Ronald Keith Keenan
Ronald Keith Keenan, 58, of Derby, died suddenly November 23, 2004, at his home. Mr. Keenan was born October 27, 1946, in Derby, a son of Roger and Eva (Turcotte) Keenan. On July 21, 1973, he married Beverly Labounty, who survives him. He was a self-employed auto body worker. He enjoyed hunting, listening to country music, and being with his family and friends, and he was always lending a helping hand. He held membership with the Vermont National Guard. He is survived by his wife, Beverly Keenan, of Derby; by three children: Gordon Tice Jr. and his wife, Billie-Jo (Partrick), of Derby, Brian Tice and his wife, Jodi Carpenter, of North Troy, and RoseMarie (Tice) Daigle and her husband, Jean, of Troy; by his grandchildren: Alisha Connor and her husband, Seth, of West Charleston, Megan, Jason, and Jacob Tice of Derby, Chad Byers and Beth Barre of Newport, Anthony Byers of North Troy, and Derrick and Sierra Daigle of Troy; by a great-grandchild, Mariah-Mae Byers; by the following brother and sisters: Connie McKinnon of Massachusetts, Dotty Gibbs of Massachusetts, Duane Keenan of South Carolina, and Joanne Casavant and her husband, Casey, of Orleans; by sister-in-law Cheryl Keenan of West Charleston; and by several nieces and nephews. He was loved by many people. He was predeceased by his parents, Roger and Eva Keenan; and by his brother Donald Keenan in 2001. Funeral services were held at Curtis-Britch Converse-Rushford Memorial Chapel in Newport, November 28 with the Reverend Roger Fletcher and the Reverend Robert Cargill officiating. Interment will follow in Derby Center Cemetery. Should friends desire, contributions in Mr. Keenan's memory may be made to the American Heart Association, Vermont Affiliate, 434 Hurricane Lane, Williston, Vermont 05495. Arrangements are by Curtis-Britch Converse-Rushford Funeral Homes.

James H. Diffenbacher
James H. Diffenbacher, 70, of Newport, died in Newport on Wednesday, November 24, 2004. Mr. Diffenbacher was born in Erie, Pennsylvania, on February 10, 1934, a son of George and Mildred (Pfeil) Diffenbacher. He served in the U.S. Navy and was a veteran of the Korean War. He worked for the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority. He moved to Newport, from New Hampshire, 16 years ago. He enjoyed his family and his grandchildren. On May 17, 1957, he married Diane Doucette, who survives him. He is also survived by his children: Jeannine Maciejewski and her husband, Brian, of Westford, Massachusetts, James Diffenbacher and his wife, Linda, of Dracut, Massachusetts, Janice McBride of Nashua, New Hampshire, Joyce Bailey and her husband, Gerard, of Manchester, New Hampshire, Heidi Bennett and her husband, Alec, of Shirley, Massachusetts, and Brenda Babcock and her husband, Mark, of Tyngsboro, Massachusetts; by his sister Joyce Barthelemes and her husband, Robert, of Sebastian, Florida; and by 17 grandchildren. He was predeceased by his sister Judy Heath. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are by Curtis-Britch Converse-Rushford Funeral Homes.

Vincent William Amyot
Vincent William Amyot, 72, of Glover, died at his home surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, November 25, 2004. Mr. Amyot was born in Irasburg, on April 4, 1932, the son of Hormidas and Albertine (Fortin) Amyot. He lived in Newport, and Derby, before moving to Glover, in 1980. He proudly owned Amyots, Inc., a John Deere business in Barton. He found it a pleasure visiting farms and considered everyone he met a new friend. After retiring in 1992, he and his wife wintered in Florida. They both enjoyed taking organ lessons and attending music concerts. They took many trips in their RV; the most memorable trip was to Alaska. He had a love for the outdoors and enjoyed his early morning walks. He took pride in maintaining his home. He was a communicant of St. Paul's Church in Barton. His faith and love of his church were extremely important to him. This helped him throughout his illness. He will be missed dearly by friends and family. He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Phyllis (Spring) Amyot; by two sons, Jacques and his wife, Leah, of Corinth, New York, and Eric and his wife, Cristina, of Jackson, New Jersey; by five daughters: Deborah and her husband, David Brousseau, of Lyndonville, Carmen and her husband, David Brown, of Jappa, Maryland, Sondra and her husband, Robert Thomson, of Colchester, Bonnie and her husband, Raymond Currier, of Glover, and Stephanie and her husband, Peter Lesage, of Colchester; by two brothers, Henry Amyot and his wife, Alice, of West Glover and George Amyot and his wife, Gerry, of White River Junction; by three sisters: Georgette Roberge and her husband, John, of Derby, Annette Gray and her husband, Owen, of Barre, and Marie Southouse and her husband, Paul, of Glover; by seven grandchildren: Kaylin, Adam, Shelley, Sean, Erika, Alecia, and Jessica; and by sister-in-law Mona Rivard of Colchester. A funeral liturgy was held November 29 at St. Paul's Roman Catholic Church in Barton with the Reverend Daniel Rupp officiating. Interment will take place at Westlook Cemetery in Glover. Should friends desire, contributions in Mr. Amyot's memory may be made to St. Paul's Church, Eastern Avenue, Barton, Vermont 05822; or to Orleans-Essex Visiting Nurses Association and Hospice, 46 Lakemont Road, Newport, Vermont 05855. Arrangements are by Curtis-Britch Converse-Rushford Funeral Homes.

