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JANICE L. LAFONTAINE
RICHFORD - Janice L. Lafontaine, age 77, passed away Saturday evening, April 15, 2006, at the Northwestern Medical Center in St. Albans.
She was born April 7, 1929, in St. Albans, the daughter of the late Winthrop Towle and Beatrice (Lumbra) Towle - Feltus
She was a resident of Richford most of her life and was a member of All Saints Catholic Church and the American Legion Auxiliary Post 12 of Richford. She enjoyed playing Bingo, playing cards, watching soap operas and listening to the scanner. Most of all she loved her home and spending time with her family and friends.
She is survived by her children: Gary Wright and his wife, Brenda of Hollister, Calif., Lisa Paquette and her husband, Bernard “Peanut” of Richford, Mona Lafontaine and her husband, Kelly Todd of Shallotte, N.C., Connie Ladieu and her husband, Roger of Swanton, Mary Ann Goyette and her friend, Carl Royea of Richford, Kay Prive and her husband, Brian of Richford, John Lafontaine and his lady, Bridget of Richford, Dennis Lafontaine and his wife, Linda of Richford, Theresa Ladieu and her husband, Gary of Swanton, and Michael Lafontaine and his wife, Marsha of Fayetteville, N.C.; a daughter-in-law, Denise Lafontaine of Berkshire; 30 grandchildren, including a special granddaughter, Taylor; 38 great-grandchildren; her siblings: Wellington Towle and his wife, Theresa of St. Albans, Myrtle Bergeron of Richford, and Linda Van Gieson and her husband, Merle of Montgomery; a stepbrother, John Feltus and his wife, Ingrid of Germany; several nieces and nephews; and her dog, Buffy. Besides her parents she was predeceased by her first husband, Lucius Wright; her second husband, George Lafontaine; two sons, Larry Wright and George Lafontaine Jr.; a sister, Betty Towle; and a brother, Rowland Towle.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday morning, April 19, 2006, at 11 at All Saints Catholic Church. Interment will be held at the convenience of the family in All Saints Cemetery.
Visiting hours will be held Tuesday evening from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Spears Funeral Home, 1450 Main St., Richford.
For those who wish, contributions in her memory may be made to the Richford Ambulance Service, Main Street, Richford, Vt. 05476.
LINDA E. PLOOF
ENOSBURG FALLS - Linda E. Ploof, age 59, beloved wife of Richard Ploof, passed away peacefully Sunday evening, April 16, 2006, at her home with her family at her side.
She was born Jan. 4, 1947, in Hartland, the daughter of the late Roy and Agatha (Hadley) Gokey.
Linda attended schools in Hartland and married Richard Ploof on Dec. 10, 1977, at which time they made their home in Enosburg Falls. Linda loved going to lawn sales to add to her collection of Santa Clauses and Halls dishes. She loved animals and enjoyed deer hunting.
Linda will be remembered for her drawings and paintings, her huge Santa collection and as a wonderful cook and was known for her lasagna. She worked at the sewing factory prior to taking a position at Enosburg Falls High School where she was the art instructor, sparking the interest of the students to draw and paint. From the success of her art class a full time art class was created at which time Linda became a para-educator and was the study hall monitor for EFHS for 24 years retiring in 2005 due to poor health. Many students and others who wanted a certain picture painted came to Linda to have her paint it.
She is survived by her husband of 28 years, Richard Ploof of Enosburg Falls; her step-sons: Richard Ploof II and his wife, Lisa of Sheldon, James Ploof of St. Albans, and William Ploof and his wife, Jessica of Winooski; five step-grandchildren; three step-great-grandchildren; two brothers, Richard Gokey and his wife, Anita of Hartland, and Robert Gokey of White River Junction; a sister-in-law, Evelyn Gokey of Hartland; and several nieces & nephews. Besides her parents she was predeceased by her brothers: Norman, Eugene, Henry and Gerald Gokey; and her sister, Millie Gokey.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, April 19, 2006, at 2 p.m. at the Spears Funeral Home, 96 Dickinson Ave., Enosburg Falls. Interment will follow in the Missisquoi Cemetery in Enosburg Falls.
