Memorials and Tributes
We invite you to send photos and stories to the office so that they can be included in these online tributes.
November 2024
Vassie Sinopoulos
October 18, 1947 - November 5, 2024
"Friends spoke of her as a bright star whose presence radiated both lightness and groundedness."
"Her memorial service is TBA but may not be until Springtime." ~ from So Sinopoulos-Lloyd
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Vassiliki “Vassie” Sinopoulos, aged 77, on November 5th, surrounded by loved ones in her Woodstock, Vermont home. Born on October 18, 1947, in the village of Valtesiniko, in Greece’s legendary province of Arcadia, Vassie was the youngest of eleven children of Yiannis Sinopoulos and Efstathia Panagoulias. From an early age, her spirit was marked by curiosity and adventure. After attending high school in Athens, she explored the world, living in England, Morocco, and Canada, and mastering five languages along the way.
In the early 80s, Vassie’s journey brought her to Vermont, where she settled down with the love of her life, Christopher Lloyd. They married in August 1983 in East Barnard and soon after made their home in Woodstock. There, Vassie quickly became a beloved member of the community, known for her energy, creativity, and a rare ability to make others feel welcomed. Vassie and Chris were devoted congregants of the North Chapel Unitarian Society since the 90s.
A gifted seamstress with an eye for design, Vassie expressed her creativity through weaving. Inspired to preserve her cultural heritage, she returned to Greece to immerse herself in traditional weaving techniques, later establishing a weaving studio in Woodstock. Through her practice, she mentored many aspiring weavers with expertise, patience, and warmth.
Vassie enjoyed gardening, walks to the Pogue, preparing traditional Greek and Moroccan foods, foraging for morels and leeks, and being with her family. Having grown up in the shadow of two wars, Vassie was committed to peace and nonviolence. She played a vital role in organizing anti-war protests in Woodstock. Friends spoke of her as a bright star whose presence radiated both lightness and groundedness.
Vassie was predeceased by her beloved husband Chris (77). She is survived by her three children: son Cherif Aziz and twins Daniel Norris Lloyd and Sophia “So” Sinopoulos-Lloyd, who will continue to honor her memory and legacy. A memorial service to celebrate Vassie’s life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Vassie’s name can be made to the Woodstock Community Food Shelf or the Vermont Food Bank, honoring her commitment to helping others.
Vassie’s radiant spirit, practical wisdom, and loving soul is woven into the lives of all who knew her, never to be forgotten.
An online guest book can be found at cabot.com.
October 2024
Wayne M. Thompson
September 25, 1941 – October 28, 2024
A celebration of Wayne’s life will be held at North Chapel on Sunday, November 17, 2024 at 12:30pm.
A reception following the service was held downstairs in the Social Hall.
Dear Members and Friends,
It is with great sorrow that we share this news. Wayne Thompson passed on peacefully, surrounded by close friends at the Merten’s House in Woodstock.
Wayne was well known and well loved. He will be sorely missed. He touched the lives and hearts of so many in our church and greater community...his quiet ways, gentle smile, his art and and his love of theater.
We will hold his light in our hearts, and will let you know if more is planned.
May he rest in peace.
Love and blessings to all from Leon and the North Chapel.
There is a full page story with photos of Wayne in the Vermont Standard’s November 27th edition:
https://vermontstandard-vt.newsmemory.com/?publink=0306897cf_134d50b
Wayne Merton Thompson, aged 83, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 28, 2024, at
Mertens House in Woodstock, Vermont.
Wayne was predeceased by his parents, Rachel (Watt) and Merton E. Thompson, and two
sisters, Elaine Thompson Rutherford and Jean Thompson Witchekowski. He is survived by his
cousins, Ann Richardson of Hartland and Dean Jillson of Woodstock, his nephew Scott and his
niece Dawn and their families, and many beloved friends who were like family.
A man who wore many hats, both literally and figuratively, Wayne had extraordinary talents and
a passion for connecting with people wherever he went. Friends and strangers would recognize
him as the well-dressed patron at the café or walking through town to get his mail or to meet
with friends. He appreciated the simple joys of life and developed friendships wherever he went.
His sharp eye for detail and passion for creativity marked every chapter of his life.
Wayne graduated from Woodstock Union High School in 1959 at the top of his class. He earned
his bachelor's degree in 1963 from the Rhode Island School of Design, where he studied
photography under Harry Callahan. After graduation, he built a celebrated career as a graphic
designer in New York and Boston before returning to Woodstock following some health
challenges.
Once back in his beloved hometown, Wayne continued to follow his passion for the arts. He
worked as a freelance graphic designer and expanded his creative pursuits into photography,
typography, book design, painting, and sculpture. He took great pleasure in making prints of his
photography. In various media, his celebrated “cloud paintings" were known throughout New
England. Wayne also created small sculptures with wood and wire. His work has been shown
most recently at the Hopkins Center at Dartmouth and Artistree Community Arts Center in
Pomfret, VT.
In addition to his design work, Wayne often worked as a substitute teacher at Woodstock Union
High School during the 1990s. His former students kept in touch as adults and felt he made a
positive impact as a gifted teacher and mentor. Wayne also enjoyed working as a caregiver for
several local families over the years.
As a devoted public servant and volunteer, Wayne was a Justice of the Peace for many years
and a familiar face working at elections and attending meetings of the Board of Civil Authority,
counting votes. He enjoyed volunteering for Glad Rags and was an active and beloved member
of North Chapel in Woodstock. For many years, Wayne found solace in the extensive gardens
he planted along the Ottauquechee River behind his home at Mellishwood, and was always
generous in sharing the fruits of his labor.
Wayne loved theater and was a gifted actor. He was very active in Woodstock’s New
Woolhouse Players, often playing whatever character role needed to be filled. He was a horse in
Equus, the train conductor in The Music Man, and played Windy, the boat pilot in Show Boat at
the Chandler Music Hall. He played Gaston in Picasso at the Lapin Argile twice: first in the Little
Theater for the New Woolhouse Players and, nearly 20 years later, in Artistree’s Grange
Theater. Wayne would often design programs and sometimes sets, as well. He observed the
smallest detail of a set or a costume and regularly reminded actors that before they entered the
stage, they had to be in character at least two steps before they were seen.
A graveside service was held on November 4, 2024, in the green section of the Hartland Village
Cemetery. A celebration of Wayne’s life will be held at North Chapel at 7 Church Street in
Woodstock, Vermont on Sunday, November 17, 2024 at 12:30pm. Details about a reception to
follow the service will be forthcoming.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Wayne’s memory may be made to the Rhode Island School of
Design (www.risd.edu) or the North Universalist Chapel Society of Woodstock (northchapelvt.org)
Cabot Funeral Home in Woodstock is assisting the family with arrangements.