Dale Shaffer
Dale Shaffer, 62, died Sunday, February 6, 2005, in Barton, after a long struggle with peritoneal cancer. A woman of firm faith, Dale is at peace. Besides her husband, Roger, she leaves her children: Sam and his wife, Lu, Laurel and Heather Kilbourn and their father, Larry, and Jesse Allen and his father, Tom; Roger's children Erik and Wendy Shaffer; and several grandchildren. Dale Phinney was born in Manhattan on October 1, 1942. She studied design at Pratt Institute, and after moving to Connecticut, embarked on a variety of careers among which were teaching computer skills and acting as a doctor's assistant at Yale University. Her lifelong interest in all aspects of the theater led her to the Long Wharf Theater in New Haven, Connecticut, where she not only designed and made costumes but trained as a clown and was soon leading improvisation workshops in area schools. When she and her husband moved from Branford, Connecticut, to Barton, in July 1999, they opened Rogersdale B&B and took a look at their new community to see how they could contribute. The rundown beauty of the Barton Memorial Building caught their eyes, and its neglected theater was clearly the right project for their backgrounds. They soon established the BMB R&R (Barton Memorial Building Restoration and Revitalization) committee, and efforts during the last five years have led to many improvements which will continue until the restoration is complete. Mrs. Shaffer was a woman of many talents and boundless energy and enthusiasm, which she gave unstintingly to her adopted home. A strong leader, she was able to make tough decisions when necessary. She spent long hours writing grant proposals to help raise funds for the BMB R&R. As president of the Barton Library Club and Board of Trustees she led through a difficult transition period. She and Roger volunteered regularly at Barton senior meals, and she was instrumental in the revival of the Moonlight Madness holiday fairs. Although her many volunteer activities and her newly acquired enthusiasm for quilting took up much of her time, she found a perfect fit when she took on the job of assistant to the director at the Vermont Leadership Center (now the NorthWoods Stewardship Center). Her colleagues at work praised her as the face and voice people first met when they contacted the center. But she was never afraid to let her silly side show. Last summer, even though her health had begun to fail, she had great fun helping with a fund-raising dinner theater making original props, advising on costuming and makeup, and even stepping in at the last minute to take tickets in the role of a gum-chomping New York, restaurant hostess. She was concerned that other women learn from her illness to ask their doctors about early detection and prevention of ovarian cancers. Those wishing to make contributions in her memory are encouraged to donate to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund, attention: Dr. Thomas J. Rutherford, Yale University School of Medicine, Department OB/GYN, P.O. Box 208063, New Haven, Connecticut 06520. A memorial service will be held at the Barton United Church on Thursday, February 17 at 7 p.m.

