Margaret Isabel Thomas

Margaret Isabel Thomas (nee Dunn), born in Newcastle, England on 09 November 1933, passed away peacefully in her Woodstock, Vermont home on 23 March 2020 at 10:30 P.M. She was the youngest child of a coal mining official, Thomas Dunn, and a parlor maid, Isabel Dunn (nee Reay) who both preceded her in death. Her only sibling, Thomas Leslie Dunn, also preceded her in death in 1961.

Margaret’s work experience started in 1948 at age 15. She worked in the isolation unit for scarlet fever and whooping cough as well as assisted with patient pick-ups on the ambulance rides at Norman’s Riding Hospital in Winlaton. Margaret received her registered nursing certificate from South Shields County Durham General Hospital. She received her midwifery degree in Nottingham, UK. In Durham, she greatly enjoyed assisting mothers with home deliveries. In Newcastle upon Tyne, she worked in the midwifery department at the General Hospital. In 1958, she took a position in the premature baby unit and assisted in general surgery at the General Hospital in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

In 1959, after a very long and cold winter in Calgary, Margaret accepted a position at the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital in Hamilton, Bermuda where they needed a nurse with the knowledge to operate two incubators which were recently purchased for the care of premature babies. Margaret met her late husband, Roy Thomas, at a church singles’ youth event soon after her arrival on the island. She married him six months later in 1960, in Christchurch, Bermuda, and soon after began the roles of both wife and mother. In 1967, the young family moved to the remote island of St. Johns, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Margaret began the job of homemaking full-time.

Margaret previously resided in England, Canada, Bermuda, Puerto Rico, New York, and then finally settled and put down deep roots with her late husband, Roy Thomas, in Woodstock, Vermont, in 1982. Margaret loved the Lord and was an active and consistent church member, first at Valley Bible Church in White River Junction, VT, and later at The First Congregational Church in Woodstock, VT. She enjoyed participating in several community services: The Prosper Homemakers, The King’s Daughters, The Woodstock Garden Club, The Woodstock Community Food Shelf, The Senior Center, and many others.

Jeremiah 17: 7-8 – Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord and whose trust is the LORD. For he will be like a tree planted by the water, that extends its roots by a stream and will not fear when the heat comes; but its leaves will be green, and it will not be anxious in a year of drought nor cease to yield fruit.

Margaret enjoyed knitting, beekeeping, gardening, and cooking. She was at her best ministering to others in need. Her deep love of infants, rooted in her early career, continued throughout her life. She had the gift of hospitality and often opened the doors of her home, giving of herself to numerous people in her life.

One precious memory Margaret’s children have of their mother is the way she always said goodbye. She would quote, Dr. Robert A. Cook, from his Christian family radio program, and say, “Walk with the King, and be a Blessing!” This blessing continues in our family at the end of many conversations and often during departures. Mom, we are so comforted by the knowledge that today you are truly ​walking with the King!

Margaret is survived by her four children: Anne (Todd) Mathison of Minneapolis, MN, Jeffrey (Kathy) Thomas of Chuckey, TN, Christopher (Eunice) Thomas of Granger, IN, Susan (Brent) Meyers of Johannesburg, South Africa as well as 11 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren (with one more on the way).

If you would like to donate in memory of Margaret, please do so to:

Biblical Ministries Worldwide 1595 Herrington Road Lawrenceville, GA 30043

Please remember to note that your donation is a “Memorial for Margaret Thomas.”

We are hoping to have a celebration of life service for Margaret at a later date.

Blessed be the memory of Margaret Isabel Thomas.

The Cabot Funeral Home in Woodstock is assisting the family. Memories may be shared by visiting cabotfh.com

Larry Lowenthal

Larry Lowenthal slipped away from life quietly at home in Brimfield on March 12, 2020, after an illness.  He was born March 1, 1940 in New York City, where he fondly remembered riding the subways, playing stickball in the streets and exploring Van Cortland Park.  A move to the countryside of northern New Jersey as a youth introduced him to his lifelong passions – nature and history. Those two things were at the core of almost everything he did.

Larry graduated from Rutgers University and Yale University, earning a Master’s Degree in History and becoming a member of Phi Beta Kappa.  His professional life as an historian was wide-ranging.   He worked for the National Park Service as a historian for 30 years, after which he continued in the same capacity as a consultant for the NPS, primarily for the Eastern regional planning office.  This work allowed Larry to use his talents of research, writing and presentation to help develop or improve many National Parks and Monuments in the region, such as the Boston Harbor Islands, Cape Cod National Seashore / Truro Light, Governor’s Island in New York Harbor, the Tenement Museum, Roosevelt-Vanderbilt, and the creation of the Quinebaug-Shetucket Heritage Corridor.