An online guest book can be found at https://www.cabotfh.com/.
April 2024
Helen Marie Curtis passed on April 7, 2024
A Memorial Service will be held in the Sanctuary at North Chapel on Sunday, June 9th at 1 pm.
There will be a small reception following the service in the social hall.
Helen Marie Curtis, a vibrant soul who touched the lives of many, peacefully passed away on April 7, 2024 in Southbury, CT. Born on January 17, 1946, in Denver, CO to father Charles A. Curtis and mother Marie (Schutte) Curtis, Helen's journey was one of love, laughter, and boundless exploration.
A cherished daughter, mother, sister, grandmother, aunt and friend, Helen leaves behind a legacy of kindness and strength that will forever echo in the hearts of those she held dear. She is survived by her daughter Lisa Paccione and wife Melissa Robbins of Chicago, son James Paccione and wife Tracy Paccione of Southbury, CT, the father of her children, Dale Paccione, her loving sisters Chris Ertel of Sante Fe, NM, and Julie Ward and husband John Ward of Portland, OR. Helen's adoration extended to her grandchildren, Brynn and Tyler Paccione, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her longtime partner, Thomas E. Singer, of Woodstock, VT, with whom she shared many treasured memories.
Helen was known for her generous and kind nature, as well as being strong-willed and principled. She was a multi-talented individual who excelled in various aspects of her life. She thrived in academia, earning an undergraduate degree in Mathematics and Education from Merrimack College, a graduate degree in Mathematics and Education from Bridgewater State University, as well as an MBA from Simmons College. Her professional journey spanned from engineering at ATT to nurturing young minds as a high school math teacher and a math editor at Houghton Mifflin. She even found joy in crafting hand-knit treasures for children through her own venture, Abundancia. Until her death, she continued to dedicate herself to education, working part time as a standardized patient - simulating medical scenarios for first year medical students - at the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth.
But beyond her achievements, Helen was an adventurer at heart. She began as a child, traveling often from Boston to Denver by train to spend time with her grandmother and cousins. She grew to travel the globe, from hiking the glaciers of Alaska, traveling to Kenya to photograph an eclipse, to walking with penguins in Antarctica as well as exploring portions of New Zealand, Australia and Europe.
Tennis and winter retreats to Punte Del Este, Uruguay, were among her favorite pastimes, where she reveled spending time with her many friends and visitors. Her zest for life led her to celebrate her 60th birthday with a family hike to Machu Picchu, a testament to her adventurous spirit and family connection. Her adventurous nature wasn't limited to globetrotting. From summers spent at Humarock Beach in Massachusetts in her youth to earning her membership to the 251 Club of Vermont with friends, she embraced every opportunity for exploration and discovery, finding beauty and joy close to home.
Helen had a passion for art and enjoyed drawing and painting with her friends. As an amateur artist, she entered her work in local art expeditions and won some accolades. Fearless by nature, she submitted and had one of her portraits included in a community project that was part of “The Obama Portraits Tour” exhibit at The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (BFA).
A life long devoted fan of the Boston Red Sox, Helen's unbridled passion for baseball was a bond she shared with her sister Julie through endless commentary and playing spirited games of Baseball Bingo over the Internet during the Sox games.
Her commitment to community service was unwavering, she served on the Board of Directors at the Woodstock Food Shelf and was a longtime member of the library's Arts Committee.
A celebration of Helen's life will be held in Vermont in the coming months. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to The Woodstock Community Food Shelf (Woodstock Food Shelf) or the Thompson Senior Center (Thompson Senior Center) in Woodstock, VT, in honor of Helen's compassionate spirit. Though she may have left this world, Helen's grace, intelligence, humor, and warmth will forever remain in the hearts of those who were privileged to know her.
To leave an online condolence please visit munsonloveterefuneralhome.com
February 2024
Ginny Christy, our oldest member, passed away on February 4th at Kendall in Hanover.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, February 24th at 2:00 p.m. This will be at Kendal of Hanover, 67 Cummings Rd, Hanover, NH 03755. Please use the main entrance. The service will be held in the Gathering Room on the second floor.
If you would like to send photos or notes with your memories of Ginny to the office.
Hanover, NH - Virginia Walton Christy died in her sleep at Kendal at Hanover on February 4th, 2024. Virginia was born on December 3rd, 1922 at the Altoona Hospital in Altoona, Pennsylvania. She attended Highland Hall School in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania and the George School, a Quaker boarding school in Newtown Pennsylvania. She attended Swarthmore College for 3 years, and then left in 1944 to marry John M. Ogden. He died later that year in France, shortly after D-Day, and Virginia gave birth to their daughter, Dulany Ogden Bennett, now 79, in December. Virginia remarried in 1947 to James Hill Christy. They had two children, Joseph Hill Christy, now deceased, and Katherine Stockton Christy, now 67, residing in Portland, Oregon. Virginia and James moved to South Woodstock, Vermont in 1968. Virginia served as the head librarian at the Norman Williams Public Library in Woodstock Vermont. After retirement, she volunteered at the visitors' booth on the Woodstock Green, and at the Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center surgical waiting room. SHE
Born a Quaker, Virginia became an active member of the Unitarian Universalist Church North Chapel in Woodstock, where she was very active every August in the church fair, as well as several committees. She spent many happy hours playing duplicate bridge.
Virginia is survived by two daughters, one grandson, Thomas Bennett, and two granddaughters, Bennett, age 7 and Evie, age 4.
Published by Valley News on Feb. 7, 2024.
January 2024
Diana Perkett, wife of the late Juris Kaugerts, passed on January 13, 2024.
She had been living in Concord, NH but was a long time Sadly, North Chapel member and friend.
Her son Brandon wrote this:
"To a life well lived. My mother passed last Saturday. She grew up watching the Yanks in the time of DiMaggio at Yankee Stadium. She then blossomed into a flower child in Haight-Asbury in the late 60's. She soon became a mother and made that the focus for her. She worked at VT law school for many years until the sunset of my father's life. They spent their last times touring Florida.
After he passed, she uprooted again and headed 500 miles above the arctic circle. She had to answer a call to go into the wild. She began running the adult education program for the north slope and rode bush planes to remote villages across the arctic. She took a program that graduated only a few per year to nearly 500 per year. It was her life's achievement and I'm a proud of her for it.
In the sunset of her life, she found an old friend. His name was Juris. She bounced on his bed as a child and it annoyed him but she must have made a lasting impression as he reached out to her on fb many decades later. They got married and traveled, then road out into the sunset. Juris left us in August, and now she has left with him into the wild once more.
I love you and I'll miss you so very dearly mom."
