Marion Kinne
Marion Kinne, 83, of Cross Road, Newport Center, died at her home on Thursday, February 5, 2004. Mrs. Kinne was born in Newport on August 26, 1920, the daughter of Homer and Tessa (Larabee) Coburn. On July 6, 1943, she married Richard Kinne, who predeceased her on November 13, 1999. Mrs. Kinne was an elementary teacher in the Newport Center and North Troy schools for most of her life. She enjoyed raising her Morgan horses and gardening. She is survived by her children James Kinne of Roseville, California, and Kit Kinne of Yuba City, California; her grandchildren, Jill Cassidy and Jeff Logan; her great-grandchildren, Jason and Dorothy Cassidy; and her sister, Phyllis Scott of Derby. She was predeceased by her daughter, Kaye Logan in 1989, and by her brother, Stanley Coburn. Funeral services were scheduled for Tuesday, February 10, at Curtis-Britch Converse-Rushford Funeral Home in Newport with the Reverend Roger Fletcher officiating. Should friends desire, contributions in Mrs. Kinne's memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, Vermont Division, Inc. 13 Loomis Street, Montpelier, Vermont 05602. Arrangements are by Curtis-Britch Converse-Rushford Funeral Homes.

Lillian E. Howland
Lillian E. Howland, 90, of Breezy Hill Road in Barton, died in Barton on Wednesday, February 4, 2004. Mrs. Howland was born in Spencer, Massachusetts, on August 8, 1913, the daughter of Chester and Jennie Mae (Fenton) Nichols. Mrs. Howland worked as a braid attender at Burke Lace & Braid in Providence, Rhode Island. She was a member of the Roady Rover Campers Club in Providence and moved to Vermont in 1990. On February 22, 1941, she married Daniel Howland, who predeceased her on February 22, 1979. She is survived by her daughter-in-law, Melba Howland of Barton; her great-grandson, Trace Barber of Morrisville; her brothers Robert Fenton of Orleans, Harold Fenton of Florida, and Bernard Fenton of Massachusetts; and by nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her son, Chester, and by her sisters Florence and Irene. A graveside service will be held in Massachusetts on Wednesday, February 11. Should friends desire, contributions in Mrs. Howland's memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, Vermont Division Inc., 13 Loomis Street, Montpelier, Vermont 05602. Arrangements are by Curtis-Britch Converse-Rushford Funeral Homes.

Charles Olin Brown Sr.
Charles Olin Brown Sr, 70, a resident of Eden Mills, died Saturday, February 7, 2004, at the home of his daughter in Craftsbury following a long battle with cancer. Mr. Brown was born in Newport, June 28, 1933, the son of W.C. Olin and Marian E. (Gould) Brown. When he was three he moved to Eden Mills to live on a farm at the end of the lake with his parents. He had an older brother, Robert, and a sister, Glenna. He spent much of his time working on the farm and developed a love for nature. While attending the one room school in Eden Mills, he met Geraldine Griggs, whom he would later marry. He graduated from Peoples Academy in Morrisville and moved to Washington, D.C., and worked for the FBI in the photo lab. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and served during the Korean Conflict as a photographer. He then returned home to his beloved Eden. He married Geraldine in 1962 and did what he loved best; he went to the woods and became a logger. He loved the land and all its creatures. Mr. Brown was an honest and quiet man who spent much of his time fishing and hunting. He raised and showed his hunting dogs, loved to bowl, throw horseshoes and listen to bluegrass music. As his children were growing up, he was involved as a Little League coach and later as an umpire. Geraldine had predeceased him in 1987. He will be missed by his children: Sharon Brown Menard and her husband, Ernie, and their children, Michelle, Kristen, Andrea, Michael and Tiffany, all of Craftsbury; and his son, Charles (Chuck) Olin Brown Jr, of Eden Mills who resides at the home that Charlie and Geraldine Brown built. He also leaves his brother Robert's family; his sister Glenna Griggs and her husband, Lawrence, of Craftsbury; his in-laws, the late Alfred Griggs' family, all of Seabrook, New Hampshire; Lillian (Fay) Waterhouse of Craftsbury; Reggie and Eleanor Griggs of Craftsbury; Dorothy and Eugene Marckres of Craftsbury; Donald and Violet Griggs of Eden; Harold and Franny Griggs of Eden; and Norma Waterhouse of Craftsbury; many nieces, nephews and neighbors who will miss his presence and humor. His family and friends pray that he has gone to a place where the streams are full of trout and there are ten-point bucks standing on every ridge. A funeral service will be held at the Eden Congregational Church, Wednesday, February 11, at 1 p.m. with the Reverend Michael Ford officiating. Spring interment will be in the Branch Cemetery in Craftsbury. Contributions in his memory may be made to the Lamoille Area Cancer Network, P.O. Box 38, Lake Elmore, Vermont 05657, or to the Orleans-Essex VNA and Hospice, Inc. 46 Lakemont Road, Newport, Vermont 05855. The Malcolm R. Davis Funeral Home of Craftsbury Common is in charge of arrangements.

