Author: Canaan Town Library

Barbara May Peters

From the August 23, 1999 issue of The Country Chronicle

Hartford, VT–Barbara May Peters, 50, died Tuesday, August 17, 1999, at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center.

She was born Nov. 21, 1948, in Hanover; a daughter of Lester S. and Alice M. (Martin) Grant, and grew up in Hartford, VT, where she graduated from high school.

She worked in the Medical Records Dept. at Mary Hitchcock Hospital in Hanover for several years, and on Feb. 10, 1973, in Norwich, was married to Murrel R. “Pete” Peters.

They lived a few years in the Upper Valley, then lived for 12 years in Georgia. Upon returning to Hartford, Mrs. Peters worked at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center.

Survivors include her husband of Hartford Village; a son, Marc S. Peters of Wilder; a grandson, Jonathan; her parents of Lebanon; two brothers, Paul Grant of Lebanon and Daniel Grant of Enfield; a sister Patricia G. Clough of Vernon, VT; and several nieces and nephews.

Barbara was a very selfless person and loved helping others whenever she could. She enjoyed her family, and especially her very first grandchild, Jonathan, who was the light of her life.

Memorial contributions may be made to Norris Cotton Cancer Center, 1 Medical Center Dr., Lebanon, NH 03756

Sophronia M. Thibodeau

From the August 9, 1999 issue of The Country Chronicle

Lebanon, NH–Sophronia M. Thibodeau, 93, died Wednesday August 4, 1999 at the Cedar Hill Nursing Home in Windsor, VT. She was (Upton) Santy. She grew up in Lyman and Lisbon, NH and attended local schools. She was a resident of Canaan, NH from 1945-1965 then moving to Lebanon, NH. She had been a resident of Cedar Hill for the last 10 years. She was a communicant of Sacred Heart Church of Lebanon and a member of the American Legion Auxiliary. She loved to sing and dance, and spend time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Ricker Funeral Home in Lebanon is in charge of the arrangements. Burial will follow in the Wells Cemetery in Canaan, NH.

Memorial contributions may be made to: The Sacred Heart Memorial Fund, PO Box 482, Lebanon, NH 03766 or to: The Norris Cotton Cancer Center, DHMC, One Medical Ctr. Dr., Lebanon, NH 03756.

Survivors include:

Son, Alphonse Thibodeau, Lebanon, NH

Son, Richard Thibodeau, Lebanon, NH

Son, Marcel Thibodeau, Lebanon, NH

Son, George Thibodeau, Lebanon, NH

Daughter, Margaret Clark, Louisiana

Daughter, Loretta Smith, Lebanon, NH

Daughter, Charlotte Jenkins, Lebanon, NH

Daughter, Theresa Rowell, Hartland, VT

Daughter, Sylvia Brown, Lebanon, NH

Daughter, Mary Jane Lemere, Lebanon, NH

Daughter, Joyce Sensenig, Enfield Center, NH

Daughter, Janette Curtis, Enfield, NH

62 Grandchildren

Many great-grandchildren

Many nieces, nephews, cousins

Preceded in death by:

Husband, Edward J. Thibodeau, Died: 1964

Son, Edward A. Thibodeau, Died: 1996

3 Sisters & 4 Brothers.

Yvonne Stella Blain

From the August 2, 1999 issue of The Country Chronicle

Enfield, NH–Yvonne Stella Blain, 97, died Wednesday, July 28,1999 at the Alice Peck Day Extended Care Facility in Lebanon, NH.

She was born in Canaan, NH, April 1, 1902, the daughter of the late Samuel & Eugena (Patrie) Dupuis and had been an area resident all her life.

She was married to Wilfred F. Blain on Oct. 22, 1922. Mr. Blain died May 2, 1984. Much of her life was devoted to life on the farm raising her 7 children. She was a member of St. Helena’s Church of Enfield; the Grange; and the Senior Citizens Center.

There will be no calling hours. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

The Ricker Funeral home of Lebanon is in charge of arrangements.

Survivors include:

Son, Wilfred A. Blain, Enfield, NH

Son, Richard A. Blain, Enfiield, NH

Son, John A. Blain, Canaan, NH

Son, Francis A. Blain, Melbourne, FL

Daughter, Eugena Hall, Enfield, NH

Daughter, Yvonne Wescott, Las Cruces, NM

16 grandchildren

Many great-grandchildren

Preceded in death by;

Father, Samuel Dupuis

Mother, Eugena (Patrie) Dupuis

Husband, Wilfred F. Blain, Died: May 2, 1984

Daughter, Florence Selby

Brother, George Dupuis

Sister, Hazel Bilodeau

Frederick Bryson

From the July 26, 1999 issue of The Country Chronicle

Canaan, NH–Frederick Bryson, 83, of Canaan, died July 23, 1999, at his home, after a period of illness. He was born in Ireland on September 9, 1915, and came to the United States with his mother when he was only 6 years old.

He was a veteran of World War II. After discharge from the service, he and his wife moved to Tampa, FL. They spent 54 years together. The last 50 years were spent in Canaan, NH where he was a dairy farmer until his retirement in 1978. He served the Town of Canaan for 7 years and served 2 terms on the MVRHS School Board.