In his retirement years Larry also enjoyed consulting on many local historical projects as well as working on projects of his own (he always had projects!)  He was patient and a good listener, careful to be sure he understood before passing judgement or giving advice, generous with his time helping others, and a mentor to young people.  He often seemed physically tireless, working on house or garden, and hiking great distances in the woods looking for signs of previous (and current) occupiers, old foundations, railroad trestles and the  plants and animals that fill the forests of New England .  The land spoke to him, its flora and fauna and its ancient geology too, and the stars overhead were old valued friends.  He was endlessly curious about the world and the humans who inhabit it.

If there was an organization he cared about, Larry supported it enthusiastically.  The Last Green Valley, Opacum Land Trust, Sturbridge Historical Society, Hitchcock Academy, the Yiddish Book Center, and many railroad and transportation organizations all were dear to his heart.  He adored classical music, particularly of the 19^th and 20^th Centuries, and he attended concerts frequently at Tanglewood, Springfield Symphony and Bard College Conservatory Orchestra.   Larry often marveled at the ability of his favorite composers to create an experience that, to him, felt spiritual.

His love of music led to him to travel to attend the celebration of Jean Sibelius’s 150 birth anniversary in Finland in 2015, a week filled with wonderful music by his favorite composer.  In retirement, he also enjoyed travel to Ireland, France, Sweden, Nova Scotia and other international destinations.

Larry loved language.  It was a family joke that he never chose a single-syllable word when a multi-syllable one was available.  He loved word-play, and quirky jokes that surfaced when we least expected them and never forgot.  He read insatiably, primarily history both ancient to modern, but he could also be persuaded to read fiction, if it meant he could have a good discussion about it.  Larry had a prodigious memory, so that he was able to recall and discuss often obscure names, dates and details from things he had read.  Night table reading might be a book on the Holocaust, or World War I, or perhaps philosophy or religion, never anything remotely light. He wrote over 18 published books,  in addition to many equal-length historical studies for the Park Service, always striving to present ideas in the most engaging and accessible way.  Some books about his local area included Titanic Railroad, Trying to Do My Duty, and most recently, A Yankee Regiment in Confederate Louisiana.

Besides his books, Larry produced a great deal of thoughtful unpublished poetry he shared with family and friends.  The ending of one poem sums up how we recall him:  “And here is the victorious sun, Bursting through the doorways of our memory, And spreading its warm rays of redemption Into every crevice of remorse.”

Larry is survived by his wife of 50 years, Koren (Kitty); his son Isaac (and partner Yasmin) of Boston; daughter Eleanor (and partner Caleb) of Woodstock, Vermont; goddaughter Andrea Caluori of Ashfield MA; and brother Roy Lowenthal of Virginia Beach VA.

Burial was in New Jersey, with a memorial gathering to be held in the summer in Brimfield.  Date will be announced later.  In lieu of flowers, donations in Larry’s name to Hitchcock Academy, The Last Green Valley https://thelastgreenvalley.org/ or Opacum Land Trust https://www.opacumlt.org/ would be most welcome.

George T. Crothers

With profound sadness, the Crothers Family mourn the loss of George T. Crothers, who passed away suddenly on Thursday, March 5, 2020 in Delray Beach, FL.  George was born to Patricia and Robert Crothers on February 6, 1956 in Portsmouth, NH and grew up in Rye Beach, NH.  He was predeceased by his parents, his sister Cathy and his brother John.  George is survived by his wife of 36 years Anne Hardiman of Delray Beach, FL and Woodstock, VT, sisters Linda Crothers, Robin Normandeau and husband Glen, Bonnie Hatch and husband Dannie, along with brothers Michael and wife Sharon, Patrick and wife Maurene and John’s wife Melissa and husband Moses.  George also leaves behind four nieces Christina, Shannon, Kailey and Allie and five nephews Will, Andy, Hunter, Duncan and Zach whom he absolutely adored.  And we can’t forget his beloved Westies Sophie, Sadie, Ghillie and Brodie who already miss him.

George’s kind heart and generous nature will be sorely missed by the St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Community of Delray Beach, FL as well as St. James of Woodstock, VT where he recently was made Deacon.  He also co-chaired the St. James Fair which is in its 95th year, for the last two years.  His volunteering extended with 18 years at the Highland Games in Lincoln, NH as well as being asked for the third year, as one of the semifinal jurist for the Calvin Coolidge College Scholarship, which is given out annually.  Even after graduating from New England College in 1978 and entering the Banking Industry both in the Retail and Investment Sector, throughout New England for over 25 years, his priorities would always be to give back to the communities he served.