Viola I. Laliberty
Viola I. Laliberty, 77, of Troy died on February 3, 2004, at Bel-Aire Quality Care Nursing Center in Newport, after a courageous battle with cancer. Mrs. Laliberty was born on August 13, 1926, in Norton, the daughter of Alfred and Derilda (Henry) Devost, who predeceased her in August 1949 and June 1994. She married Roland J. Laliberty on June 10, 1946, at St. James Parish in Island Pond. He predeceased her in July 1992. She was the loving mother of three children: Walter, Marie, and Roland "Beb." Shortly after she and her husband were married they moved to Troy where she kept the books for the family business, was an active member of the Ladies of Sacred Heart, and enjoyed bingo, playing cards, bowling, dancing, shopping, and most of all, being out with her friends. Survivors include her son Roland "Beb" Laliberty and his wife, Shannon, of Troy; her daughter Marie L. Jackson and her husband, Thomas, of Castleton; granddaughter Kristina M. Jackson of Burke, Virginia; grandson Jeremy T. Jackson of Castleton; granddaughter Thea Pion of Troy; and grandson Tyler Pion of Troy. Her son the Reverend Walter A. Laliberty predeceased her in August 2002. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated February 6 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Troy with the Reverend Jerome Mercure officiating. Spring interment will take place at St. Ignatius Cemetery in Lowell. Should friends desire, contributions in Mrs. Laliberty's memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, Vermont Division, 13 Loomis Street, Montpelier, Vermont 05602. Arrangements are by Curtis-Britch Converse-Rushford Funeral Homes.