He was predeceased by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Ellan of Canaan; one son, Frederick Jr. of Canaan, and five daughters-Patricia Bryson, Colleen Johnston and Linda LaBelle, all of Canaan, Sue Ellan Kolives of Keene, and Beverly Gibbs of Hartwood, VA. Also Nine grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.

A celebration of his life will be held at the Bryson home on Grist Mill Hill Rd., at 1:00 on Tuesday, July 27.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Canaan F.A.S.T. Squad, c/o Linda Lashua, Rte. 4, Canaan, NH 03741.

Albert T. LaCroix, Sr.

From the August 16, 1999 issue of The Country Chronicle

Lebanon, NH–Albert T. LaCroix, Sr., 86, died Friday August 13, 1999 at the Brookside Nursing Home in Wilder, VT, following a long illness. He was born in St. Germaine, Quebec, Canada, on June 18, 1913, the son of the late Zephyre & Leontine (Bellavance) LaCroix. He was a longtime resident of Lebanon, NH. For several years, he was employed as a cook at Kimball Union Academy and at area restaurants, including Ponzi’s. The Brick Hearth, and others. He was also a driver for LaCroix’s Taxi. Albert was a member of the Lebanon Lodge of Elks, and was a communicant of the Sacred Heart Church in Lebanon.

Friends may call at the Ricker Funeral Home, 56 School St in Lebanon, on Friday, August 27th from 7-9 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, August 28th at 10:00 am in the Sacred Heart Church of Lebanon. Burial will follow in the Valley Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in Albert’s memory to a charity of one’s choice.

Survivors include: Sons: Albert T. LaCroix, Jr., of Canaan, NH and Donald LaCroix, of North Hampton, NH. Daughter, Mary Ann Lane, of Goffstown, NH. Brothers: Didance LaCroix, of Enfield, NH; Antonio “Tony” LaCroix, of Lebanon, NH and Ferdinand LaCroix, of Littleton, NH. Grandsons: Thomas LaCroix, of Canaan, NH and Jeffrey Lane, of Arizona, and Granddaughter, Christine Piscopo, of Canaan, NH; 2 great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Lucille (Blanchard) LaCroix, who died Sept. 18, 1992.

Roger Cecil Hines

From the August 30, 1999 issue of The Country Chronicle

Canaan, NH–Roger Cecil Hines, 79, died on August 25, 1999, at his home in Canaan, NH.

He was born in Canaan, NH on April 20, 1920, the son of Neil L. Hines and Addie B. Choate Hines.

He was a lifelong resident of Canaan, and was married to Marjorie Stearns on Feb. 9, 1946. He was employed as the Grader Operator for the Town of Canaan Highway Dept. for many years and had also worked in Roberts Saw Mill. He loved his wife, grandchildren, animals, horseshoes, baseball, summer softball, hunting and fishing.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, August 28 at 2:00 pm in the Ricker Funeral Home on Rte 4 in Enfield with Rev. Patricia Williams officiating. Burial followed in the Wells Cemetery in Canaan.

Survivors include:

Wife, Marjorie Hines, of Canaan; Daughters, Patricia Eastman and Gail Moffett, both of Canaan; Brother, Vern Hines, of Canaan; Sister, Madalyn Camp of Canaan; 5 granddaughters, 9 great grandchildren, 1 great-great grandson, and nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by:

Father, Neil L. Hines, Mother, Addie B. Choate, Sisters, Margaret and Pauline Hines, and brother, Robert Hines.

Arrangements were by Ricker Funeral Home of Lebanon, NH.

Patrick Robert Foley

From the August 23, 1999 issue of The Country Chronicle

Enfield, NH–Patrick Robert Foley, 31, died Thursday August 19, 1999 at the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, NH following a battle with Leukemia. He was born in Hanover, NH July 29,1968, the son of W. Robert & Nancy (Hopkins) Foley. A lifelong resident of Enfield, Patrick was a graduate of Mascoma Valley Regional High School where he was Valedictorian of the Class of 1986; was a Presidential Scholar; Governor’s Scholar; and a member of the National Honor Society. He was a graduate of Drew University in Madison, NJ, Class of 1990. He became a Research Intern for the Town of Enfield, and had worked in the Baker Library from 1990-1997 at the reserve desk. In 1997 he became the Assistant Librarian for Hypertherm. Patrick was an Eagle Scout and member of the Order of The Arrow; a member of the Community Lutheran Church of Enfield; and was a Treasurer of the Upper Valley Single Volunteers. He was very much a people person and will be greatly missed by his many friends and family.

Friends called at the Ricker Funeral Home-Rte 4 in Enfield, Sunday from 2-4 & 7-9 pm. Funeral services were held Monday morning at 10 am in the Community Lutheran Church of Enfield. The Rev. John Crilley officiated. Burial followed in the Oak Grove Cemetery in Enfield.