Visiting hours will be held Tuesday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Spears Funeral Home, 96 Dickinson Ave., Enosburg Falls.
LAURIE A. RYAN
Largely attended funeral services for Laurie A. Ryan, who passed away on April 12, 2006, were held on Saturday, April 15, 2006, at 2 p.m. in the Heald Funeral Chapel with the Reverend Mr. Duane Langlois, Deacon of Holy Angels Catholic Church officiating.
Words of remembrance were shared by Debbie Grevatt and Heidi Hughes. A letter to her aunt was written and read by Fallyn Grevatt.
Among the many in attendance was representation from S&R Transport, Law Offices of Timothy Hawkins, The Back Street Pub, The Old Foundry Restaurant, Shooters Saloon, Bayview Catering, Bayside Pavilion, M&C Custom Masonry, Robert E. Glidden Post 758, Veterans of Foreign Wars and Auxiliary, VVA 753, and many former Red Top Restaurant employees and patrons.
Prayers of Committal were offered by Deacon Langlois.
Interment will be at the convenience of the family in the family lot at St. Ann’s Cemetery in Milton.
Deacon Langlois conducted a Vigil for the Deceased for family and friends on Friday at the funeral home.
The Heald Funeral Home, 87 South Main St., St. Albans assisted the family with arrangements.
CATHERINE ELIZABETH BOSE
NEW YORK CITY, N.Y. / SWANTON, Vt. - Catherine E. Bose, 52, a long time summer resident of Swanton, Vt., passed away unexpectedly on April 2, 2006, at her home in New York City.
Cathy was born in New York City on July 18, 1953, to John Henry Bose and Elizabeth Bagwell Bose. She was educated at the Spence School and Wheelock College. She received a master’s degree from Teacher’s College of Columbia University and another from the Bank Street School. She never stopped her continuing education - hardly ever missing a Saturday morning math seminar at the Bank Street School.
Cathy spent her summers and holidays in Vermont at her parent’s home where they had retired. After her mother and father passed away, she kept the home to use on her vacations and to retain memories.
Cathy worked after college as a teacher in both the weekday and Sunday schools of the Riverside Church. Later she taught at the Episcopal School before her long tenure at the Buckley School where her final position was math specialist.
Cathy became involved in a community-sponsored children’s library - the Morningside Junior Library - where she bought and catalogued the books and always staffed the desk on Sunday afternoons. Cathy followed her mother’s interest on the Arts and Crafts Committee at the Riverside Church and became chair. She enjoyed taking classes in rug making, quilting, and knitting/crocheting.
For the past 10 or more years Cathy had been an active member of the Park Avenue United Methodist Church where she served on various committees such as the Columbarium Committee and the Outreach Committee. She was well-known at the church for her jam making and baking for the annual Christmas Fair, for the coffee hours and other special occasions.
Cathy is survived by her two brothers and their wives: John and Leslie Bose of Shaftsbury, Vt. and Robert and Barbara Bose of Swanton, Vt. She also leaves her niece, Susan Bose, whom she dearly loved, and Susan’s fiancé, Michael Stempek.
Gifts in her memory may be sent to: Wheelock College, Attn: Sally Gould, Director of Development, 200 The Riverway, Boston, MA 02215.
BERNARD JOSEPH BALTHAZAR
SWANTON - Bernard Joseph Balthazar, age 75, passed away peacefully Monday evening, April 10, 2006, at his home surrounded by his loving family.
Bernard was born in Sheldon, Vt., Oct. 27, 1930, the son of the late Arthur J. Balthazar and Noella A. (Fontaine) Balthazar. He attended St. Anne’s Academy in Swanton.
Bernard served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. During his service he was stationed in Germany. He was an interpreter and a chef.
He was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Charles DaPrato Post 778, in Swanton. He was a citizen of the Abenaki Nation of Missisquoi St. Francis/Sokoki Band and although of French Canadian decent he was very proud for his acceptance by the Abenaki Nation.
In his early years Bernard worked at The Golden Crust Bakery in Swanton, he work at Precision Metals Foundry in Swanton, and he worked for many years and retired from General Electric.