George’s love for life included Opera, Art Museums & Auctions, a Voracious Reader & History Buff, a Snappy Dresser and the very best at giving just the right gift, no matter who it was for.  He had an Incredible Memory and the Capacity to Tell Stories, with the utmost attention to the details and a Quick Wit that would rival anybody.  This is the George that will be remembered by all who knew him, whether it was briefly or for many years.  A faithful friend…

A service will be held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Delray Beach, FL and St. James Episcopal Church in Woodstock, VT at a future date to be announced.  Meanwhile, in lieu of flowers donations can be made to the charities that these churches support.  St. Paul’s include Paul’s Place, St. Paul’s Day School for three & four year olds, CROS Ministries and Delray Beach Interfaith Social Services Community Shower Truck.  Make out your check to St. Paul’s and specify the charity under memo.  At St. James make out the check to the church and put in memory of George Crothers under memo.  Lorne and Sons Funeral Home, Delray Beach, FL.

Michelle Kelly Bradley

South Woodstock, Vermont

Michelle Kelly Bradley, age 58, entered eternal rest March 20, 2020 after a brave battle against cancer. She was born December 19, 1961. She was preceded in death by her parents Byron K Kelly Sr and Regis Emery Kelly and sister Barbara Anne Sundquist and brother Jeffrey Collamer Kelly.  She is survived by her loving husband Robert Bradley, step children Justin Bradley and Jillian Hackett,  brother Byron K Kelly Jr and his wife Joanne Kelly, nieces and nephews Jenny Dutil, H. Mathew Sebanc, Arthur Sundquist, Byron Kittredge Kelly III (Kitt), Kyle Kelly, Ryan Kelly and Lauren Joslin and stepmom Jean Kelly.

Michelle was a lifelong resident of Woodstock.  She was known for her ability to make everyone feel comfortable and like they were a longtime friend.  Family always joked that when they were looking for her all they had to do was listen and they would hear her infectious laugh.  She vowed that she would keep her sense of humor till the end and that she did.  She had the best smile that will forever warm the hearts of her friends and family.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date once the current pandemic has passed.  It was important to Michelle that her friends and family gather and share stories so her family would like to wait till its safer for group gatherings.

The Cabot Funeral Home in Woodstock is assisting the family. An on line guest book can be found at cabotfh.com

William “Bill” Bancroft Kelly

William “Bill” Bancroft Kelly, 81, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 10, 2020 at Community Hospice George and Margaret Morris Center for Caring in Jacksonville, Fl. While vacationing in St. Augustine, Fl. Bill had several health illnesses which he never recovered from.

Bill was born Feb. 11, 1939, raised in Woodstock, Vermont the son of Byron F. and Louise (Kittredge) Kelly.

Bill graduated in 1957 from The Woodstock Country School. He primarily lived in Quechee, Vt, also a resident of Falmouth, Ma where he traveled to and from both places during thirty to forty years of his life. Bill was a real estate developer, building and selling many homes as well as renting them mainly in both Quechee, Vermont and Falmouth, Ma.

He was an avid tennis player who especially loved playing doubles and
a car enthusiast who continually bought and traded cars routinely which continued until his last days.

His unique character will be remembered by many who knew him. We will miss his sense of humor that made us laugh with corny jokes and lighthearted comments.

He leaves his wife Lucille (Major) Kelly, son Benjamin C Kelly, nephew Byron Kelly, niece Michelle Kelly Bradley, and families, also his beloved dog “Buddy” and many other close relatives and friends.

He is predeceased by his sisters Mary Louise, Margaret and his two older brothers Byron Sr and Robert Kelly who passed away less than six months earlier.

A memorial service is being planned for this May at his home in Quechee and will be announced at a later date.

An on line guest book can be found at cabotfh.com

Thomas J. Ahern

Thomas J. Ahern of Duxbury and Woodstock, Vermont died at home on March 18, 2020. Tom was born in Boston on November 19, 1941 to John and Mary Agnes (Dacey) Ahern. He leaves in charge his wife of fifty-five years, Marilyn (Jannotta) Ahern. He was an amazing father to three daughters and sons-in-law, Kara and Gary Napolitano, Kate and Mike Ahern-Duguay, and Kris and Jim Kelly. He loved being a grandfather to Maggie, Kai, James Thomas, Luke, and Justin. He was pre-deceased by his brothers, John, Francis, and Richard Ahern and his in-laws, Charles and Margaret Jannotta.

Tom was a retired member of I.B.E.W. Local 103. His sense of humor, attention to all the details of his surroundings, and compassion for others continues through his family. Be kind to one another.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Tom’s memory may be made to Massachusetts General Hospital, Lunder 9 Cancer Care Unit, Boston, MA 02114, The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, P.O. Box 4527, New York, NY 10163, www.nationalmssociety.org, or Hospice of the South Shore, 30 Reservoir Park Drive, Rockland, MA 02370. For more information or to sign the online guestbook please, visit www.cartmelldavis.com.