William Dustin "Dusty" White Jr.
William Dustin "Dusty" White Jr., 91, a Vermont educator for over 40 years, died on April 2, 2004, of natural causes at Newport Health Care Center, where he has resided for the past two years. Mr. White was born in 1912 in Ryegate and was a resident of Orleans County for the past 51 years. He served as principal of Orleans High School from 1953 to 1957, as superintendent of schools for the Orleans Northwest District from 1957 to 1966, and as assistant superintendent of schools for the North Country Union District until his retirement in 1976. His teaching career began in 1936 at Groton High School and Richmond High School (1937-'39). Thereafter he both taught and served as principal at Orwell (1940-'43), Jericho (1943-'47), and Hinesburg (1947-'53). In 1941 he married Ruth Vincelette of St. Albans, who predeceased him in 1990. Mrs. White was also an educator in Vermont public schools for over 30 years. He is survived by his daughter Sandra White Alexander of Bremerton, Washington; by his son-in-law Stephen Alexander of Bremerton; by four grandchildren: William Nathan Alexander, a lecturer in history and English at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Rachel Ruth Alexander, an attorney, and her husband, Michael, of Phoenix, Arizona, Andrew Maynard Alexander, an attorney in McLean, Virginia, and Sarah Louise Alexander, a children's pastor in Edmonton, Alberta; and by two great-grandchildren, Elisa Alexander and Alexander Lockwood. His surviving siblings include Lucille White of Burlington, the Reverend Dwight White of Ryegate Corner, and Betty White Sykes of Springfield. He was predeceased by his parents, William Dustin White and Ethel Taplin White, of Ryegate Corner; and by his brothers Dexter, Reginald, and Hazen. He was a founding board member of Northeast Kingdom Mental Health in 1963, retiring from the board in 1994. He was active from 1967 to 2002 with the Newport Rotary Club, serving one year as its president. He was recently honored by the city of Newport for his 25 years of service on the Newport Zoning Board of Adjustment. After his retirement, he served on the Newport City Elementary School Board. He was chairman of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program tax assistance service for over 17 years, using his skill in math to help seniors fill out their tax forms. He was past president of the Orleans County Historical Society and served on the Goodrich Memorial Library Board for a number of years. In appreciation for the good care Ruth White received from the local home health agency, he served on that board and volunteered for the local cancer organization. He was a member of the Orleans Country Retired Teachers Association. He served as president of the Vermont State Retired Teachers Association in 1983. He could always be found on Sunday mornings at the United Church of Newport, where he became a member in 1967 and served in many leadership positions. He was a faithful servant of his savior, Jesus Christ, and was always interested in the church's ministries. Before his stroke in 1995 he was active in helping the church raise money for an elevator. He graduated from the University of Vermont with a bachelor of science in 1935 and received a master's in education in 1940. He was not only a top scholar, but was active in extra-curricular activities. He was a member of both the UVM track and cross-country teams, editor of The Cynic, and a member of Lambda Iota fraternity and the Vermont Christian Association. He loved learning and spent many free moments reading in the UVM library. As an educator, he was a role model, sharing his enthusiasm for books and learning with his students, helping many to realize the value of education, hard work, and character. As a citizen, he loved to be out in the community. He genuinely enjoyed people, and his credo could well be expressed by the plaque on his living room wall which read, "Let me live in a house by the side of the road and be a friend to man." Finally, as a father and grandfather, he was the best: good, kind, wise, patient, and giving. With his wonderful sense of humor, he encouraged his whole family and they will miss him. A celebration of Mr. White's life was held at the United Church of Newport April 10 with the Reverend Martha Peck, the Reverend Joy Toll-Chandler, and the Reverend Dwight White officiating. Should friends desire, contributions may be made in Mr. White's memory to the United Church of Newport, a home health service, or the Rotary scholarship fund. Arrangements are by Curtis-Britch Converse-Rushford Funeral Homes.