Bernard had a great appreciation and love of nature. He loved to hunt and fish. In his earlier years he had several beagles with which he rabbit hunted with. He liked to fish, his favorite time to fish was during walleye season. Bernard knew the Missisquoi River like the back of his hand. Bernard also, knew a lot about herbs and their uses. He just loved being out in nature. He gathered berries every year and knew where and when they were the best. He also took great pride in growing his famous gardens. He shared his vegetables with his family, friends and community every year. Bernard will be deeply missed.
Bernard leaves two step-daughters, whom he raised and very much considered to be his own: Nichole (Rigsby) Bushey and her husband, Norman of Swanton and Amanda (Chamberlain) Bluto and her husband, Joseph of St. Albans Bay; his four grandchildren: Hailey Rigsby and Tyler Bushey of Swanton and Rebecca and Joseph Bluto of St. Albans Bay; one brother, Real Balthazar of Mammoth Lakes, Calif.; his two sisters: Mariette Moreau of Burlington, Sister Gilberte Balthazar CS/DHS of Putnum, Conn., sister-in-laws: Patricia Bruyette and Wanda McWilliams and their families of Alburgh. He also leaves two nephews: Peter Moreau and family from Woodlands, Texas and Kevin Moreau of Brattleboro, Vt.; one niece, Kathy Sealy and family of Sutton, England as well as his companion, Carol Delorme of Swanton. In addition he leaves an extended family of which he was a large part. The Family of Homer and Patricia St. Francis, Homer St. Francis II, Jesse, Doris, David, Paige, Morgan and Frankie Brownell, Casey Fraties, Harold (Charlie), Harold Jr., Wade, Ryan and Cole St. Francis, April and William Merrill, Rene St. Francis, David and Wendy St. Francis. He is also survived by several cousins and close friends. Bernard was predeceased by his parents; longtime companion, Valeria Parizo Rigsby; his very close friends and fishing buddies, Mike Brooks and Bobby Wall, Cassius Maskell and longtime friend Chief Homer St. Francis.
Per his request there will be no calling hours and his funeral service will be private. There will be a Memorial service with full military honors held at the Abenaki Tribal Council Headquarters, 100 Grand Ave., Swanton at 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 18, 2006. A luncheon will follow this service.
Gifts in Bernard’s memory may be made to Abenaki Tribal Council, P.O. Box 276 Swanton, Vt. 05488; or The Walleye Association, P.O. Box 104, Swanton, Vt. 05488.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Kidder Memorial Home, 89 Grand Ave., Swanton, 05488.
PHYLLIS ELIZABETH WRIGHT
BURLINGTON - Phyllis Elizabeth Wright, 80, passed away on Thursday, April 13, 2006, at the Green Mountain Nursing Home in Colchester following an extended illness. She was born in St. Albans on March 3, 1926, the daughter of the late Norman W. and Hazel (Foley) Wright.
Phyllis was a 1944 graduate of Bellows Free Academy in St. Albans and a 1946 graduate of Becker Junior College in Worcester, Mass. For many years she was an administrative assistant at the University of Vermont College of Medicine.
Survivors include her brother and his wife, Donald and Mary Wright of St. Albans; a niece and her husband, Elizabeth and Richard Ross of Essex Junction and their children, Mary Ross of Somerville, Mass. and Michael and Dorothy Ross of Essex Junction; a nephew and his wife, Alan and Veronica Wright of Highgate, and their children, Daniel Wright of Blandon, Pa. and Margaret and Emily Wright of Highgate; and a cousin, Malcolm Houston, Esq. of Potomac, Md. Besides her parents she was predeceased by a brother, Lawrence Wright in 1975; a sister-in-law, Caroline Wright in 1986; and a nephew, Norman W. Wright in 1990.
The family wishes to thank the staff at Green Mountain Nursing Home for their special care of Phyllis while she was a resident there.
A service of remembrance will be held on Saturday, April 22, 2006, at 2 p.m. in the Heald Funeral Chapel, 87 South Main St. The Reverend Judy Steger Kennedy, Pastor of the First Congregational Church will officiate. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorials to the Franklin County Humane Society, 30 Sunset Meadows, St. Albans, Vt. 05478. Friends may call on the family at the funeral home from 1 p.m. until the hour of the funeral.