November 2023
April Deirdre Doherty
April 6, 1954 – November 21, 2023
“I want love circulating all the time.”
- April Doherty, passed down from our mother, Margery Friars Doherty
It would be an act of great shortsightedness if God broke the mould after He created April. She lived to help others, something I think He would want to replicate in a way only He could: Infinitely.
April gave endlessly and loved generously.
As a teacher, April taught chemistry. But what April baked into all the laws, equations, coefficients and molecules she diagrammed on the blackboard, and what her much-loved students carried with them into their adult lives, was all the unconditional love, kindness, empathy, compassion and acceptance she could shower on them.
Hundreds of students reached out to April in her last weeks, thanking her for her contribution to their lives. So very many of them wrote, “I wouldn’t be ________ without you, Ms. Doh.” That blank had been filled with every conceivable role. And many of them wrote, “You saved my life, Ms. Doh. I wouldn’t be alive if it weren’t for you.” Many of us, by attrition or as an act of self-preservation, forget just how tough growing up can be. But April remembered, as she wasn’t interested in either pruning her memory or saving herself. And she remembered every student. After one visited her in hospice, April, eyes closed with exhaustion, paused for a moment and whispered, “1992.” Yes, she remembers you all.
As a friend, April made each of us feel better after spending time with her. April was gregarious, always at the center of every group she interacted with. As one of her BFFs said, “April keeps the world together.”
As an aunt, April loved fiercely, yet gently. Her last phone calls were to her nieces. April thought long and hard about these last conversations. As her final act of legacy, April wanted to impart all the hard-earned wisdom she could and to influence the compass of their lives before she left them. But in the end, the wretched disease had devoured all her energy and she had to boil down her all-encompassing message to as few words possible. “I love you. I love you. I love you.”
As a community member, April, steeled by the fight against misogyny that was so prevalent in her years at Rensselaer Polytechnic University, wanted her thoughts and insights to be heard: In her beloved town of Hartland, VT as an active member of the town’s listerve; In the local library; But most of all in her local community, where she once fought the powers-that-be to remove so many thousands of pounds of poorly-stored flammable chemicals the explosion would have taken out all of Woodstock and Taftsville. April won, the chemicals were correctly removed. But at a huge personal cost. The powerful retaliated and had her fired from her much-loved teaching job.
As a sister, April still saw me as her little brother, even though I towered over her. And she wanted the best for me in a way that was disproportionate to the quality of brother I was to her. Her last acts were to make sure I would be looked after to the best of her ability after her death. When the final box was checked on this to-do list, April characteristically said, “Okay. I’m ready.”
April was infinitely empathetic and kind, and offered help wherever she could. Person after person has come to me and told me stories of good deeds she did, many of them performed anonymously, and in all the conversations we had over the years, April never told me of one of them. Humble to a fault, was April.
April loved fiercely. Music, writing, her Woodman’s Point friends and the Nerepis Creek, her Jackson Heights friends and the MYF, the Ancients, her RPI friends, the 1520ers, her students, her writing group members, her friends, her family, and especially her nieces. April showered love on all. Endlessly. Compassionately. Unconditionally.
Although much of April's impeccable morals, integrity and character were self-generated, they had their foundations in the same qualities passed down to her from our mother, Margery Louise Friars Doherty, and grandparents Margery and Harold Friars, known to one and all as Gramma and Goggy.
If April’s mould has been broken, let us live her memory by rebuilding it in the altars of our own lives.
“May everyone, everywhere, be happy.” – April Doherty
April’s Celebration of Life with take place 12:00 noon on her birthday, Saturday, April 6, 2024 at the UU Church, Hartland 4 Corners, and will be streamed at
https://zoom.us/j/98473461058 Meeting ID: 984 7346 1058
Please feel free to share this obituary.
~ Wes Doherty
April Doherty died peacefully at the Jack Byrne Center at DHMC on Tuesday, November 21.
"Her final wish was to be with all her friends and family surrounded by love, and her wish came true as visitors came from near and far to hold her warm hands, and listen to her caring words in person as well as over the phone.
Everyone who came in contact with April realized how special she was in her gentle ways, her infectious laugh, and her talents as an author and scientist. She will be greatly missed by her brother Wesley Doherty, her childhood and college friends, Woodstock and Hanover High School friends, writing friends, her Hartland friends as well as her UU friends. We love you April, forever... "
~ From Maryann Postans ~
Peggy Kannenstine
We are saddened to announce the passing of
Peggy Kannenstine on Monday, November 20th.
Her service is to be held on Saturday, June 8th, 11:30am at North Chapel.
The hole in my heart is so big and it is broken.
Dearest mom, I hope that you are painting and gardening and walking with no pain.
The best mom and my best friend.
Rest in peace.
~ Emily Kannenstine ~
Cards of condolence can be sent to the family
℅ Emily Kannenstine
1057 NW Terrace Rd.
Stuart, FL 34994
Margaret Estelle Kannenstine
April 1, 1938 - November 20, 2023
Margaret Lampe Kannenstine passed from this earth Monday, November 20th at Dartmouth Hitchcock Memorial Hospital. Peggy, or Peg, as she preferred to be called, was born in St. Louis, MO on April 1, 1938. Peggy was the eldest daughter of Dr. John A. Lampe, a third-generation Presbyterian minister and Margaret Elizabeth Lampe (nee) Phillips. Peggy attended Hamilton High School, Hamilton, Ohio, from which she graduated a year early and was salutatorian of the class of 1955. She entered Washington University in St Louis where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1959. While there she met Louis Fabian Kannenstine, who later became her husband. In 1959 Peggy began pursuing post-graduate studies through the Art Students’ League in New York City, where she and Lou had relocated and where they became the proud parents of David and Emily. It was there Peg began to make her mark on the world of fine art.
In the early 1960’s the family began spending summers in East Barnard, Vermont, eventually buying a summer home there in 1966. Time in Vermont brought Peg great joy. When, after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in the mid 1970’s, it became apparent that she was healthier during their stays there, the family relocated to Vermont, this time to Woodstock, where they finally settled in the mid-1980s.
From the mid-1970s onward, Peg exhibited her work in a plethora of one-woman, juried and group shows, primarily throughout New England. Her work continues to be featured by various galleries along the eastern seaboard. Peg also co-authored “From Luminous Shade” along with Ann McGarrell. Peggy was proud of her many awards and held positions on a variety of organizations and boards, amongst them The Center for Cartoon Studies in White River Junction, Vermont, secretary of the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies' board of directors and two terms as chair of the Vermont Arts Council. In 2005 she was invited to participate in the White House's Mini-Conference on Creativity and Aging. She also served on the Vermont Council on Culture and Innovation (VCCI), which studied policy issues concerning the state’s creative economy. Other positions she held include past board member of the New England Foundation for the Arts and past chair of the board of Vermont Studio Center in Johnson, VT.