Ross W. Whipple
Ross W. Whipple, 84, of Newport died in Largo, Florida, on Friday, April 2, 2004. Mr. Whipple was born on July 7, 1919, in Newport Center, the son of Don and Zetta (Armstrong) Whipple. He attended schools in Newport Center, Irasburg, Newbury, and Barre and graduated from Rutland High School in 1938. Before coming to Newport in 1956, he worked various jobs in St. Johnsbury, Barre, Montpelier, and Burlington. In 1940 he married Lillian M. Marineau in Montpelier. She predeceased him in June 2003. When he and his wife came to Newport they owned a television and chainsaw business on Spring Street, and in 1959 opened a television-furniture store on Union Street with Forrest Rice as their partner. Ill health forced him to retire in 1973. He was a very civic-minded person and was involved in many community organizations and spearheaded many different events. He was a member of Montpelier Elks No. 924 from 1949 to 1960, when he instituted the thirteenth Elks Lodge in the state in Newport. He was its first exalted ruler. He was also a past district deputy grand exalted ruler north. He was a member of Memphremagog Lodge No. 65 F&AM and a past member of the Chamber of Commerce. He was a member of the first Vermont Environmental Commission for three years and was also one of the first class of the Vermont State Police Auxiliary. He organized two regattas that were held on the lake from Prouty Beach, which included boat racers, trick water skiers, and parachutists. He was extremely active at the Newport State Airport and ran three very successful air shows in the mid to late 60s. He is survived by his children: Val Whipple and his wife, Lorraine, of Newport, Lee Whipple of South Hero, and Linda Clark and her husband, Darrel, of Largo; by his grandchildren: Don Whipple and his wife, Louise, of Newport and their children Jonathan and Sydney, Chris Whipple and his wife, Betsy, of Colchester, Todd Whipple of Newport, Tamara Sterling and her husband, Jon, of Woodstock and their children: Justin, Chelsea, and Seth, Tracey Landry and her husband, David, of Wilder and their children Briana and Arica, Cory Clark and his wife, Kelly, of Loudon, New Hampshire, Sara Whipple of Oregon, and Scott Whipple of Burlington; and by a special granddaughter, Nikole Brainard and her husband, Lindsey, and their children Maya and Chase. He is also survived by his sisters Helen Simino of Burlington, Donna Krupp of St. Albans, and Leah Hansen and her husband, Ken, of Piermont, New Hampshire; and by several nieces and nephews. A celebration of Mr. Whipple's life will be held Saturday, April 10, at Curtis-Britch Converse-Rushford Funeral Home on Darling Hill Road in Newport at 11 a.m. with the Reverend Carl Shoemaker officiating. Interment will follow at Newport Center Cemetery. Should friends desire, contributions in Mr. Whipple's memory may be made to Orleans-Essex Visiting Nurses Association and Hospice, 46 Lakemont Road, Newport, Vermont 05855; or to Indoor Recreation of Orleans County, swimming pool fund, P.O. Box 558, Derby, Vermont 05829. Arrangements are by Curtis-Britch Converse-Rushford Funeral Homes.

Ralph W. Waldron
Ralph W. Waldron, 81, of Barton died in Newport on Thursday, April 1, 2004. Mr. Waldron was born in Haverhill, Massachusetts, on February 12, 1923, the son of Everett and Florence (Perry) Waldron. He served in the U.S. Army and was a veteran of World War II. He graduated from Bentley School of Accounting and Finance in 1951. After moving to Barton from Haverhill in 1979, he worked as an accountant for Northeast Kingdom Community Action. He was a member of the Masonic Merrimack Lodge in Haverhill. On July 13, 1947, he married Arline Bryant, who survives him. He is also survived by his children Valerie Barczak and her husband, Michael, of Haverhill and Donald Waldron of Helena, Montana; by his grandchildren Michaela Barczak and Amanda Waldron; and by his brothers Charles Waldron of Norfolk, Virginia, and Thomas Waldron of Lawrence, Massachusetts. He was predeceased by his brother Harry; and by his sisters Leslie and Clara. Funeral services were held April 6 at Barton United Church with the Reverend Michael Caldwell officiating. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, April 8, at the First Church of Christ in Bradford, Massachusetts, at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at Elmwood Cemetery in Bradford. Should friends desire, contributions in Mr. Waldron's memory may be made to the Parkinson's Action Network, 300 North Lee Street, Suite 50, Alexandria, Virginia 22314. Arrangements are by Curtis-Britch Converse-Rushford Funeral Homes.

Claire L. Stevens
Claire L. Stevens, 81, of Barton died at her home on Thursday, April 1, 2004. Mrs. Stevens was born in Holyoke, Massachusetts, on July 6, 1922, the daughter of Eugene and Josephine (Fleury) Lussier. On August 24, 1946, she married Howard Stevens Sr., who predeceased her on October 5, 1997. Together they owned and operated a farm in West Glover for many years. She was a member of the Maple Leaf Christmas Club, the West Glover Willing Workers, and St. Paul's Catholic Church in Barton. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, quilting, baking, and cooking. Her pride and joy were her children and grandchildren, and she was anxiously awaiting the birth of her first great-grandchild. She is survived by her children: Howard Stevens Jr. and his wife, Gloriann, of Barton, Avon Stevens of Brownington, Cedric Stevens and his wife, Allyssa, of Burlington, Wanita Thompson and her husband, David, of Barton, and Alan Stevens and his wife, Carol, of St. Johnsbury; and by her grandchildren: Donna, Erika, Laurie, Erin, William, Meghann, Derek, Craig, and Benjamin. She was predeceased by her son, Michael; by her brothers Leonard and Edward Lussier; and by her sisters Margaret Gravel and Rena Talbot. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated April 5 at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Barton with the Reverend Daniel Rupp and the Reverend Pat Forman officiating. Spring interment will take place at St. Paul's Cemetery in Barton. Should friends desire, contributions in Mrs. Stevens' memory may be made to Orleans-Essex Visiting Nurses Association and Hospice, Incorporated, 46 Lakemont Road, Newport, Vermont 05855. Arrangements are by Curtis-Britch Converse-Rushford Funeral Homes.