Mark A. Prue
Mark A. Prue, 47, of Troy, well-known businessman and beloved husband of Linda (Blais) Prue, died suddenly February 12, 2005, in Newport. Mr. Prue was born September 19, 1957, in Newport, a son of Wilbrod and Cora (Nourie) Prue. He graduated from Sacred Heart High School in 1975. On December 31, 1993, he married Linda Blais. He worked for the former Fedele Store while he was in high school and later for Grand Union for 24 years before buying the Troy General Store in 1998. He gave generously to the area organizations such as the fire departments, church, local schools, Special Olympics, local sports teams, and many other charities. He participated in the Penguin Plunge in both Newport and Burlington. He enjoyed bowling, golfing, and telling jokes. He loved his family, grandchild, and animals. He took great pride in his store and truly enjoyed bringing laughter into other people's lives. He will be dearly missed by all. He is survived by his wife, Linda Prue, of Troy; by his children: Sarah Braasch and her husband, Njama, of Richmond, Sally Prue and her fiancT, John Guebara, of Lowell, Joshua Prue of Newport, and Ali Waters of Troy; by a grandson, Aiden Guebara, of Lowell; by brothers and a sister: Paul Prue and his wife, Kathy, of Newport, Richard Prue and his wife, Janice, of Virginia, and Mary Ann Lucas and her husband, Bill, of Derby; by several nieces and nephews; by aunt Clair Riel of Palmer, Massachusetts; by uncle Armand Nourie of Nashua, New Hampshire; and by his mother- and father-in-law, Joseph and Carmen Blais, of Derby Line. Funeral services were held February 15 at St. Mary's Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Newport with the Reverend Jerome Mecure celebrating a Mass of Christian Burial. Should friends desire, contributions in Mr. Prue's memory may be made to the Polycystic Kidney Foundation, 9221 Ward Parkway Suite 400, Kansas City, Missouri 64114; or to North Country Hospital, renal dialysis unit fund, in care of Wendy Franklin, development office, 189 Prouty Drive, Newport, Vermont 05855. Online condolences may be sent to the family through curtis-britch-converse-rushford.com. Arrangements are by Curtis-Britch Converse-Rushford Funeral Homes.

Domina B. Nolin
Domina B. Nolin, 87, of Newport, died peacefully February 12, 2005, in Newport surrounded by her loving family. Mrs. Nolin was born on March 23, 1917, in Montpelier, a daughter of George and Nellie (Bottiggi) Balich. On April 24, 1948, she married Clarence Nolin, who predeceased her on February 6, 2005. She graduated from Spaulding High School in Barre, and Champlain College in Burlington. She was a member of St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Newport, where she attended daily Mass. She enjoyed doing crossword puzzles, reading, playing the piano, listening to music, and playing Scrabble. She held memberships with the Daughters of Isabella, Newport Women's Club, and Cursillo. She is survived by her children: Joanne Nolin of Newport, Mary Nolin of Derby, and Patricia Nolin of Reston, Virginia, by her grandchildren Laura Nolin and Chris Nolin and his wife, Nancie; by a sister, Geraldine Calcagni, of Rutland; by two sisters-in-law, Madeleine Nolin and Geraldean Darby, both of Burlington; and by several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a brother, Natale Balich; and by a sister, Josephine Balich. Funeral services were held February 15 at St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Newport, with the Reverend Peter O'Leary celebrating a Mass of Christian Burial. Spring interment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery. Should friends desire, contributions in Mrs. Nolin's memory may be made to the activities fund at Bel-Aire Quality Care Nursing Center, Bel-Aire Drive, Newport, Vermont 05855; or to the Alzheimer's Association, Green Mountain Chapter, P.O. Box 1139, Montpelier, Vermont 05601. Arrangements are by Curtis-Britch Converse-Rushford Funeral Homes.

William B. Kennison Sr.
William B. Kennison Sr., 55, of North Billerica, Massachusetts, formerly of Tewksbury, and North Reading, Massachusetts, died Saturday, February 12, 2005, at the Visiting Nurses Association of Middlesex-East and Visiting Nurse Hospice House in Reading. Born in Newport on April 22, 1949, Mr. Kennison was a son of the late Melvin B. and Elma E. (Walker) Kennison. He was raised in Wilmington, and attended Wilmington High School. He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam era and was stationed in Korea. After serving his country, he became employed with the town of Wilmington for 15 years. He later worked for Ray LaPore and Sons Construction in Wilmington. He was a very proud husband, father, and grandfather with a great personality. He was always known to crack a joke and was always available to help someone. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He enjoyed playing the lottery numbers and was an avid hockey buff. He loved taking short trips to New Hampshire and Vermont to visit family. Family members include his loving wife of 26 years, Kay D. (Rees) Kennison; son William B. Kennison Jr. of North Billerica; daughters Tina (Rose) Marshall and her husband, John, of Peabody, Massachusetts, and Tracy (Rose) Zimmerman and her husband, Mark, of North Reading; his stepmother Phyllis Kennison and her friend, Wayne Broe, of Vermont; brothers Richard "Dick" Kennison and his wife, Nancy, of North Woodstock, New Hampshire, and Bob Marrone of Vermont; sisters: Nancy (Kennison) Cluff and her husband, Tom, of Lowell, Massachusetts, Shelia (Kennison) Martin and her husband, Kirk, of Orleans, and Marie Marrone of Dracut, Massachusetts; seven grandchildren: Tommy MacRae Jr. and Jared Zimmerman of North Reading, Ashley and Shannon Zimmerman of Attleboro, Massachusetts, Jake and Jordan Marshall of Peabody, and MacKenzie Kennison of North Billerica; and by several nieces and nephews. He was a brother of the late Tom Kennison. Funeral services were held at the Croswell Funeral Home in North Reading on February 15. Burial will be in Wildwood Cemetery in Wilmington. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Mr. Kennison's memory to Visiting Nurses Association of Middlesex-East and Visiting Nurse Hospice House, 320 Haverhill Street, Reading, Massachusetts 01867. Arrangements are by Croswell Funeral Home.