In addition to being an artist, Peggy cherished her roles as advocate, wife and mother. Peggy’s fondest wish was that everyone seek first to see what is best in others, and to take those qualities as portents of better things yet to come.
Peggy was predeceased by her son David in 2009, and husband Louis in 2014. She is survived by her daughter Emily and grandson Rainer; sisters Abbie Lampe, Beth Lampe Horton and stepbrother Richard Tabors; in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews and a cornucopia of creative and loving colleagues, cohorts and friends. Peg’s whimsical casual elegance, her graciousness and her kindness will be deeply missed.
Funeral and memorial preparations are scheduled for late spring/early summer of 2024. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that gifts be made to the North Chapel Unitarian Universalist Church, Pentangle Arts, Thompson Center and/or the Norman Williams Public Library.
https://www.cabotfh.com/obituary/margaret-kannenstine
Tributes to Peggy:
From Jeannie Lindheim
I met Peggy many years ago when I gave a talk at the Norman Williams Library. She came up to me after and we immediately felt a bonded. I took her out for her birthday to Simon Pierce and we had a fabulous time talking about art, our passions and sharing our lives. I suggested that we might do a creativity group and she loved the idea. I told Peggy many times that she just sparkled. And she did.
What an amazing, warm, gifted, talented, wonderful woman. She had such a generosity of spirit and love of life. I'll miss her.
September 2023
John Mathews
Woodstock, VT - John Francis Mathews III passed away peacefully on September 3, 2023 at Mertens House in Woodstock, Vermont. A true seeker of knowledge, a newsman for life, and a true lover of many things among them baseball, travel, gourmet vegetarian dishes, reading, birds, clouds, his many friends, and his children and grandchildren. John Mathews was born eighty-eight years ago (1935) in Westbury, New York on Long Island as John Francis Matuszewski. John's father changed the family name to Mathews with one T before John and his older sister Micheline began elementary school, hoping to relieve the burden of a difficult to spell and pronounce name [which also identified them as Polish]. With a mother who immigrated from Angers, France in her late teens, John's first language was French. He spent his early years living on the west side of Manhattan, attending kindergarten at Riverside Church (where his grandchildren would attend some sixty-five years later) and grade school at the progressive Corpus Christi School. He even served as an altar boy at one point.
John's family life changed markedly at age ten when his father died suddenly. In subsequent years, the family moved to Boston and its environs to live with his extended French family. John always remembered his childhood summers spent in Beverly and Walpole, MA with great fondness. He attended boarding school and graduated from St. John's Prep in Danvers, Mass. winning a scholarship to attend Columbia College in New York City. At Columbia, while working in the dining hall, he met a Barnard student, Roberta Isaacs, whom he would skip his graduation to marry in June 1957.
John and Roberta moved to Hartford, Connecticut for John's first newspaper job at The Hartford Times from 1957 to 1961. Obtaining this job was facilitated by Roberta's father, Norman Isaacs, who was an established newspaper editor at the Louisville Courier Journal. After a few years in Hartford, John and Roberta traveled abroad to spend a year in France. Based in Paris, John worked for Agence Presse France before returning to serve in the U.S. Army reserves at Fort Benning, Georgia. Following his service, they moved back north to Providence, Rhode Island, where John worked the education beat at The Providence Journal and Evening Bulletin from 1962-1964.
In October 1964, John and Roberta moved to Washington, D.C. where John joined the staff of The Washington Star newspaper. John specialized in reporting on various social issues, primarily education, but also including civil rights, youth, and race issues. He covered stories about busing and the anti-war movement locally and nationally. During these years, he also wrote education-related articles that appeared in The New Republic, The Nation, and The New York Times Magazine.
During this time, John and Roberta had two children: Suzanne Elise and John Paul. They separated in 1972 and later divorced. In 1980, John married Patsy Frank and they settled first in northwest Washington, D.C. and then in Cabin John, Maryland, close to the C & O Canal.
From 1976 to 1981, John served as an assistant managing editor for local news at The Washington Star, in charge of Maryland coverage. In 1981 when The Star sadly closed permanently, John moved to local television news, joining the staff of WRC-TV, the local NBC station. At WRC, he worked as a producer for several years before moving to become a producer for NBC News Channel from 1991-1998. There, he and his team covered the "Washington-story-of the day" and prepared stories for the affiliate stations around the country. John loved covering the political conventions as well as various presidential terms, Congressional hearings, and many other events happening in and connected with unique DC goings on. Upon retiring from NBC in 1998, John volunteered at the International Center for Journalists' national office in downtown Washington, D.C. and wrote occasional pieces for The Washington Post.
During their forty-five year marriage, John & Patsy traveled widely throughout Europe including Scandinavia and Russia and even ventured to Asia on trips to Japan and China. John and Patsy were committed pescatarians from the mid-1980s and enjoyed sampling gourmet meals at home and in whatever city they visited. They also became exercise enthusiasts, jogging on the C & O Canal or through various scenic locations on their travels. They both added swimming in their later years and alternated days of jogging with swimming for their exercise pursuits. They rarely missed a day of exercise up until their last years.
In 2003, John and Patsy moved full-time to Woodstock, Vermont. There, they quickly immersed themselves in the local community and became active in many local organizations and causes. John set a record for delivering the largest number of meals for Meals on Wheels in his fifteen years as a driver. He volunteered to read with reluctant readers with an organization called Everybody Wins Vermont! at the White River School and he also served for several years as a Guardian Ad Litem to ensure that the child's interests were upheld in court proceedings. No slouch himself, John was also constantly advancing his own knowledge by taking a variety of courses on law, literature, and history with OSHER Lifelong Learning Institute at Dartmouth College as well as the Woodstock continuing education group, Learning Lab. For ten years, John organized a book club focused on reading classics of American literature at the Norman Williams Library in Woodstock. For many summers, he helped organize and publicize the annual local author festival known as Bookstock.
John was a lifelong baseball fan. As a youth, he followed the New York Giants and then became a fan of the Baltimore Orioles while living in Washington, D.C. and later of the Boston Red Sox when he relocated to Vermont. He was also an opera lover and classical music aficionado, having been introduced from a young age by his uncle who was a classical pianist. He loved attending opera performances at the Met in New York City and at the HOP at Dartmouth for their simulcasts. Patsy and John were also enthusiastic standard poodle owners, owning four different poodles in succession over many years. One of their poodles, Chloe, accompanied them on a trip to southern France in 1998. Their last poodle, Louis, is still a Woodstock resident having been happily adopted by his former dogwalker.