Simone Perry
Simone Perry, 85, of Barton died in Newport on Saturday, April 3, 2004. Mrs. Perry was born on April 18, 1918, in Manchester, New Hampshire, the daughter of Wilfred and Virginia (Gregorie) Descheneaux. After graduating from high school, she trained to become a registered nurse at Littleton Memorial Hospital, graduating in 1939. She married Roland Perry on August 30, 1941. He predeceased her in 1974. She owned and operated Roland's Steakhouse with her husband for 15 years in Southington, Connecticut. She also worked as a registered nurse with handicapped children at the Meriden-Wallingford Association for several years in Meriden, Connecticut. While living in Barton she enjoyed helping her daughter Carol Hadvab and her husband, Michael, with their business, 5-16 Pizzaria in Barton. She was also active with the Barton senior center and was a past member of the Habranian Club (Iris Club) and the Meriden-Wallingford Society. She was a member of American Legion Auxiliary Barton Post No. 76. Survivors are her daughter Carol Hadvab and her husband, Michael, of Barton; her son Ronald Perry Sr. and his wife, Susan, of Meriden; four grandchildren: Kimberly Hall and her husband, Brian, Ronald Perry Jr. and his wife, Debbie, of Canton, Connecticut, Matthew Hadvab and his wife, Katie, of Barton, and Michael Hadvab and his wife, Kathy, of Meriden; six great-grandchildren: Meagan and Michael Hadvab of Meriden, Kaliegh Hadvab of Barton, Spencer Hadvab, and Ian and Riley Hall; by her sisters Pauline Demers and Doris Forcier, both of Manchester, New Hampshire; her brother George Descheneaux of Manchester; and several nieces and nephews. A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, April 7, at 1 p.m., at the Hillside Cemetery in East Hartford, Connecticut. Should friends desire, contributions in Mrs. Perry's memory may be made to Orleans-Essex Visiting Nurses Association and Hospice, 46 Lakemont Road, Newport, Vermont 05855; or to the American Cancer Society, Vermont Division, 13 Loomis Street, Montpelier, Vermont 05602. Arrangements are by Curtis-Britch Converse-Rushford Funeral Homes.

Ethel E. Gallup
Ethel E. Gallup, 87, of North Troy died in Newport on Monday, April 5, 2004. Mrs. Gallup was born in Jay on October 28, 1916, the daughter of Edward and Sarah (Morse) Sargent. She worked as a secretary for Dr. Durgin for 20 years. On June 12, 1939, she married Walter Gallup, who predeceased her on June 18, 1999. She and her husband spent all of their time together and were very devoted to their family. She enjoyed baking, cooking, and playing bingo. She is survived by her son Gary Gallup of Dayton, Ohio; by her daughter Gail Reed of North Troy; by her daughter-in-law Deborah Murphy of Jay; by her grandchildren: Michelle, Brent, Kirsten, Tracy, and Kristy; by her great-grandchildren: Miranda, Mariah, Manning, Zachary, Benjamin, and Seth; by her sisters Ruby Mead of Coventry and Dale Cota of Jay; and by nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her son Gaylord; and by her brothers Hazelton and Hugh Sargent. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 10, at Curtis-Britch Converse-Rushford Funeral Home on Darling Hill Road in Newport, at 3 p.m., with the Reverend Carl Shoemaker officiating. Friends may call at the funeral home from 2 p.m. until the time of the service. Spring interment will take place at North Troy Village Cemetery. Should friends desire, contributions in Mrs. Gallup's memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Green Mountain Chapter, P.O. Box 1139, Montpelier, Vermont 05601; or to the American Heart Association, Vermont Affiliate, P.O. Box 485, Williston, Vermont 05495. Arrangements are by Curtis-Britch Converse-Rushford Funeral Homes.