Roseanne Hastings
Sorry to depart yet unafraid, Rosanne Hastings, 78, died surrounded by her family at her home in Brownington Village, on February 9, 2005, after a two-year battle with breast cancer. Mrs. Hastings was born on the family farm in Edinburg, Ohio, on April 9, 1926, a daughter of Clarence J. and Fern (Rogers) Walvoord. Her schooling began at the Edinburg schools and continued at Mount Union College in Alliance, Ohio, where she received her bachelor's degree in religious education with the class of 1943. Beginning in 1947, she attended the Hartford School of Religious Education in Connecticut and then served as director of religious education at Calvary Presbyterian Church in Canton, Ohio. At Hartford Theological Seminary, she met fellow student Leroy N. Hastings, and they were married in July 1951. Together they served as religious education director and pastor in several Vermont parishes ù first in East St. Johnsbury, Concord, and Waterford, and beginning in 1956, in the yoked parishes of Orleans and Brownington. Beginning in 1965, she and her husband ministered in Chester, New Jersey, and beginning in 1971, in Whitman, Massachusetts. In 1970 she received a master's degree in library service from Rutgers University. During her 18-year career as a librarian, she worked at Brockton High School in Massachusetts and at Lake Region Union High School. Aside from her professional life, she was an ardent flower gardener, weaver, and homemaker in the house she designed and in which she lived the past 20 years. She served as representative on the Women's Fellowship of the United Church of Christ Vermont Conference Board of Trustees, served in various offices of the Brownington Congregational Church, and extended her interest to community concerns. She was greatly instrumental in bringing enhanced 911 to Brownington. She is survived by her husband, the Reverend Leroy N. Hastings, a retired minister; by her three children: Mark Hastings and his wife, Kim, of Brownington, Sandra Bell of Orleans, and Timothy Hastings of Westmore; by her sister Margaret Steele of Sonoma, California; by her two brothers, Roger Walvoord and his wife, Doris, of Williston and Wilbur Walvoord and his wife, Marjorie, of Sabina, Ohio; by her three grandchildren: Jacob and Mary Alison Hastings and Jamison Bell; and by her beloved aunt Ruth Zeller of Kent, Ohio. A memorial service will be observed on Thursday, February 17, at 2 p.m., following cremation, and her remains will be buried at the Brownington Village Cemetery in the spring. It is the wish of the deceased and her family that contributions be made to the Brownington Congregational Church (United Church of Christ) for the church's building fund, in care of Yvonne Mandeville, treasurer, Coventry Station Road, Brownington, Vermont 05860.