ALICE BERNARDINI BUSHEY
SWANTON - Mrs. Alice Bernardini Bushey, 93, a lifelong Swanton resident, died early Friday morning, April 14, 2006, at the Franklin County Rehab Center in St. Albans Town.
Born at home in Swanton, July 7, 1912, she was the daughter of the late John and Eletta (Vanni) Bernardini. On Oct. 11, 1937, she was married to Ernest W. Bushey, who predeceased her on Nov. 13, 2002.
Alice graduated from the former St. Anne’s Academy with the Class of 1930. In 1934 she received her degree as a Registered Nurse from the St. Albans City Hospital School of Nursing. She did private duty nursing throughout the Franklin County area for several years. Alice along with her husband Ernest also founded, co-owned and operated the Swanton Rexall Pharmacy in the Village Square for many years. They also enjoyed many winters in Florida and traveled to many states and Canada.
Alice leaves a sister-in-law, Regina Bushey of Georgia; nieces: Frances Dolan of Smithtown, N.Y., Janice Patterson of Palo Alto, Calif., Frances Riddle of Montreal, Quebec Canada; a nephew, Dr. John Vaillancourt of San Francisco, Calif.; great-nephews: Sean, Terrance, Neal and Matthew Dolan, all of Smithtown, N.Y.; her devoted caregiver, Thomas “Butch” Thompson, his wife Laurie, and family of Swanton; and a longtime family friend, Bernard Moreau of Swanton.
She was predeceased by a brother, Joseph Bernardini; a sister, Clara Vaillancourt; and a brother-in-law, Harvey Bushey.
The family of Alice and Ernest Bushey wish at this time to thank everyone at the Franklin County Rehab Center who cared for Alice, so well, in her last years.
We have a special appreciation for Thomas “Butch” Thompson for the support, care and loving kindness he so generously gave, for years, to Ernest and Alice. He will not be soon forgotten by the family.
May Alice rest in peace with Ernest. May God bless Butch and his family. “He made the difference.”
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, April 18, 2006, at 2 p.m. from the Kidder Memorial Home, 89 Grand Ave., Swanton. Father John J. Meagher, SSE will officiate. Interment will follow in the Bushey family lot in St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Cemetery. Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home on Tuesday from 1 p.m. until the hour of the funeral.
ARTHUR ‘RED’ HUGHES, JR.
ST. ALBANS - Arthur “Red” Hughes Jr., 69, a lifelong area resident, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, April 16, 2006, at Northwestern Medical Center. He was born in Bakersfield on Jan. 3, 1937, the son of the late Arthur Hughes Sr. and Myrtle (Ladue) Hughes. On Aug. 26, 1957, in Fairfield, he married the former Beverly M. Cook, who survives him.
Arthur was a dairy farmer most of his life and was a member of the Franklin County Seniors.
Besides his wife of 48 years, Beverly of St. Albans, he is survived by two sons and their wives: Arthur Hughes III and Kimberly, and Howard N. Hughes and Beverly, all of St. Albans; three daughters and their husbands: Ann M. and Mark Pitt of Swanton, Susan A. and David Devine of Coos Bay, Oregon, and Tammy R. and Reginald Dolan of St. Albans; two brothers and their wives: Mitchell and Virginia Hughes of Fairfield, and Lawrence and Yvette Hughes of Swanton; four sisters: Pearl Moll of Fairfield, Phyllis Turner and her husband, Norman of Burlington, Ruth Labelle of Bakersfield, and Shirley Hall and her husband, Paul of Swanton; nine grandchildren: Jennifer Dashno, Rebecca Wells, Thomas, Tony and Ackia Hughes, April and Alan Tanner, Christopher Dolan, and Jordon Hughes; two great-grandchildren: Summer and Nicodemus Dashno; and several nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by a son, Charles A. in 1972; a brother, Reginald Hughes; and three sisters: Ruby Roe, Elizabeth Day, and Freda Chaplin.
A graveside funeral service will held on a date and time to be announced. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions in Arthur’s name to the American Diabetes Association, Vermont Office, 77 Hegeman Drive, Colchester, Vt. 05446. The Heald Funeral Home, 87 South Main St. is assisting the family with arrangements.