Melinda Laura Forcier
Melinda Laura Forcier, 88, of Dover, New Hampshire, died in Dover on Monday, May 24, 2004. Mrs. Forcier was born in Island Pond on September 13, 1915, the daughter of Henry and Ada (Morrissette) Marquis. She graduated from St. Mary's High School in Island Pond. She worked as an office and floor manager at J.J. Newberry's in Newport for 25 years. She also worked for a period of time at the Newport Chamber of Commerce. She was a member of St. Mary's Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Newport, the Daughters of Isabella, the Ladies of St. Anne, and the Newport Chamber of Commerce. On January 16, 1939, she married Conrad Forcier, who predeceased her on April 15, 2000. She is survived by her children: Marie Twombly and her husband, Robert, of Dover, Andre Forcier and his wife, Celeste, of Shelburne, Lawrence Forcier and his wife, Donna, of Yarmouth, Maine, Francis Forcier and his wife, Sandra, of Springfield, and John Forcier and his wife, Diane, of Essex Junction; by 16 grandchildren; and by 15 great-grandchildren. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated May 28 at St. Mary's Star of the Sea Catholic Church with the Reverend Larry Ridgley officiating. Interment will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery in Newport. Should friends desire, contributions in Mrs. Forcier's memory may be made to Sacred Heart School, Clermont Terrace, Newport, Vermont 05855. Arrangements are by Curtis-Britch Converse-Rushford Funeral Homes.

Carl E. Mayhew Sr.
Carl E. Mayhew Sr., 83, of North Troy died at his home on Wednesday, May 26, 2004. Mr. Mayhew was born in Jay on October 31, 1920, the son of Ephriam and Jesse (Brooks) Mayhew. He served in the U.S. Army and was a veteran of World War II. He worked for over 30 years as a truck driver for Barnett's Oil Service. He was a 37-year member of American Legion Jay Peak Post No. 28, where he was past commander, finance officer, and county commander. He gave a lot of his time and energy to doing anything that he could do to the betterment of the post with his wife at his side. He enjoyed gardening, doing crafts, and making gifts for family members. He liked to have the family come to visit, especially the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. On September 16, 1950, he married Clara Nelson, who survives him. He is also survived by his children: Carl Mayhew Jr. and his wife, Margarette, of Florida, Nelson Mayhew and Kari Stringer of Canaan, Richard Mayhew and his wife, Colleen, of Nevada, and Barbara Mayhew and Garth Clark of North Troy; by his grandchildren: Stacey, Carla, Kyle, Kelly, Rod, Greg, and Jacob; by his brother Lawrence Mayhew of New Hampshire; and by his sisters Evelyn Geoffroy of Newport and Mildred Allen and her husband, Herbert, of North Troy. He was predeceased by his brothers Harold and Gordon. Funeral services were held May 29 at Curtis-Britch Converse-Rushford Funeral Home in Newport. Should friends desire, contributions in Mr. Mayhew's memory may be made to American Legion Jay Peak Post No. 28. Arrangements are by Curtis-Brtich Converse-Rushford Funeral Homes.