Evelyn Heath Chadwick
Evelyn Heath Chadwick, 88, of Albany, died and quietly departed this world on February 3, 2005. Born on her grandfather Harry Heath's farm in Barton on October 20, 1916, she was the twelfth generation of Heaths descended from Bartholomew Heath, who came to America in 1630. Her Heath ancestors have lived in Orleans County, since 1814. Her parents were Harold W. Heath and Helen Diantha Smith Heath. On March 24, 1943, she married William Sandy Chadwick, who predeceased her on July 19, 1997. She graduated from Orleans High School in 1934, received a bachelor's degree from the University of Vermont in 1938, and completed a master of arts degree at Ball State University in 1972. She was an educator who taught at the elementary, secondary, and college levels. She taught in Vermont, Texas, and Arizona. She was an active member of the First Baptist Church during the ten years she taught in Texas, serving as a superintendent of Sunday school and a training union leader for young adults. She had lived in Albany since 1962 where she was active in the United Methodist Church, Maple Valley Grange, and Rebeccas. As a life member of the Orleans County Historical Society, she worked tirelessly to make the Old Stone House in Brownington a significant resource for passing history and tradition on to future generations. Her legacy is the generations of students she loved, taught, and inspired to do great things. She is survived by two daughters, Sandy and Sandalyn; by her son-in-law Norman Graham; and by four grandchildren: K. Chad, Clark, Virginia, and Sandrick. There will be a spring graveside service at Pleasant View Cemetery in Orleans. Contributions in Mrs. Chadwick's memory may be made to the Orleans County Historical Society, 109 Old Stone House Road, Brownington, Vermont 05860. The Malcolm R. Davis Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Maurice Marcel Bourret
Maurice Marcel Bourret, 84, of Bristol, Connecticut, husband of the late Marie Gertrude (LeClair) Bourret, died peacefully in his sleep at home on Friday, February 4, 2005. Mr. Bourret was born in Brownington, on May 15, 1920, and was a son of the late Josephat and Roseline (Jaudoin) Bourret. He resided in Bristol most of his life, and prior to retiring, he was employed at New Departure-Hyatt Division of General Motors. He was a U.S. Army Air Force veteran of World War II and a member of St. Ann Church in Bristol and the Charleston Historical Society in East Charleston. Mr. Bourret is survived by three sons and two daughters-in-law: Thomas E. and Brigitte Bourret of Killingworth, Connecticut; Roger Bourret and Sara Baldwin of Seattle, Washington; and Donald Bourret of Afton, Virginia; by two daughters, Betty Bourret of New Haven, Connecticut; and Mary Bourret of Portland, Oregon; by five grandchildren: Aimee Faucher and Abbee, Casey, Tyler, and Lilliie Bourret; by a great-grandson, Dylan Bourret; and by several nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held February 8 from Funk Funeral Home in Bristol to St. Ann Church for a Mass of Christian Burial. Burial with military honors followed in St. Joseph Cemetery in Bristol. Memorial donations may be made to the Charleston Historical Society, in care of Richard Coburn, P.O. Box 46, East Charleston, Vermont 05833.

Rose Aimee Blais
Rose Aimee Blais, 85, of Newport, died peacefully February 12, 2005, at her home. Mrs. Blais was born February 20, 1919, in Tomifobia, Quebec, a daughter of Ludger and Felixine (Vachon) Lachance. She married Herman Blais, who predeceased her. She was a seamstress for Slalom Ski Wear for many years. She was a member of St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Newport. She enjoyed winning at cards, gardening, and cooking. She made wonderful doughnuts. A member of the Happy Hookers rug-hooking club, she enjoyed doing needlework of all kinds. She is survived by her children: Suzanne Daigle and her husband, Roland, of Newport, Norbert Blais and his wife, Karen, of Newport, John Blais and his wife, Nancy, of Wimberly, Texas, Donald Blais and his wife, Diane, of Johnson, Celine Blais and her husband, George Johnson, of Montpelier, Roland Blais of Newport, Marielle Blais of Rutland, and Joanne Blais and her husband, Dave Harris, of White River Junction; by 11 grandchildren; by eight great-grandchildren; and by numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a daughter, Madeleine, in 1957; by four brothers; and by four sisters. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, February 17, at St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Newport with the Reverend Yvon Royer celebrating a Mass of Christian Burial. A private family burial will take place in the spring. Friends may call from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Thursday at the Curtis-Britch Converse-Rushford Funeral Home on Darling Hill Road in Newport. Should friends desire, contributions in Mrs. Blais' memory may be made to North Country Hospital, renal dialysis unit fund, in care of Wendy Franklin, development office, 189 Prouty Drive, Newport, Vermont 05855. Online condolences may be sent to the family through curtis-britch-converse-rushford.com. Arrangements are by Curtis-Britch Converse-Rushford Funeral Homes.