Walter P. Gallup, Jr.

Rutland, VT

Walter P. Gallup, Jr. a resident of Gables Place passed away March 17, 2020 following a brief illness at The Meadows in Rutland Town.

Walter was born in Woodstock, VT on May 6, 1922 the son of the late Walter P. and Ruth (Robinson) Gallup, Sr. He Graduated from Woodstock High School as class co- valedictorian in 1941, attended the School of Fine Arts at Tufts University, attended St. Lawrence University in Canton, NY and graduated from Goddard College in Plainfield, VT in 1951.

In the summer of 1946 he was a “seagoing cowboy”, taking horses and other livestock to war-stricken countries in Eastern Europe. From the 1950’s until about 1972 he lived and worked in Maryland. He retired about 1977 and spent some time traveling the country in an RV, eventually settling in South Texas where he lived until 2004. In 2004 he moved back to Vermont to be closer to family. He lived at the Maples in Rutland before moving to the Meadows in 2018. Walter enjoyed hiking, gardening and loved his dogs.

Walter is survived by his sister Roma Gallup Pulling of Rutland Town, VT, his niece Cynthia Roberts and her husband Randy of Rutland Town and several cousins. He was preceded in death by his brother Ronald W. Gallup who passed away in 1977 and his nephew Stephen Pulling.

Memorial services for Walter will be announced at a later date. Interment will be in the family lot in Prosper Cemetery in Woodstock in the spring. If friends desire, memorial gifts in Walter’s memory may be made to your local Humane Society. To send the family personal condolences please visit www.sheafuneralhomes.com.

The family has entrusted arrangements to the care of Shea Family Funeral Homes 213 West Main Street Bennington, VT.

Gordon Dermont Markwell

Gordon Dermont Markwell, 86, died Monday March 16, 2020 at the Jack Byrne Center for Palliative and Hospice Care in Lebanon, NH.

He was born September 8, 1933  and grew up on the Lexington Farm in Reading where his father was the farm manager.  At a local dance hall he meet Katherine Haley and they were married a short time later in Springfield, VT on February 14, 1953.    He began working as a mechanic at RN Johnson in Walpole before serving in the US Army.  After his military service they returned to Vermont and settled in Weathersfield.  Gordon went back to work at RN Johnson and retired in 1995 after over four decades of service to the company.  Mrs. Markwell died on January 23^rd, 2020.

Gordon enjoyed snowmobiling and as a member of the Little Ascutney VAST club he spent many hours grooming local trails.  He also enjoyed restoring antique tractors and competing in local pulls including at the Cornish Fair and the Windsor County Ag Fair.  Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, Gordon, was predeceased by a brother Robert Markwell in December. He leaves his sons, Bruce Markwell of Pawleys Island, SC, Randy Markwell of Weathersfield, VT and Gregory D Markwell of North Pomfret, VT; daughter Melody Bishop of Weathersfield, VT;  5 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren; a sister Marion Barr of Weathersfield, VT and several nieces and nephews.

AT Gordon’s request there will be no services.  The Knight Funeral Home in Windsor, VT has been entrusted with arrangements.  Condolences to his family may be made in an online guest book at knightfuneralhomes.com.

Contributions in his memory may be made to The Jack Byrne Center, 154 Hitchcock Loop Road, Lebanon, NH 03756.

Evelyn Rowlee-Vittum

Cavendish, Vermont

Evelyn Rowlee-Vittum, 89, died on Sunday March 15^th.  Some knew her as Pat (the Irishman) a special few as Dede.

It is with great sorrow that we said good bye to a mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, great aunt and great friend.

She will be remembered for her endless energy to help others and her readiness to feed the crowd.

The Rowlee family would like to thank our family and friends who came to say goodbye and see her on her journey.

A celebration of life will be announced at an appropriate time.

We feel that the local Meals on Wheels would be a good fit for her. This is the link that we found for the online donation. That feels appropriate at this time.

Senior Solutions, Meal on Wheels program, 38 Pleasant Street, Springfield, VT 05156 –  https://www.networkforgood.org/donation/MakeDonation.aspx?ORGID2=222738766

An on line guest book can be found at cabotfh.com

Service and reception for Richard Leonard cancelled

The memorial service and reception for Richard C. Leonard, Jr. who died on February 15, 2020 will no longer be held on April 4th due to the recent public safety concerns. The family will hold a private burial service.

The Leonard family would like to thank all those at Woodstock Terrace, Hospice, family and friends for their wonderful care and support. The family hopes to celebrate Richard’s life at a later date.

The family is being assisted by the Cabot Funeral Home in Woodstock, Vermont