donald (Julie) of Hartland, Richard (Caroll) of Mooreland, Oklahoma, Roland (Roxie) of Canaan, New Hampshire, Mary Nimblett (Paul) of Seabrook, New Hampshire, David (Donna) of Hartland, and John (Sarah) of Hartford; 23 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and the 22nd due end of September, four great-great-grandchildren, her stepbrother Ernest of New York and a number of nieces and nephews.
Her main occupation was a homemaker but also worked at Maple Leaf Motel and the home of local icon Miss Bishoff. She had a “green thumb” for raising her vegetables, berries and fruit trees with an array of houseplants and an abundance of flowers throughout her yard. Having grown up during the Depression she learned to be frugal and make use of the fruits of her labor by canning, persevering and freezing which supplied her family with nutritious food. She was well known for her donuts, dill pickles and jams. No one ever left her home hungry or without a care package. She spent hours knitting, crocheting and putting together puzzles. You were considered lucky to receive a pair of her handmade socks. Education was important to her. She was unable to graduate from high school with her class due to family issues but later in life she went to classes and received her GED.
She was predeceased by husband Lionel after only 27 years of marriage, her parents, stepfather, her brother and sister last year, two grandchildren and her son-in-law Paul.
A special thank you for the Meals on Wheels staff that delivered her lunches five days a week for years. They became her friends. Also a thank you to the staff of the Cedar Hill Complex for their compassionate care for the last year and a half.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Meals on Wheels c/o Stoughton House, at 46 Main Street, Windsor, VT 05089 or to the charity of your choice.
Condolences may be expressed to her family in an online guestbook at www.knightfuneralhomes.com The Knight Funeral Home in Windsor, VT has been entrusted with arrangements.
This obituary will also appear in the September 8, 2017 edition of the Vermont Standard.

To see more obituaries click here.

WINDSOR — Duane Russell Merrill was at home when he peacefully passed from this world on Sept. 8 after many years of living with COPD.
He was born on Dec. 26, 1932, son of Ruth (Wyman) and Hiram Powers Merrill (Colston).
He and his sisters grew up in Plainfield, New Hampshire. The family moved to Windsor, where he worked as a janitor at the old Windsor High School; taxi cab driver, utility man for 35 years at Cone Automatic, where he earned the nicknamed “Popcorn” and janitor at Green Mountain Marble both in Windsor.
Known by nieces and nephews as “Uncle Bub,” he enjoyed seeing them grow up and have kids of their own and he was extremely proud of his children. He could be seen in Windsor daily: sitting in his car on Main Street to visit with friends in front of the post office or in front of the bank; filling up with gas at “Brownies” and visiting his sister, Lorraine and niece, Sandy. On weekends, he enjoyed visiting with close friends and family.
Duane is survived by his son, Gary R. Merrill, Sr. and his former wife, Lazzel Plaster of Windsor; his daughter, Debra J. Carter and her husband Nick of Hartland; Scott Merrill and his wife Dustin of Windsor; grandchildren Gary R. Merrill, Jr. of Claremont, New Hampshire, Ashley Merrill Stoodley of New Hampshire; Taylor Carter of Hartland, Joshua Carter of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; Alexianna and Marrissa Merrill of Windsor; great-grandson Tristen James Merrill and great-granddaughter Lazzel Lynn Debra Merrill, both of Windsor; nieces and nephews and grand-dog Oliver Carter who made him smile daily.
Duane was predeceased by his parents; three sisters, Arlene Fadden, Alice Reynolds, both of Windsor, Lorraine Shambo of Cornish, New Hampshire; his best friend; his former wife, Judy Osgood, the “love of his life“; as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.
The family would like to express sincere “Thank You” to the ladies at Peoples United Bank, staff at Mount Ascutney Hospital and Windsor Ambulance Service for their patience and assistance over the years, Meals on Wheels in the past few weeks and extreme gratitude for the urgent, caring services of “Maureen” with Bayada Hospice Care.
At his request, there will be no calling hours.
His family would like his memory reflected in this: “There is no grave that can hold my body down; therefore, if you must bury something, let it be my faults; my weaknesses and all prejudice against my fellow man. Give my sins to the devil; give my soul to God and if, by chance, you wish to remember me, do it with a kind deed or word to someone who needs you. If you do all this, I will live forever. Mr. R. Best.
His children will have an informal gathering for a time of reflection and remembrance of him and his life at a later date.
Memorial donations may be made in his name to Bayada Hospice, Norwich, Vt. or Meals on Wheels. Condolences may be expressed in an online guestbook at ww.knightfuneralhomes.com
The Knight Funeral Home in Windsor has been entrusted with arrangements.

This obituary will also appear in the September 14, 2017 edition of the Vermont Standard.

To see more obituaries click here.

HARTLAND — There will be no public services per the request of Robert D. Varney, a longtime resident of Hartland, who passed away peacefully Sept. 10, at the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon following complications from a stroke.
He was born Sept. 17, 1935, in Portland, Maine, son of Forrest and Maud (Henry) Varney.
He received his schooling in Standish, Maine and graduated from Standish High School in 1954.
He married Carol Thorne on April 28, 1957 in Limington, Maine, and shortly after they moved to Vermont, where he sold milking machines and bulk milk coolers. Robert most recently owned and operated Varney Trucking in Hartland for many years until his retirement.
Survivors include his wife, Carol J. Varney of Hartland; one son, Joseph C. Varney and his wife, Carrie of Hartland; two daughters, Judith L. Meunier and her husband, Richard of Hartland and Jackie L. Young and her husband, Kelly of Windsor; nine grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren; one sister, Eleanor Pult of San Francisco, California; and several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents; one daughter, Vickie Macie in 1998; one grandson, Robert J. Varney in 2017; and by one brother, Irvin Varney.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Hartland Volunteer Fire and Rescue Squad at PO Box 403, Hartland, 05048.
The Knight Funeral Home in Windsor is entrusted with the arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to his family in an online guestbook at www.knightfuneralhomes.com.

This obituary will also appear in the September 14, 2017 edition of the Vermont Standard.

To see more obituaries click here.

The family is being assisted locally by Cabot Funeral Home. An online guest book can be found at cabotfh.com