Robert Everett Kinsey
Robert Everett Kinsey, of Craftsbury, died March 30, 2005. Mr. Kinsey was born in Barton, on August 10, 1927, the youngest son of Frederick C. Kinsey and Geneva (Whitcher) Kinsey. He enjoyed school activities, receiving 16 letters including the honor emblem. He graduated from Barton Academy in 1945, and received a bachelor of arts in history from Lyndon State College in 1971. On May 1, 1948, he married Eunice Rowell of South Albany. A year later they purchased the farm at the intersection of Craftsbury, Greensboro, and Glover, and farmed there for a lifetime. In 1970 he was elected to the Vermont House of Representatives where he served for 30 years. He was elected or appointed to many key leadership positions including: Republican Steering Committee (1972-1988), Ways and Means Committee (1971-1973), chairman of the State Land Use Study Committee (1972-1988), House Rules Committee (1977-1985), Joint Senate and House Rules Committee (1981-1985), assistant majority leader (1977-1978 and 1980), majority leader (1981-1985), ranking member Appropriations Committee (1985-1987), and Appropriations Committee for a record 19 years. In life, farming, and politics he was a moderate. He valued the lessons of history and those who made history. He saw history as a constant evolution, trial, and rejection of new ideas, constantly moving forward. He often said the "good old days" were good only for those who "had it good." His goal was to help those who didn't "have it so good." He appreciated thinkers who brought forth new ideas to try. He strongly opposed discrimination of any kind. He often worked alone, milking cows, picking stones, driving horses or tractors in the woods, or studying legislation. He was known for his hobbies, making a pond with a "teepee," building a rowboat, creating vegetable "critters," restoring and parading antiques, and winning 1,000 first-place ribbons over the years at the fair for garden produce. He was proud of his role in helping people during his legislative career, including education funding, prescriptions for seniors, and balanced environmental protections. He was most proud of his family, especially their success in college and their efforts helping others. He is survived by his wife and six of their seven children: Jennie Stanger, Erwin Kinsey, Emily Dearborn, and Earl, Jeffrey, and Valerie Kinsey; by 17 grandchildren; by eight great-grandchildren; and by a brother, Frederick. He was predeceased by a brother, David; and by a son, Everett. A memorial service was held at the East Craftsbury Presbyterian Church April 2. Contributions in Mr. Kinsey's memory may be made to Heifer International, P.O. Box 1692, Merrifield, Virginia 22116-1692; others may wish to plant a tree.

Marjorie R. Rives
Marjorie R. Rives, 91, died early Friday morning, April 1, 2005, at Maple Lane Nursing Home in Barton. Mrs. Rives was born November 22, 1913, in St. Johnsbury to the late Charles and Emma Hoar. In 1935 she married Wright Rives of Barton, who predeceased her in 1997. She graduated from St. Johnsbury Academy in 1931 and Lyndon State College in 1932. She taught for many years in Orleans, Barton, Glover, and Coventry. She was a member of the Barton United Church and an honorary member of the Barton Public Library and the Women's Literary Club. She loved to read and discuss current events. She was a great sports fan. She loved basketball and football and was thrilled when the Patriots won the Super Bowl. An accomplished pianist, she will be remembered by her children for evenings of gathering around the piano while she played. They will also remember her teaching them to have a love and appreciation of music. She is survived by her loving children and their spouses: Richard and his wife, Anna, of San Antonio, Texas, Christopher and his wife, Gitta, of Stuttgart, Germany, Mary of Shelton, Connecticut, and David and his wife, Kathy, of North Haverill, New Hampshire; by 11 grandchildren; by 12 great-grandchildren; by her sister-in-law Marion Hoar of Burlington; by several nieces and nephews; and by her former daughter-in-law Ginny Randall and her husband, Glen, of St. Johnsbury. She was predeceased by her parents; and by her brothers Edward, Raymond, and Charles. Friends are invited to meet the family at the Sayles Funeral Home on Sunday, April 10, from 2 to 4 p.m. Services and burial will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mrs. Rives' memory to the Barton Public Library, Barton, Vermont 05822. Sayles Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Robert Aaron Schiffman
Robert Aaron Schiffman, 59, of Osprey, Florida, and Barton died on March 29, 2005. Mr. Schiffman was born on July 4, 1945, in New York City, New York. He was a scientist. He graduated from New Mexico Institute of Mining & Technology with a doctorate degree in metallurgy. He moved to Osprey five years ago from Chicago, Illinois. He was a member of the Jewish Community Center of Venice, Florida, the American Chemical Society, Material and Information Society, and the Minerals, Metals and Materials Society. His son Isaac Schiffman of Osprey; a brother, Barry Schiffman, of Santa Rosa, California; and a sister, Rona Schiffman, of Los Angeles, California, survive him. A memorial service was held April 3 at the Jewish Community Center of Venice. Ewing Funeral Home of Venice is in charge of arrangements.