Patsy died in January 2018 after a five-year struggle with lung cancer. In September 2022, John was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer. His health deteriorated over the months, and he moved to rehab and later full-time nursing care in Woodstock at Mertens House where he died peacefully on September 3, 2023.
John Mathews leaves behind his daughter Suzanne Elise of Roslindale, Massachusetts and his son, John Paul of McLean, Virginia. In addition, John leaves his much beloved daughter-in-law Linda and grandchildren Anna and Alexander. He also is survived by his nephew John Doguereau Roth of Wellesley, Massachusetts and his cousin Nadine Revene of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. A memorial service will be held on November 11th at 1:00pm at the North Universalist Chapel Society in Woodstock. Donations are welcome in John's memory to any of the many local organizations he supported, including but not limited to the Thompson Senior Center, the Norman Williams Library, the Pentangle Arts Council, and Sustainable Woodstock.
Published by Valley News on Nov. 9, 2023.
A Memorial Service was held for John on Saturday, November 11, 2023 in the Sanctuary with Rev. Dr. Leon Dunkley officiating and potluck followed in the Social Hall.
For those who could not attend, here is the link to the memorial service for John Mathews on Saturday:
Link: https://bit.ly/49wnvJ4
Passcode: KmV1GA.c
(Starts at about 19:25 minutes)
Judi Simon-Bouton
Judi Simon-Bouton passed away peacefully on September 6th, 2023. On her final day, she was surrounded by music, laughter, and the love of family. Judi was a beloved mother, wife, daughter, sister, grandmother, mother-in-law, sister-in-law, aunt, cousin, and friend.
Judith Esther Simon was born December 9th, 1950, to Lorraine (Yaseen) Simon and Harvey Simon, and raised in Watertown, New York. While at Watertown High School, Judi spent a summer as an exchange student in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and was a sister to a Peruvian student during her senior year. She built an extended, loving family through those experiences. She is survived by her older brother, Richard Simon. Judi attended Cazenovia College, earned her B.S. in Elementary Education in 1974 from the University of Vermont, and earned a Master of Education degree from Antioch University New England. She was an educator with a deep commitment and passion for helping all students thrive. She taught in a one-room schoolhouse, in grade-level classrooms, offered enrichment programs, and taught specialized programs including Reading Recovery. Her first teaching position was in Hinesburg, Vermont and she subsequently taught in Vermont communities including Hartland, Putney, Grafton, Reading, Montpelier, Weathersfield, Athens, and in Lebanon, NH.
Judi met Jon Bouton at UVM and they married near Watertown, New York on July 13th, 1975. During their 48 years of marriage, they shared their passions, built close and strong friendships, created a warm and welcoming home, and built a family. After moving to the village of Taftsville in Woodstock, Vermont in 1983, they adopted two children, Liza (Elizabeth) and Micah. With two preschoolers, Judi left classroom teaching to join Pentangle Arts where she developed an award-winning program to bring professional artists into local schools to work with students.
Her boundless passion for the arts manifested in her explorations into batik, weaving, knitting, rug hooking, book making, and quilting. She made quilts at a dizzying rate and gave countless of them away as gifts—each thoughtfully crafted for their recipient. They were whimsical, beautiful, vibrant, and always colorful. Through her role with Pentangle, she hosted numerous artists and musicians in her home and loved all performances—from Broadway shows to the plays her grandkids and neighbors starred in.
She was deeply involved in the community and driven to make the world more just, equitable, and kind. She articulated many of her beliefs through the bumper stickers that adorned her cars, and the pins she wore proudly on her colorful clothes. She built meaningful relationships as a mentor and gave her time freely—always available to offer a helping hand.
Judi embraced food as a form of nurturing and exploration of different cultures. She connected with people through food, from digging through her impressive collection of cookbooks to make samples for the community, to inviting Dartmouth students from abroad to join our family for a home-cooked meal, to lovingly offering food to anyone for a milestone or occasion—big or small.
Judi faced the cruelty of Alzheimer’s disease with fortitude, never letting it derail her humor, warmth, generosity, and kindness. She will be missed deeply and often, but her beautiful memory and spirit will continue to inspire.
We will hold a celebration of her life on Saturday, Sept. 30 at 10:30am at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 7 Church Street, Woodstock, VT. We will celebrate her fun, whimsical, joyous life. We invite all to wear something colorful in her honor, to bring finger foods for a potluck, and if desired, to bring one of Judi’s quilts to drape over a pew. Instead of flowers, please consider a donation to the Upper Valley Walk to End Alzheimers: Team: L’chaim to Judi. act.alz.org/goto/tojudi
A Celebration of Life for Judi Simon Bouton was held on Saturday, September 30 at 10:30am in the Sanctuary with Delia Clark officiating and potluck followed in the Social Hall.
August 2023
Leah Atwood
Leah Christine Atwood, recent resident of Lebanon, NH daughter of John and Donna Atwood of Bridgewater, VT died suddenly during the first weekend of August 2023.
She was born in Sarasota, FL on 10 October 1988 where she spent the first eleven years of her life on the west coast of Florida. She moved with her parents to North Bridgewater, VT in 2000, attended sixth grade in Bridgewater Elementary School and went on to graduate in 2007 from Woodstock Union High School. Throughout her middle and high school years she actively participated as a flutist in school band under Michael Zsoldos, along with extra-curricular studies with Heidi Baxter, and attended Vermont All-State band in her senior year. While in high school she studied German and flute at the Goethe-Institut in Munich during the summer of her junior year, which led her to continue her German studies as a major at Michigan State University, graduating in 2012. She traveled to Germany her senior college year, as well as Austria, Poland, and the Netherlands.
She returned to the Green Mountains of Vermont in the early spring of 2016, spending time on the family hill farm and assisting during a barn restoration. She worked in various positions locally in the Upper Valley including the Woodstock Farmers Market, The Woodstock Inn, Dartmouth College, and an eight month AmeriCorps assignment at COVER Home Repair in White River Junction. Her continued dedication to COVER’s hope and community building mission, as both a volunteer and short-term employee, provided her with a special set of life-skills and guided her into becoming a contributing member of her community. She would often return there to help out whenever she needed a reminder of where she had been, to have a reset, to become more grounded.
She was beloved by her many co-workers and friends. Her diverse interests included video and board games, cooking (especially creative charcuterie), music, dancing, hiking, gardening, watercolor painting, photography, and writing. She embraced technological challenges which led her to join Hypertherm Associates in Lebanon, NH in 2021 where she was a Machine Operator in the Heavy Industrial Team in Hanover. Always willing to lend a hand or work with any project, she earned the reputation as a compassionate employee, often supplying her signature cheesecakes to her production team mates which sweetened their second shift endeavors.