ASHLEY MAE LAPAN
SWANTON - Funeral Services were held Friday, April 14, 2006, at 2 p.m. from the Kidder Memorial Home. Mr. Jeff Benay, chairperson of the Governor’s Commission on Native American Affairs and director of Title V Indian Education, officiated.
Among the delegations in attendance were representatives from the Abenaki Nation of Vermont led by Chief April St. Francis-Merrill, Swanton Town and Village Office, Swanton Village Fire Department, S.B. Collins, Porter’s Bike Shop, Vermont Precision Tools, IBM and Nana’s Restaurant. Interment followed in the Riverside Cemetery with Mr. Benay reading the committal prayers.
The bearers were Adam Price, Jordy Thomas and Larry, Bobby, John and Dobie Lapan.
Following The Prayers of Committal a Bereavement Luncheon was served to family and friends at the Bushey Street home of Ashley’s aunt and uncle, Tracy and Bobby Lapan.
EUGENE LOUIS CURTIS
ALBURGH - Funeral Services were held Saturday, April 15, 2006, at 1 p.m. from the Kidder Memorial Home. Father Maurice U. Boucher, SSE pastor of St. Amadeus Roman Catholic Parish Alburgh and St. Joseph’s Mission Isle La Motte officiated.
The Old Testament Reading was proclaimed by Eugene’s son, Pat Curtis and The New Testament Reading by brother, Asa Curtis. Son, Michael Curtis, read The Responsorial Psalm and The Prayers of Intercession. Special Words of Remembrance were shared by brother-in-law, Bill Jackson and son, Bill Curtis.
Interment followed in the Curtis family lot in the Alburgh Center Cemetery with Father Boucher reading the committal prayers.
The bearers were sons, Michael, Pat and Bill Curtis; grandson, Ian Curtis; brothers, Asa and David Curtis; and brothers-in-law, Bill Jackson and Ken Sauls.
ALTON ‘KEN’ ASHLEY
WEST SWANTON - Mr. Alton “Ken” Ashley, 72, a resident of Lakewood Drive, West Swanton died Thursday evening, April 13, 2006, at the Northwestern Medical Center in St. Albans City.
Born in Burlington on Dec. 10, 1933, he was the son of the late Kenneth and Marjorie (Paul) Ashley. He graduated from Burlington High School with the Class of 1951 and on Nov. 3, 1956, was married to the former Laurel Colomb, who survives him. Prior to moving to Swanton in 1989, Ken and his family lived several years in the Essex Center area.
Working as a mechanical engineer Ken had been associated with IBM of Essex Junction for 23 years. He faithfully served his country in both the United States Army and the Vermont Army National Guard receiving his honorable discharge on Aug. 6, 1958. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Charles DaPrato Post 778 in Swanton.
Ken will be remembered for his great love of family, riding his motorcycle in the summer months and his snow machine in the winter. He was also a member of the Northwest Snowmobile Riders Association and attended St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Mission in Isle La Motte.
In addition to his wife Laurel of 50 years, Ken leaves a daughter, Tamara Whitten and her partner, Roger Pratt and Tamara’s children, Danielle and Kelsey, all of Milton; a son, Thomas Ashley and his wife, Caroline and their children, Lisa and Michael all of Essex; a son-in-law, Raymond Whitten of Milton; one sister, Grace Rose of Berlin; two sisters-in-law, Elaine Moreau of Burlington and Gloria McCormick and her husband, Dan of Massena, N.Y.; and several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by a sister, Margie Ashley; and two brothers-in-law, Vaughn Colomb and Francis Rose.
Ken’s family wishes to give special thanks to the physicians and staff of St. Albans Primary Care as well as oncologist, Doctor Christian Thomas for all of the love, concern, support and excellent care given to Ken over the past several months.
Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, April 19, 2006, at 11 a.m. from the Kidder Memorial Home, 89 Grand Ave., Swanton. Father Maurice U. Boucher, SSE will officiate. Interment will follow in St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Cemetery, Swanton. Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home on Tuesday evening, April 18, 2006, from 6 to 8 p.m.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers gifts in Ken’s memory be made to the American Cancer Society, 11 Loomis Street, Montpelier 05602.