Bernard E. Wilson
Bernard E. Wilson, 82, a longtime resident of Derby Line, died peacefully and went to be with the Lord on Monday, June 13, 2005, at North Country Hospital in Newport. Mr. Wilson was born on July 7, 1922, in Derby Line, a son of Burns and Bessie (Monteith) Wilson. He worked for the University of Vermont and Fellows Gear Shaper in Springfield during the early years of his life. He was a member of the Odd Fellows lodge in Springfield. He was an avid reader, and he loved gardening and animals. He enjoyed summer visits from his sister and the lifelong companionship of his brother. He maintained long-lasting childhood friendships and thoroughly enjoyed the true friendships of Bruce and Mary Muir and family of Derby Line and the love of his family. He is survived by his brother Royce Wilson of Derby Line; by a sister, Joyce Wilson, of Denver, Colorado; by a niece, Lexie Rye, and family of South Burlington; by two nephews, Dale Wilson of Charlestown, New Hampshire, and Randy Bronson of Waterbury; and by a sister-in-law, Patricia Ruby Wilson, of Charlestown. He was predeceased by his parents; by a brother, Giles Wilson; and by a sister, Martha Bronson. Funeral services were held June 17 at a Curtis-Britch Converse-Rushford Funeral Home in Newport with the Reverend Doreen Monfette officiating. Interment followed in Derby Line Cemetery. Should friends desire, contributions in Mr. Wilson's memory may be made to the Derby Line Ambulance Service, in care of Brian Fletcher, P.O. Box 105, Derby Line, Vermont 05830. Online condolences may be sent to the family through curtis-britch-converse-rushford.com. Arrangements are by Curtis-Britch Converse-Rushford Funeral Homes.

Gloria Anne Urie
Gloria Anne Urie, 53, of Manchester, New Hampshire, died June 16, 2005, at the Elliot Hospital. Ms. Urie was born in West Glover on May 7, 1952, and was a daughter of John and Yvonne (Diette) Urie. Prior to moving to Manchester 19 years ago, she lived in West Glover. She was educated in the Glover Community School system, and received her degree from Lyndonville State College. She was a teacher in Catholic schools for over 30 years, initially for 12 years at the Sacred Heart High School in Newport and most recently at St. Anthony's Elementary School in Manchester. In 2004 the graduating class of St. Anthony's dedicated its yearbook to her. She belonged to the bowling league at Lakeside Lanes and was a swimming instructor for the American Red Cross. She will be remembered for her love of her students, especially her nieces and nephews, and animals in general, in particular cats. Gardening and maintaining her flower beds were her passion. Family members include her father of West Glover; two sisters, Caroline Langmaid and her husband, Francis, of Island Pond and Bonnie Ingalls of West Glover; a brother, John R. Urie Jr., and his friend Ginny, of West Glover; a dear and loving friend, Annette Dube, of Manchester; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, and cousins. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated June 20 in St. Anthony's Church. Burial was June 21 in Andersonville Cemetery in West Glover. Memorial donations may be made to the Gloria A. Urie Scholarship Fund, in care of St. Anthony's Elementry School, 148 Belmont Street, Manchester, New Hampshire 03103. For more information visit www.lambertfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are by Lambert Funeral Home.