Leah is survived by her parents, aunts and uncles, several cousins and countless friends.
On Sunday October 8 at 2 pm, a memorial service and celebration of life will be held at the North Universalist Chapel Society, 7 Church Street, Woodstock, VT, followed by a reception on the church back lawn. Contributions in her memory may be made to COVER Home Repair, 158 South Main Street, White River Junction, VT 05001.
Juris E. Kaugerts
Juris E. Kaugerts was born September 24, 1940 and passed away on August 17, 2023.
He was a resident of Hartland, Vermont, a member of our choir and will be missed by all who knew him.
By Juris’s partner, Diana Perkett’s daughter Tracy.
“Today the world lost a wonderful man. He was a good friend and my stepdad. He will be forever missed.
“He had an infectious smile and stern laugh that would brighten the dullest room, he was a brilliant light in this world, but now his light in the sky.
“I’m glad that you are at peace Juris! Love you always! “
July 2023
Kristin Rose
On the evening of Wednesday, July 26, 2023, our new member and friend Kristin Rose passed away.
There will be a memorial service on Sunday, September 24th at 1 pm in the sanctuary followed by a reception in the social hall. All are invited to attend.
On Recognition Sunday, January 22, 2023, Kristin became a member of the North Universalist Chapel Society.
Kristin is a dancer. She was a dancer in this living world and she remains a dancer in the world beyond this world. Kristin Rose touched my heart quickly. She knew that she did not have much time. Squarely, she faced the greatest transition that life presents—that of moving beyond life, itself.
Every time we met, we laughed and enjoyed life together. We could be honest with one another. Honest and unafraid. I am struck by how beautiful and calm she always was. She shared so much of herself. She was generous. She gave so freely. Except in deepest prayer, I am not ready to say goodbye to her. Far into the future I will keep her soul upon my heart.
Always, my beloved friend. You are my sister in spirit.. I send every blessing to you, always.
In grace,
Leon
Rev. Dr. Leon Dunkley
Minister, North Universalist Chapel Society
February 2023
Chris Lloyd
On Saturday evening, February 18th, Chris Lloyd passed away at home, surrounded by his family. He was an active member of our church, our choir, and our community; he was well loved and will be missed. A memorial service will be held in May because that was his favorite month.
You can read his obituary here.
Cards of condolence can be sent to:
Vassie Sinopoulos - P.O. Box 210, Woodstock VT 05091
Anne Marinello: "Many thanks to all of you who have reached out to the Belton’s or have them in your hearts. Hugo transitioned from this earthly life on Sunday. Please continue to hold his family in the light." ~ Anne Marinello
Jenny Gelfan:
Several years ago I was writing profiles for our church newsletter. Here’s the story about Chris and Vassie: Getting to Know You: Chris Lloyd and Vassie Sinopoulos
Anne Marinello:
This candle for the beauty of Chris Lloyd’s life.
For all that were blessed to have known him and especially for all those who have loved him.
For Vassie, his beloved wife,
Cherif, So Faun (Sophia), and Daniel
And for the choir who have lost more than his voice - but his deep spirit of love of music.
We all will be holding you Chris, and your family, at this precious tender time.
Joanne Boyle:
I met Chris and Vassie decades ago when they were going on a vacation. I stayed in their home with my infant son and took care of the twin toddlers, Sophia and Daniel. Years later (and years ago) , I would see Chris at meetings of the Windsor County Democrats and other political events. Somewhere along the way I learned that he was affiliated with Countryman Press, publisher of many of the local trails guides and hiking books I had collected. Then, we were re-acquainted at North Chapel. I will miss his smile, his thoughtfulness and his friendship.
My niece, Bethany, hiking in 2011.
Here is a short story of one of our most memorable times together, when he was a “Trail Angel” for my family, who were stuck, in distress on a backpacking trip:
Years ago my sister and her two young teenagers had come up to visit and headed out on a week long backpacking trip on either the Long Trail or the Appalachian Trail, I can’t recall. We were experienced backpackers and had hiked sections of both trails in our teens.
They drove out with our two cars, one to be parked at each end of their hike and expected to be back to see me in several days. After just a few days, I heard from them. They were wet, exhausted and needed a ride. They were getting off the trail but were nowhere near their end point, far from where their vehicle was parked. They explained their location but it was unfamiliar to me and, I had no car.
At a loss, I made a quick call to Chris, explaining the situation. He immediately picked me up. We headed towards Killington and checked a couple of the places where the trail crossed a road, finally coming upon the trail worn trio.
In his car, warm and getting dry , Chris told stories of his hiking adventures we all shared our “trail angel” stories. He got them to the vehicles with humor, and kindness. He was a real hero to all of us that day.
Chris was a friend with a very generous soul. May he rest in peace.
February 2023
Hugh Belton, 79, passed away on February 5, 2023, surrounded by his family at home in Westfield, Indiana.
Hugh is survived by his wife, Jennifer Belton, his daughters Sarah Lutomski (Michael) and Julia Belton, and three grandsons. Hugh was preceded in death by his son, Noah Belton, and his parents, William and Julia Belton.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, February 17 at St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church in Carmel, IN at 10:00 am, with a reception to follow.
Memorial donations can be made to End Alexander Disease. https://endaxd.squarespace.com/checkout/donate?donatePageId=5f088f80da0d436b48e99d6c
Cards of condolence can be sent to Jennifer Belton, 15862 River Birch Road, Westfield, IN 46074.
May 2023
David Doolittle
In the Sunday Service on May 22, 2021, Rev. Dr Leon Dunkley spoke of his relationship with David and his family.
May 7, 2021
Robert Burchess: Though I hardly had the chance to know David anywhere near as well as others here, the brief time I did have, to look forward to seeing him Sundays, in the last few years, in many moments we shared, just looking at each other in mutual smiles beyond all words, were the best hugs any friendship could offer. As has been said here earlier, David was one of the main reasons, and people why, we, also, stayed here, and continue to call this our church. I so miss seeing him. Look at the picture in Mollie and John’s testimonial! David is forever a wonderful, beautiful man and soul, that no words will ever measure up to.
Mollie and John McHugh: David Doolittle was a very dear friend to John and I.
We met him in 1992 when we first entered the UU church in Woodstock. He was one of the key reasons we stayed there and continue to call this ‘our church’.
David helped us build our house, starting in 2005. He chopped trees, helped to lift beams, glued the floorboards, and more. I’ll never forget those moments of laughing while we built our house together. His soul and good energy live on in our beams.
We played Scrabble with him weekly for many years.