At Patrick’s own request, flowers were omitted. Memorial contributions in memory of Patrick may be made to: The Patrick R. Foley Scholarship Fund, c/o Lake Sunapee Bank, Heater Rd, Lebanon, NH 03766 or To: Community Lutheran Church, Main Street, Enfield, NH 03748.

Survivors include:

Father, W. Robert Foley, Enfield; Mother, Nancy (Hopkins) Foley, Enfield; Brother, Major Michael J. Foley, USMC, Denver, CO; Sister, Maureen “Moe” Foley, Hanover, NH; Many aunts and uncles, 2 nieces.

Blynn Davidson Merrill

From the July 19, 1999 issue of The Country Chronicle

Canaan, NH–Blynn Davidson Merrill, 72, died Saturday at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center.

He was born June 21, 1927, in New Gloucester, Maine, a son of Henry T. Merrill and Ina C. Haskell. He grew up in New Gloucester and attended Shaker Society School. He graduated from the University of Maine at Orono with a bachelor’s degree in forestry.

Mr. Merrill served in the Merchant Marine and was a forester for the state of Maine for 10 years. A licensed forester and surveyor in New Hampshire and Maine, he held a real estate license in New Hampshire, Vermont and Florida. He also was licensed as a septic designer in New Hampshire.

Mr. Merrill worked for Wagner Woodlands and Davis & Symonds Lumber Co., and was a partner in Moseley-Merrill Reality of Hanover before founding Granite Northland Associates in Canaan in 1971, a company he owned until 1995.

From 1971-1975, he helped bring new businesses to the Upper Valley. He enjoyed working in his professions and collecting tools. A member of Cumberland Lodge No. 12 F. & A.M. in New Gloucester for more than 40 years, he was a member of Social Summit Lodge F. & A.M. in Canaan, the National Realtor Association, Canaan Lions Club, United Methodist Church in Canaan, and the Society of American Foresters. He had served on the Canaan Planning Board.

Survivors include his wife, Frieda Merrill of Canaan; three daughters, Carlisse Clough of Springfield, Doreen Wyman of Grafton and Elaine White of Strafford; four stepdaughters, Susan Huppe of Auburn, ME, and Bonnie Lumb, Mona Vachon and Sharon Bell, all of Lewiston, ME; a stepson, Gregg Fickett of Little Rock, AR. A sister, Elizabeth Berry of New Gloucester; two brothers, True Merrill of Newport and Henry Merrill of Phoenix, AZ; 19 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held at United Methodist Church in Canaan, with the Rev. Patricia Williams officiating. Burial is in the Lowe Gloucester Cemetery in New Gloucester, with the Rev. Nick Davis officiating. Ricker Funeral Home of Lebanon was in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Canaan Senior Center Community Dinner and Food Pantry Program, Church St., Canaan, NH 03741.

Velma L. Bailey

From the May 10, 1999 issue of The Country Chronicle

Gettysburg, PA–Velma L. Bailey, 38, of 2214 Biglerville Rd., Gettysburg, PA, died Thursday May 6, in Gettysburg Hospital.

Born Dec. 20, 1960, she was a daughter of Corine Wigg Joyce Smith Day of Bristol, NH and the late Glenwood Joyce.

She is survived by daughter Amanda E. Bailey of Gettysburg; two sons, Michael Bailey of Aspers and Andrew P. Bailey of Gettysburg; and two sisters, Linda Eastment of Pittsfield, NH and Lorine Dyer of Dorchester, NH.

Memorial services were held at 10:30 am May 10 at Monahan Funeral Home, Gettysburg. Graveside services will be held at Pine Grove Cemetery in Grafton, NH on May 15, 1999 at 2:00 pm.

Caroline Neily Woodbury

From the May 10, 1999 issue of The Country Chronicle

Canaan, NH–Caroline Neily Woodbury, 74, passed away early Friday, May 7, 1999, at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center following a brief illness.

She was born August 16, 1924 in Canaan Center, NH, one of ten children born to August B. and Blanche (Butman) Neily. She graduated from Canaan High School in 1942.

She was married to John S. Woodbury on October 12, 1946 in Exeter, NH. They lived in West Lebanon and Lebanon, where she worked at Split Ballbearing, retiring after many years.

Caroline lived her life enthusiastically and to the fullest; taking great pride and joy in family and friends, especially her four grandchildren. She also found great pleasure in her love of art, becoming an accomplished artist through the years.

She was predeceased by her husband, parents and several brothers and sisters.

She is survived by her daughters and their husbands, Sheila and Ernie Plumb of Andover, VT and Ann and Kevin Cattabriga of Canaan; four grandchildren; Daniel Plumb, Miranda Plumb, Mathew Cattabriga and Meghan Cattabriga; two sisters, Eleanor Ricard and Irene Dulac of Lebanon; two brothers, Bill Neily and August Neily of Canaan; many nieces, nephews and a several very close friends.

Calling hours will be held Monday, May 10 from 7-9 pm at Ricker Funeral Home in Lebanon. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home Tuesday May 11 at 2 pm; followed by burial at the West Lebanon Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to David’s House at PO Box 660, Lebanon, NH 03766, or to the charity of one’s choice.

Ricker Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.