Yvette Poutre Rooney
Yvette Poutre Rooney, 83, died on June 13, 2005, in Newport, surrounded by her family. Mrs. Rooney was born in Irasburg on April 28, 1922, a daughter of Henry and Antonia (Langevin) Poutre. She attended St. Paul's Convent in Barton and other local schools then went on to graduate from Wilfred's Academy of Business and Beauty Culture in Boston, Massachusetts. She married W. Thomas Rooney in 1950, and they resided in Newport throughout their lives. She was a caregiver to people in the community who were in need. She was known for her special dishes of homemade chicken and noodles and her incredible pies. She worked as a cosmetologist and seamstress and was employed at the Yankee Peddler store in Derby. She was active in Cub Scouts, volunteered for the North Country Hospital Auxiliary for some time, and performed hair care for elderly people in nursing homes. She is survived by her children: Catherine Peake and her husband, Larry, and Tom Rooney and his wife, Brenda, all of Newport, and Douglas Rooney and his wife, Grace Spatafora-Rooney, of Ferrisburg; by her grandchildren: Sara and Michael Kinerson of Johnson, Patrick and Daniel Rooney of Newport, and Olivia Grace Rooney of Ferrisburg; by sisters Martha Coburn of Florida and Rachel Leblanc of Orleans; by brothers-in-law Lawrence and John Rooney; by sisters-in-law Millie Rooney and Muriel Poutre; and by close and beloved nieces and nephews. She had a special relationship with her son-in-law Ted Kinerson. She was predeceased by her husband, W. Thomas Rooney; by brothers: Bob, Roland, and Maurice Poutre; and by sisters-in-law Betty and Lucille Poutre. A Memorial Mass was held June 17 at St. Mary's Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Newport with the Reverend Peter O'Leary officiating. A private interment will be held at the convenience of the family. Should friends desire, contributions in Mrs. Rooney's memory may be made to the American Stroke Association, Northeast Affiliate, Heart Gifts Processing, P.O. Box 3049, Syracuse, New York 13220-3749; or to the North Country Club scholarship fund, P.O. Box 434, Newport, Vermont 05855. Online condolences may be sent to the family through curtis-britch-converse-rushford.com. Arrangements are by Curtis-Britch Converse-Rushford Funeral Homes.

George Baldwin Rabe
George B. Rabe, 74, died and left this earth to soar with the eagles on June 14, 2005, in the evening, with his wife and family by his side. Mr. Rabe was the beloved husband of Jean G. Rabe. Both lived in Craftsbury Common, where they had retired in 1994. He was born November 16, 1930, in New Rochelle, New York, a son of Alice Bessie and James Inslee Rabe. He attended schools in Mamaroneck, New York, before entering Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York. A member of Theta Chi fraternity at college, he was awarded a bachelor of mechanical engineering in 1952. On May 28, 1955, he married Jean Evelyn Geisel at Trinity Episcopal Church in New Rochelle. They had just celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary, returning home from Europe on June 6. After college, he began his career at Sikorsky Helicopter in Bridgeport and Stratford, Connecticut, and then went to Piasecki Helicopter (now Boeing) in Morton, Pennsylvania. Then, after a short time at Hamilton Standard in Connecticut, he began the work he loved the most, working on and designing parts of the engine for the X-15 rocket-powered plane at Reaction Motors in Rockaway, New Jersey. The plane now hangs at the Air and Space Museum at the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C. In 1994, after more than 20 years, he retired from Foster Wheeler in Livingston, New Jersey, working in both the equipment and research divisions. At the time of his death he was consulting and designing tools under the name Raven Engineering. He was awarded 21 U.S. patents during his career, including rocket engine parts, tools for air heater repair, and a baby bottle. As a young man he raced sports cars for the SCCA at Sebring, where he co-drove one of the first Lotus cars to come into the country; he also drove at Watkins Glen and Bridgehampton. He built and flew his own Ultralight plane. He played ice hockey until just a few years ago, and he loved to ski - downhill, cross-country, and water - and play golf. He was a member of the Orleans Country Club. He had served as a trustee for the United Church of Craftsbury and was a member of the Order of Free and Accepted Masons, Craftsbury Lodge. He was also a member of the Mouses and Spouses, a charitable group of men and women in Orleans County. He has left behind his widow, four children, and nine grandchildren living in New Jersey: Cynthia Kurpiewski of Jefferson, her husband, Phillip, and their children Peter and Evelyn; Christopher Rabe of Ogdensburg, his wife, Kathleen, and their children Tyler, Benjamin, and Emily; Timothy Rabe of Andover, his wife, Karin, and their children Melissa and Steven; and Geoffrey Rabe of Sparta and his children Jordan and Matthew. He also leaves two younger brothers, James of Roseburg, Oregon, and Colin of Salem, Oregon. A memorial service was held in Sparta June 20 at the Goble Funeral Home with the Reverend Charles McNeil conducting. At a future date, a service will be held in Vermont. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be sent in Mr. Rabe's memory to the Raptor Center, Route 4, Quechee, Vermont 05059 to be used for the rehabilitation of injured birds of prey. He has donated his body to the Sharing Network at Hackensack Medical Center for tissue and bone transplant and for research to help others. Arrangements are by Goble Funeral Home.