To quote a favorite folks singer of mine: “There’s a hole in the middle of the prettiest life.” (Bob Franke)
This is David, next to one of the beams he put up in our house, holding our grandson, 4 years ago:
May 1, 2021
Anne Dean: This is a milestone, sorrow and joy. This week we lost a dear friend and member of the North Chapel. David Doolittle was indeed one of the longest standing members of our Church and a Universalist since birth.
So as he passes it is indeed a milestone for our Church.
It is also a sorrow because he will be deeply missed by all of us. No one will soon forget his deep resonating bass voice that sang out from the Choir or his heartfelt hugs that were long and embracing with heart energy exuding.
And lastly, a joy because I know David was always happy to be in the Spirit World. I can only imagine him dancing for joy at the freedom of being a fully energetic being once more.
You will be so missed my dear friend.
In Memory of David Doolittle
Music Director, Diane Mellinger wrote this heartfelt note to the North Chapel Choir last Friday, April 29th:
David Doolittle died last night
He was a lovely man. Such a good listener, who was witty, deeply spiritual, and gave great shoulder rubs.
And boy did he have such a lovely deep voice!
I picture him wearing his blue hand knit sweater on Christmas Eve.
He will be sorely missed, and really, already was.
Hug someone in honor of David.
Diane ended her note with an invitation for the choir to share their thoughts and memories.
Here they are:
Meredith Kendall
Beautiful person who leaves a warm impression you don’t forget (even when he’s gone)....heaven will be so lucky to have him.
Peggy Brightman
Dear David was such a deeply kind man--with a wonderful voice... he will leave many warm memories behind.
Suzy Malerich
So sad to hear that news,.Thank you for letting us know, Diane. We will certainly miss him and remember him with love and gratitude.
Ford von Reyn
Yes, a kind, warm, and spirited man; very fond memories of singing with him in the bass section (our anchor).
Joanna Long
Such a dear, warmhearted, cheerful presence. Many years ago, in the very first round of Covenant groups, David was the leader of the one I was in. The theme was supposed to be failure, one month, but David would have none of it. He'd made a lot of transitions in his life, coming out better from each. I don't remember how he transformed that theme, but it made for a fine interchange. And that deep voice. I can hear it still.
Norwood Long
Many of you will remember that David was a staunch and effective member of Buildings and Grounds for many, many years as well as a basic bass. He said more than once that doing little and big fixes of things inside and out gave him great satisfaction and joy, like building the supports for the old steeple roof that turned it into the riverside pagoda, and creating the pizza oven. I always called him David Domuch.
Barbara Abraham
I’m so sorry to hear of his passing. I participated in a Covenant group he led years ago, it was just as the sun was setting and candles filled the room as it got dark. He said “let’s not turn on the lights, let’s just find more candles.” It turned into a mystical moment for us all. What an extraordinary facilitator he was...a kind, caring, and beautiful soul.
Deborah Rice
David was a key part of the choir when I joined in 2008. His wonderful deep bass anchoring the spirituals made them complete. I enjoyed his sly humor and felt lucky to receive an occasional shoulder rub! He will really be missed!
Hope Yeager
I will always remember David for the way he really looked you in the eye to connect even in quick conversations. Always cheerful and lighthearted, complimenting and teasing gently, truly interested in what the other person had to say. And for bringing in that bass. Wow. I will miss him.
Anne Dean
Our Dear David will be missed. The sopranos were fortunate to sit in front of him as he just couldn't resist putting his hands on our shoulders and kneading out the kinks from a long day. He was such a giver in so many ways. And oh that Bass voice resonating in our ears.
Sunny Martinson
I am overwhelmed by such stellar tributes for a truly stellar gentleman, and can’t imagine anything else to add, except that I feel blessed to have known David. Even the few choir encounters have created a kindly remembrance of a very kind man.
Pierre Fournier
What a wonderful man ! As a fellow singer I was always jealous of his deep bass voice overall resonance of the choir RIP dear David........
Margaret Kannenstine
The choir has lost a special voice-and-I do mean that in many ways. I remember David on our congregational trip to Star Island, particularly well. He gave out his lovely shoulder rubs right and left to each one of us, and cheered us on to all the delights of Star Island. But, David also told us of standing on Star and seeing a man whose boat capsized, just far enough away that he, David, could do nothing, and the man drowned. I'm sure that he carried that sight with him always, the sense of being powerless to help-especially since helping others was a main thread of David's life.
Richard Waddell
He was a gentle and gifted man. I will always remember his smile and twinkle in his eyes.
John Steinle
Oh gosh! This is very sad news! KIND is the word that stands out in the choir members’ notes of remembrance. When David said “it’s so good to see you,” he really meant it. He just REALLY cared.I last saw David at Norwood and Johanna’s summer choir get-together about two years ago. While he was obviously failing, he was still the sweet man I remembered from my years in the choir.
Rick and Kathy Fiske
David was a good and excellent man of character, who made the world a better place. We will miss him, but grateful for his warm smile, hugs and friendship.
Chris Lloyd
I was devastated to hear of David’s death. His decline seemed so rapid. Only a few years ago we were joking and teasing each other, and we often made a point of sitting together in choir. He was a lover of humanity but also of animals: several years ago we were both involved, with others, in an effort to protect the Siberian snow leopard. With David, the words gentle and wise come to mind. And, yes, the remarkable voice. I will miss him very much.
Susan Inui
As I sit here early this Saturday morning, I can hear David sitting behind or beside us (altos) having fun diving an octave below the final written bass note in some of his/our favorite pieces. He rightly enjoyed using that wonderful basso profundo voice of his. At the same time, he was, as Diane has commented, such a good listener.
He was there for me as NC work would occasionally require a good, objective conversation and a fresh perspective. Beside being a longtime “Domuch” on B&G, he was a wonderful steadying voice on the board and outside the board.
I loved the pace of his speaking manner. It was like an invitation to take a long deep breath to reset and lower the temperature of any stress or anxiety you might be feeling.
In our first conversation we discovered our shared 4-generation UU family history and teenage involvement with LRY, UU youth groups that were very active back in the day. David’s personal and family involvement with Star Island over multiple decades resulted in many of us being able to experience NC retreats to Star - rich spiritual and so much fun.
Thank you, Diane, for giving us the opportunity to share our David memories and stories with one another. Ultimately, choir was his NC home.
If you have photos, memories, or stories to add to this tribute, please send them to office@northchapelvt.org
April 23, 2021
Anne Dean: I would like to ask prayers for my friend, Sarah Hall who was in a car accident and suffered a concussion. She has experienced some brain trauma and is receiving care. Please keep her in your prayers. Thank you
April 4, 2021
Barbara Bartlett: It is a joy to express gratitude to Anne Dean for her wonderful work in creating the Spring Fling Auction and making it such a success! The money raised is such a significant contribution to the North Chapel's financial needs. It also has been a great way for our community to connect, contribute, and have fun! Thank you, Anne, for your great generosity!