Wanda Randall
Wanda Randall, 76, of Barton died peacefully at her home on Monday, May 24, 2004, surrounded by her family. Mrs. Randall was born in Burlington on January 24, 1928, the daughter of Walter and Albertine (Fitzgerald) Sloane. She was a 1945 graduate of Bellows Free Academy in St. Albans. She was the town clerk in Barton from 1969 to 1979 and kept the town books until 1986. She also mentored town employees from 1979 to 1986 and was the administrator of the Barton-Orleans Swim Project from 1957 until 1967. She loved to be with her family. She enjoyed hunting, fishing, bowling with family and friends, knitting, and cooking. She was an avid reader. She made all people who visited feel as if they were part of the family. On September 3, 1949, she married Earle Randall, who survives her. She is also survived by her children: Glen Randall and his wife, Kay, of Barton, Susan Randall and her life partner, Trudy Davis, of Evansville, Lenna Noth of Essex Center, and Gail Hayden and her husband, Eugene III, of Blackstone, Massachusetts; by her grandchildren: Avery and Shanna Randall, Devin Lebrun, Lindsay, Bradley, and Dustin Noth, Veronica Hayden, Kye Randall, and Clark Hayden; and by her great-granddaughter, Sofia Randall. A graveside service was held May 27 at the North Cemetery in Barton with the Reverend Daniel Rupp officiating. Interment followed. Should friends desire, contributions in Mrs. Randall's memory may be made to the Barton Public Library, in care of Andrea Poe, Church Street, Barton, Vermont 05822. Arrangements are by Curtis-Britch Converse-Rushford Funeral Homes.

Merton C. Gray
Merton C. Gray, 82, of Barre, formerly of West Charleston, died Sunday evening, May 30, 2004, in Barre. He was the beloved husband of Muriel Gray. Funeral services will be announced, when completed, by Curtis-Britch Converse-Rushford Funeral Homes.

Earl A. Gray
Memorial services for Earl Gray will be held at the Morgan church in Morgan on Sunday, June 6, at 2 p.m. Earl Interment will follow at St. John's cemetery in Irasburg. Should friends desire, contributions in Lorette's memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, Vermont Division Inc., 13 Loomis Street, Montpelier, VT 05602. Arrangements are by the Curtis-Britch Converse-Rushford Funeral Homes.

Jean Drown
Jean Drown, 84, of Derby Line, beloved wife of Richard Drown, died in Newport on Monday, May 24, 2004, following a short illness. Mrs. Drown was born Flora Jean Smith in Grand Forks, North Dakota, on April 6, 1920, the daughter of Stephen and Alta (Richards) Smith. She attended public schools in Grand Forks, Washington, D.C., Boulder, Colorado, and Tenafly, New Jersey, where she developed a lifelong interest in music, learning to play the piano and the bassoon. She also played in bands and orchestras and sang in choirs. She earned a bachelor of arts in home economics from the University of North Dakota at Grand Forks in 1943. Following graduation she was employed as a purchasing agent for the U.S. Army Quartermaster Corps in Washington, D.C., during World War II. She worked closely with top commanding officers, selecting the textiles for uniforms that clothed all sections of the American Army. This effort earned her a letter of commendation from President Harry S. Truman. She later studied fashion design at the Traphagen School of Design in New York City and went to work for Simplicity Patterns, creating master patterns from which dresses were made. She became a teacher at the Greer School in Hope Farm, New York, before moving to North Troy in the early 1950s, where she met her husband, Richard Drown, and where she taught English, Latin, and French at the high school. She and her husband were married in February 1953. She ended her multifaceted career as the fiscal officer of Orleans County Council of Social Agencies under Tom Hahn. She was an active member in her community. She was a member and choir director of the North Troy Congregational Church and was involved with the Sunday school program. She enjoyed sewing and gave several items to family and friends. She continued her love of music and played the piano. She liked to study history. She enjoyed art and created some of her own. She is survived by her husband, Richard; by her sons: Robert of California, Stephen and his wife, Maria, of Massachusetts, and David and his wife, Deborah, of Massachusetts; by her granddaughter Katherine Drown of Massachusetts; by her stepgranddaughter Dr. Lisa Ercoline-Bhatia of Iowa; and by her brothers Bob Smith and Tom Smith and his wife, Betty, all of Texas. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, June 2, at the North Troy United Church at 1 p.m. Friends may call at the church from noon until the time of the service. Interment will follow at the North Troy Village Cemetery. Should friends desire, contributions in Mrs. Drown's memory may be made to Bel-Aire Quality Care Nursing Center, activities fund, Bel-Aire Drive, Newport, Vermont 05855. Arrangements are by Curtis-Britch Converse-Rushford Funeral Homes.

