Author: Canaan Town Library

John C. Johnson, Jr.

From the March 27, 2000 issue of The Country Chronicle

Grafton, NH–John C. Johnson, Jr., 36, of Grafton died on March 20, in Dorchester, NH. He was born in Lebanon on February 20, 1964 the son of the late John C. Johnson, Sr. and Vicki Maude Roberts Johnson. He was a lifelong resident of the Upper Valley and was a graduate of Mascoma Valley Regional High School. He was self employed in this area as a carpenter. He owned and operated John’s Fine Carpentry. He enjoyed his travels to Guam, Thailand, Korea, and loved to ride snowmobiles in this area.

He is survived by a daughter, Samantha Johnson of Grafton; two sisters, Bonnie Lee Johnson of Springfield, VA and Linda Johnson of Grafton; 3 brothers, Derek Drewniak of Enfield, Michael LaLiberte of Grafton, and Ralph Johnson of CA. An aunt and an uncle.

Private family services will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Bonnie Lee Johnson, PO Box 2815, Merrifield, VA 22116.

Robert “Brian” Williams

From the March 27, 2000 issue of The Country Chronicle

Canaan, NH–Robert “Brian” Williams, 42, died on Sunday March 19, 2000 at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center following a long illness.

He was born on May 8, 1957, in Proctor, VT, the son of William H. and Laura (Migliavacca) Williams. He attended East Montpelier schools and Johnson State College. He came to the Upper Valley in 1981 and had been employed as an orderly at the Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center. He then married Doris A. Chouinard on October 1, 1983. In 1996 he went to work for the United States Postal Service first in White River Jct., VT and for the last few years as the Postal Clerk in the Enfield, NH Post Office. He was an avid golfer, bowler, and New York sports fan.

Friends were able to call on Tuesday night, March 21 at the Ricker Funeral Home in Lebanon from 2-4 and 7-9. Funeral Services were conducted on Wednesday morning at 11 am in the funeral home with Rev. Roland Nadeau M.S. officiating. Burial will be at a later date in the Oak Grove Cemetery in Enfield, NH.

The family suggested that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the Robert Brian Williams Fund, c/o Mascoma Saving Bank, PO Box 435, Lebanon, NH 03766 to benefit his children’s education.

Predeceased by: William Harry Williams, father.

Survived by: Laura (Migliavacca) Williams, mother; Doris A. Williams, wife, Canaan, NH; Eric C. and Matthew B. Williams, sons, Canaan, NH; Stephanie M. Williams, daughter, Canaan, NH; Willian H., III of NY and Dana Williams of ME, half brothers. Several close friends, in-laws, nieces and nephews.

William F. Huntley

From the May 7, 2001 issue of The Country Chronicle

Grafton, NH–William F. Huntley, 84, died Wednesday May 2, 2001 at Concord Hospital in Concord, NH. HE was born in Lowell, MA December 18, 1916, a son of the late Joseph S. & Ethel F. (Adams) Huntley. He grew up in Lowell and attended local schools. Following his graduation from college, he was employed as an electrical engineer for Raytheon Corporation for 37 years retiring in 1977. He was married to Anna L. “Nan” (Cadigan) Huntley who died Oct 7, 1998. Mr. Huntley was a former active member of the Grafton Center Congregational Church, and the Masonic Lodge in Canaan, NH. He was an accomplished woodworker, lapadariast and jewelry maker. He and his wife had operated the HOPOLO Gift Shop in Grafton.

He was predeceased by his wife: Anna L. “Nan” (Cadigan) Huntley who died October 7, 1998; and a sister Margie.

Survivors include a sister: Alice White of Cincinnati, OH; a brother: Forrest “Mike” Huntley of West Yarmouth, MA; several nieces & nephews, and seven great-nieces & nephews.

Friend may call at the Ricker Funeral Home, Rte 4, Enfield, Friday evening from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. Funeral services will be conducted Saturday afternoon at 4 pm in the Grafton Center Congregational Church. The Rev. Thomas Warner will be in the Pine Grove Cemetery in Grafton.

Memorial contributions in memory of Mr. Huntley may be made to the Grafton Ambulance Squad or the Grafton Fire Dept.

Dorothy F. Packard

From the February 12, 2001 issue of The Country Chronicle

Lebanon, NH–Dorothy F. Packard, 79, died Wednesday evening February 7, 2001 at the Lebanon Center of Genesis Eldercare in Lebanon, NH following a long illness. She was born in Canaan, NH November 13, 1921, and was the last surviving of 9 children home to the late George & Lucy (Senacal) Decato. A resident of Lebanon for most of her life, she attended local schools and was married to the Donald A. Packard who died in 1983. She had been employed by the former Rockdale Store and by KLEEN Laundry of Lebanon Emblem Club and a longtime volunteer at the Lebanon Senior Center. She loved baking, crocheting and many other crafts.