March 2023
Wendy Smith
March 12, 2021
Words for Wendy
“Bring the light,” Wendy said, holding on to her plugged-in pink cell phone. It was lovely that she wanted even more light around her. Her bedroom was already bright. It had the benefit of two, lovely windows. Above her head from where she was laying, the light from the north came pouring in...and from her right, came warm light from the west. Her dog, Aurora, loved that light, the light that poured in from the west-facing window—the sunset light. It was already beautiful but Wendy wanted more. She wanted to be surrounded by light.
She said so herself. When I walked into the room for our last visit, Wendy did not say hello to me. Saying hello was lower on the agenda. The first order of business was the hammer. Wendy told me where I could find it. Then, she told me just what to do. She had me adjust a mirror on the south wall of the room. She had me place it where precisely it could reflect the light from the north. Our visit was all business until the mirror was in the right place. When that mission was accomplished, it brought us both such joy.
Wendy Ann Smith had sunlight on three, different sides of her when she died. She has been surrounded ever since. She's had light on all sides of her—our light—ever since. The North Chapel community absolutely surrounds her. We always will. We will always surround Wendy on all sides with the light of our love.
Rev. Dr. Leon L. Dunkley, Jr.
Minister, North Universalist Chapel Society
Wendy with her brothers Steven and Jeffrey.
Poetic tributes to Wendy are from her fellow members of the Wednesday Poets, who met at North Chapel until the pandemic shut down in-person activities; since then the group has met via zoom twice a week. Wendy Smith was a faithful member for over three years. A number of Wendy’s poems are included in The Wednesday Poets - A Collection, published in 2020.
Wendy and the Maypole Dance
by Peggy Brightman
She danced in our Maypole circle for a time--her small frame, her elfin grin, her lightness of being lifted us up too even as death reached up his long arm from below and grabbed at her, warning her of his long waiting shadow, warning her that his embrace would come soon,..still she danced with us, laughed, shared her beloved rescue dog Auri with us, and into her poems blew the salt breezes from Acadia, the golden forsythia, the bounding boisterous doggy joy of friends at the dog park. She taught us gently by her careful research, her framing of some treasured bird or flower.. Our Maypole ribbons intertwined for a time, over and under, in and out—until the day she left us. Now her green ribbon hangs still, waiting for a wind to blow it into graceful loops.
We miss our dancer;
the tender arcs she made stay
green in memory.
Postcard to Auri
March 8, 2021
I knew it!! It’s even better than Acadia! No mosquitos, no sand in the tent, no chilly mornings, no fog. No tourists!! Lots and lots of dogs, all free to run at the waves and dig BIG wet holes on the beach. Wildflowers everywhere underfoot and bald eagles soaring above. Endless warmth and light. You will love it here, Auri! But no rush, little friend. I’m not going anywhere. This is home.
WySh
(as imagined by Wendy’s friend and fellow poet, Brooke)
by Brooke Herter James
Wendy, Poet Friend
Let me imagine
you have pitched your tent
in a bed of wild thyme.
It sits in the morning sun
like a blue bead of rain
while your friends gather overhead
all wing and song
greeting you
amid cliffs and sand
waterfalls and moss
surf and tree
clinging to the rocks.
May I imagine this,
though I did not know you well?
Days and nights
you floating in a gleam of sky.
--Jon Escher
Today, the sound of snow melting SINGS of spring.
Light in the Darkness
( For Wendy Smith, 1950—2021) ~Debby Franzoni
No matter,
the birds carry on carrying on,
wearing the same coats in winter
they wore in summer. At the feeders,
“Excuse me, please, it’s my turn.” (white throated sparrow)
“Save some for me.” (chickadee)
“Move over bud.” (jay)
“Good— seed on the ground.” (cardinal)
And at dawn,
“Let’s party!” (crow)
“I told you so.” (robin)
“The sun fills my blouse.” (bluebird)
Wendy would remind us
it’s always there,
the presence of nature,
that force of faith,
something to do with love.
Something akin to being alive—
“Blue sky today. Oh, can’t wait!” —
a place for naked happiness…even when
you’re not there.
Some of Wendy’s Poetry
Buddha’s Harbor
Anticipating a new dog, Aurora, the idea came
for placing my new sofa under the window
so pup would have a safe harbor viewing post.
On arrival she scampered up, looking very pleased.
Years later, nestled, it’s where she spends
her days. Drawing her attention - the sweeping
view of my front yard, forest and driveway.
She’s a Buddha, protecting me and our home.
COVID swept in with its many ZOOMs.
My meditation group meets every morning.
I find myself sitting on the same sofa
in front of pup for my camera’s video feed.
She settles on her sofa back twixt me and
the window. My trainer graciously greets her.
One morning - in a flash epiphany - I divulge
literally, “Aurora, my Buddha dog, has my back.”
WySh
Here is a Haiku Wendy shared recently:
"This one is a metaphor for hope”, she wrote.
Day break
in deep dark winter whiles,
at both ends of day’s face
blooms new light.
From Mary Blanton:
Wendy became a member of the North Chapel in 2007 and over the years was involved in many activities such as, singing in the choir, participating in a covenant group and being a valued committee member. With her trusty IPad, she became our unofficial photographer, always sitting in the front pew taking pictures, which were often added to our website. One year we showed our appreciation, by giving her the Unsung Hero award. She was passionate about food insecurity and was a volunteer at the Woodstock Food Shelf. Every last Sunday of the month she would step up on the box behind the lectern, so that we could see her, put a soup can or a box of food on the lectern and with her wonderful sense of humor educate us about hunger in Vermont, encouraging us to bring a donation for the food shelf the following Sunday.
For 40 plus years she made a yearly trip to her beloved Acadia Park. With her dog, Auri, they spent many happy nights in her well-equipped tent, complete with a carpet and a cot, as they explored the Maine seacoast. She loved dogs and always had at least one that she had rescued and was instrumental in organizing the dog park in White River. She was passionate about genealogy and created family trees for many church members. She was always so excited when she discovered someone’s royal relative!
Wendy was introduced to the Oneness Blessing by Daniel Jantos nine years ago when she was first diagnosed with ovarian cancer and told that she only had 6 months to live. She became a familiar face at many of the blessing circles and workshops and we celebrated each time another year passed and she was still among us. She showed us miracles could happen. She often said that Oneness and meditation had helped her survive for 9 more years. When someone organized an on-line 7:30 AM meditation, she was quick to join and she continued coming to these zoom meditations until 3 days before she passed away. As the meditation ended and we said our goodbyes, she always said blessed be. Now the leader of the group always ends with blessed be. Another gift she left for us. We miss her.