Arlean C. (Currier) Nadeau
Arlean C. (Currier) Nadeau, 93, a longtime resident of Ipswich, Massachusetts,and Newport, died Monday morning, August 9, 2004, at her residence in Ipswich, after a short illness. Mrs. Nadeau was the wife of the late Gaston J. Nadeau, with whom she shared 63 years of marriage. She was born in Newport on July 13, 1911, a daughter of the late Elmer and Olive (Decker) Currier. She was a devout Catholic and spent her life caring for her family. For several years she ran a children's daycare in her home in Ipswich. She was predeceased by her husband on November 26, 2001. She is survived by her three children: Sandra Lavoie and her husband, Robert, of Ipswich, Mona Elliott of Ipswich, and Stanley Nadeau and his wife, Tina, of Milton, New Hampshire; by her three grandchildren: David Lavoie and Eric Elliott, both of Ipswich, and Samantha Nadeau of Peabody, Massachusetts; by her great-grandson David Benjamin of Derby; and by several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by three brothers: Edward Currier, formerly of Glover, Albert Currier, formerly of St. Johnsbury, and Leo Currier, formerly of Burlington; and by her sister Everlyn Wheeler, formerly of Nashua, New Hampshire. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, August 12, at St. Mary's Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Newport at 11 a.m., with the Reverend Yvon Royer officiating. Friends may call at the Curtis-Britch Converse-Rushford Funeral Home on Darling Hill Road in Newport on Thursday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery in Newport. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Mrs. Nadeau's name may be made to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, 44 Binney Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02115. Online condolences may be made at curtis-britch-converse-rushford.com. Arrangements are by Morris Funeral Home of Ipswich and Curtis-Britch Converse-Rushford Funeral Homes.

Gaston J. McDuff
Gaston J. McDuff, 77, of Island Pond died in Newport on Saturday, August 7, 2004. Mr. McDuff was born in Canada on April 3, 1927, the son of Marc and Germaine (Lavigne) McDuff. He was a foreman for bridge building for the C&N Railroad, retiring in 1983. He was a former state pistol champion. He enjoyed hunting and had a chance to go moose hunting this fall with his son Laurent. He built birdhouses and loved to watch birds. He also loved to be with his family and grandchildren. On July 8, 1948, he married Pauline Bouchard, who survives him. He is also survived by his children: Jeannine Griffin and her husband, Gary, of Brandon, Jean McDuff of Rutland, Nichole McDuff of Pittsford, Laurent McDuff and his wife, Marie, of Pittsford, and Pierre McDuff and his wife, Julie, of Topsham, Maine; by his grandchildren: Captain Gregory Griffin, Mark Griffin, Elaine Griffin, Diane Farrow, Richard Foy, Andrew McDuff, Marc McDuff, and Evan McDuff; by his great-grandchildren: Jamie Gray, Daniel Farrow, Rebecca Farrow, C.J. Moore, Brent Foy, and Taryn Foy; by his brothers: Jean Claude, Raymond, Richard, and Camille, all of Canada, and Robert of Barre; by his sister Rejeanne Lynch of Canada; and by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his children: Diane, Daniel, and Roger; and by his brother Marcel. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated August 10 at St. James Catholic Church in Island Pond with the Reverend William Morgan officiating, assisted by Mr. McDuff's son-in-law Deacon Gary Griffin. Interment will take place at a later date at St. Matthew's Cemetery in Dixville, Canada. Should friends desire, contributions in Mr. McDuff's memory may be made to St. James Catholic Church, Island Pond, Vermont 05846 or to the Brighton Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 456, Island Pond, Vermont 05846. Online condolences may be made at curtis-britch-converse-rushford.com. Arrangements are by Curtis-Britch Converse-Rushford Funeral Homes.