She was predeceased by her husband: Donald A. Packard; Son: Robert A. Packard Sr.; 2 sisters: Stella Williams and Etta Fontaine; 6 brothers: Eugene Decato, James Decato, Edgar Decato, Forest Decato, Harry Decato and Clarence Decato; and a grandson: Robert A. Packard Jr.

She leaves 2 daughters: Stella Butterfield of Canaan, NH and Marie Jenkins of Lebanon, NH; 4 granchildren: Mark Packard of Orange, NH, Donald Butterfield of Canaan, NH, Daniel Butterfield of Royal Oaks, MI and Jeffrey Jenkins of Lebanon, NH; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Friends may call at the Ricker Funeral Home, 56 School St. in Lebanon, NH Sunday from 3-4 & 7-9 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday morning at 11 am in the Sacred Heart Church of Lebanon. Burial will be in the spring in the Valley Cemetery in Lebanon, NH.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Dorothy be made to: The Lebanon Senior Center, PO Box X33, Lebanon, NH 03766 or to: The American Diabetes Association, 249 Canal St., Manchester, NH 03101.

Earl J. Brooks

From the February 12, 2001 issue of The Country Chronicle

Lebanon, NH–Earl J. Brooks, 82, died Thursday, February 1, 2001 at the Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, NH. He was born in Lebanon, NH April 22, 1918, a son of the late Charles and Lillian Brooks. He was a longtime Lebanon resident and was a communicant of Sacred Heart Parish of Lebanon. He had been employed as a cab driver in Lebanon, a buss driver for VT Transit, and had retired as a truck driver for Decato Brothers Trucking of Lebanon. His life was dedicated to his family and his wife of 60 years Mary (Conroy) Brooks.

Survivors include his wife, Mary (Conroy) Brooks of Lebanon, NH. A daughter, Hazel Hollenbeck of Enfield. Two sons, Earl F. Brooks (address unlisted) and Daniel J. Brooks of Somersworth, NH. A sister, Katherine Deveney of Enfield, nine grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by a son, Ernie Brooks, and a daughter, Marlene Marsh; three brothers-Charles, Roger and Leon Brooks and a sister, Lillian (Brooks) Deveney.

Friends may call at the Ricker Funeral Home, 56 School St. in Lebanon Monday evening from 7-9 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday morning at 10 am in the Sacred Heart Church of Lebanon. The Rev. Gerald Baril M.S. will officiate. Burial will follow in the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Lebanon.

James Andrew Mellow

From the February 12, 2001 issue of The Country Chronicle

Grantham, NH–James Andrew Mellow, 10, died Saturday, February 3, 2001 at his home surrounded by his family following a long illness. He was born in Hanover, NH, September 22, 1990, the son of Andrew J. & Susan (Rowland) Mellow. James was a 4th grade student at the Grantham Village School, and was a member of the Sacred Heart Parish in Lebanon, NH. He loved golf, skiing, kneeboarding, basketball, baseball and soccer. He also loved to read books and to be read to. He had a wonderful sense of humor and enjoyed spending time with his sisters Meagan & Erin.

He leaves his parents: Andrew J. & Susan (Rowlan) Mellow and 2 sisters: Meagan M. Mellow and Erin F. Mellow; his maternal grandparents; Joan & Howard Suizek of Berlin, MD; his paternal grandmother; Betty Larkin of Southwick, MA.

Friends may call at the Ricker Funeral Home, 56 School St., Lebanon, NH, Tuesday evening from 6-9 pm. The family respectfully requests that children not attend.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday afternoon at 1:30 pm in the Sacred Heart Church of Lebanon. The Rev. Gilles Genest M.S. will officiate.

The family requests the in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to: The Make a Wish Foundation, 66 Hanover St.-Suite 101, Manchester, NH 03101-2230.

Josh F. Harder Sr.

from the February 12, 2001 issue of The Country Chronicle

Woodsville, NH–Joseph Paul Harper Sr., 70, died Sunday afternoon February 4, 2001 at the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, NH.

He was born in Lebanon, NH May 14, 1930, a son of the late Joseph P. & Gladys (Amell) Harper. A lifelong resident of the Upper Valley, he was the owner/operator of Superior Painting & Decorating for many years.

He was predeceased by his former first wife: Joyce Leonard who died in 1995; and by his second wife: Ruby (Hutchins) Harper who died in 1981.

Survivors include 1 daughter: Charay Rogers of Woodsville, NH; 4 sons: Terry P. Harper of Littleton, NH; David R. Harper of Enfield Center, NH; Kenny Rogers of St. Johnsbury, VT; and Joseph P. Harper Jr. of Woodsville, NH; 2 sisters: Luella Grace of Lebanon, NH and Gladys Sanders of Cape Cod, MA; 2 brothers: Ernest Harper of Ascutney, VT and Richard Harper of Lebanon, NH; 8 grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

There will be no calling hours. A Memorial Service will be held Thursday morning at 11 am in the Ricker Funeral Home, 56 School St. in Lebanon, NH with the Rev. Patricia Williams officiating. Burial will be in the spring in the Highland Cemetery in Lyme, NH.

Memorial contributions may be made to: The American Heart Association, 20 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701-4688 or to: The American Lung Association, 9 Cedarwood Dr., unit 12, Bedford, NH 03110.

Lettie E. Barbour

From the March 20, 2000 issue of The Country Chronicle

Canaan, NH–Lettie Barbour, died in the Mt. Ascutney Hospital on March 1. She was born on August 5, 1915 in West Canaan. She was the daughter of Truman and Lottie (Austin) Clark. She attended schools in West Canaan and Canaan. Also attended Wilfred Academy of Cosmetology in Boston, MA.

She married Harold Barbour on August 27, 1948 in Grace Chapel on Goose Pond Rd. They lived their married life in Hartland, VT. She volunteered helping with church and fire dept. suppers.

She was a member of the Darn It Woman’s Club, Emblem Club, and American Legion Auxiliary.

She enjoyed crocheting, knitting and playing bingo. Many tiny hats were knitted by her for premature babies.

She was predeceased by her husband in 1986 also, John, Theodore, Horace, Raymond, Elwin, Clayton and Calvin – her seven brothers. Three sisters; Gertrude, Rena and Arleen..

She is survived by her sister Gladys Chesser of Morriston, FL and Grace Reney of Enfield. And many nephews and nieces.

A memorial service was conducted at the Congregational Church in Hartland on March 6 by Rev. Robert Moyer. Donations may be made in her memory to the Hartland Memorial Library, for Children’s Books, PO Box 137, Hartland, VT 05048.

Florence A. Garnhum

From the April 16, 2001 issue of The Country Chronicle

Enfield, NH–Florence A. Garnhum, 80, died Tuesday morning April 20, 2001 at the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, NH. She was born in Enfield Center, NH December 8, 1920, a daughter of the late Harry L. & Bertha M. (Lewis) Bailey. A lifelong resident of Enfield Center she was a longtime member of the Earnest Workers Club, and enjoyed plants, flowers, knitting and art. She was married in May 1941 to Charles W. Garnhum who died April 29, 1980.

She was predeceased by her husband and a brother, Oscar Bailey.

Survivors include three daughters: Diane White and Jean Williams, both of Enfield Center, and Deborah Truman of Grafton. One son, Scott Garnhum of Kokomo, IN. A sister, Dorothy Emerson of Enfield Center. Seven grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and four nieces.

Friends called at the Ricker Funeral Home. Rte 4 in Enfield, Friday evening from 7-9 pm. Funeral services were conducted Saturday afternoon at 2 pm in the funeral home with the Rev. Patricia Williams officiating. Burial will be at a later date in the Montcalm Cemetery in Enfield Cemetery.

The family suggested that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to: The Enfield Center Fire Dept., Enfield Center, NH 03749.

Eva M. Paquette

From the March 20, 2000 issue of The Country Chronicle

Enfield, NH–Eva M. Paquette, 85, died Thursday March 16, 2000 at the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, NH. She was born in Rochester, VT on April 28, 1914, a daughter of the late Dennis and Ella (Asbury) Murphy. An Enfield resident for most of her life, she was a communicant of St. Helena’s Parish. She was married to Joseph T. Paquette, Sr., who died Feb. 5, 1978. For many years she was employed by the Baltic Woolen Mills in Enfield, and later in the housekeeping dept. of Dartmouth College in Hanover. She enjoyed crocheting and had made many intricately designed doilies.

Friends were able to call at the Ricker Funeral Home, 56 School St., Lebanon, NH on Sunday evening. Funeral services will be conducted Monday morning at 10 am in the funeral home with the Rev. Paul Rainville M.S. officiating. Burial will be in the spring in the Lakeview Cemetery in Enfield.

Memorial contributions may be made to: The Lebanon Senior Citizens Center, 10 Campbell St., Lebanon, NH 03766.

Predeceased by : Joseph T. Paquette, Sr., husband; Dennis Murphy, father; Ella (Asbury) Murphy, mother; Richard Paquette, son; Dora Ryan, daughter; Dan Murphy, brother; Dennis Murphy, brother.

Survived by: Joseph Paquette, Jr., son, Claremont, NH; Betty Chase, daughter, Enfield, NH; Joyce Peck, daughter, Paris, CA; Lillian Dickerson, sister, Barre, VT; 13 grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews and cousins.