Archive - Sep 2009 - Obituaries

Pauline Needham

MIDDLEBURY — Pauline “Polly” Needham of Middlebury, 91 years old, died on Sept. 25, 2009, at Helen Porter Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center. She was born in East Middlebury on May 8, 1918, to Paul and Christie (Peck) Morgan.

Polly graduated from Middlebury High School in 1934 and very proudly attended her 70th class reunion in 2004. In 1938, she married C. Reynolds “Rennie” Needham and with him moved to Weybridge Street, where she lived for over 60 years.

Earl Blackmer

RUTLAND — Earl Winslow Blackmer, 78, of Rutland, died Friday, Sept. 18, 2009, at Rutland Health & Rehabilitation Center.

He was born in Brandon on Aug. 15, 1931. He was the son of Neil and Chloie (Moore) Blackmer.

He received his education in local Brandon schools.

Susan Brande
CORNWALL — The memorial service “In Celebration of the Life of Susan Kennedy Brande,” 83, who died July 1, 2009, will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2009, at 3 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Middlebury.

The Rev. Brian O’Donnell, associate pastor, will be the celebrant.

Elizabeth Collins
MIDDLEBURY — Elizabeth R. Collins, 92, died suddenly Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2009, at Porter Medical Center surrounded by her loving family.

A full obituary will be published in Thursday’s paper.

Donovan Mayo

Alma Davis
FERRISBURGH — Alma Ellen “Bou” Davis, 84, died Friday, Sept. 11, 2009, surrounded by family and friends at the home of her daughter, Pam Miner.

She was born May 16, 1925, in Burlington, the daughter of Henry and Marjorie (Shortsleeve) Bissonette.

Her relatives say she loved being outdoors, doing puzzles and helping family and friends. She especially enjoyed seeing her great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her husband, Vernon Roy Davis, whom she married Oct. 26, 1943; her brother, Richard Bissonette; and her grandson, Alan Davis.

Rev. Charles Graham

MIDDLEBURY — The Rev. Charles N. Graham, 67, died unexpectedly Friday, Sept. 4, 2009, in Clarendon. He was born Sept. 3, 1942, in Bennington, the son of Harley and Jean Burt Graham.

He graduated from Bennington High in 1960 and attended Union College in Barbourville, Ky., where he earned a B.A. in 1964. After college he attended seminary in Ohio, and he received a Master of Divinity from the Methodist Theological School and was ordained a minister in 1967.

Robert J. Gainer


LANCASTER, N.H. — Robert J. Gainer, 71, of Lancaster, N.H., died Thursday morning, Sept. 3, 2009, at the Concord Hospital in Concord, N.H.

He was born in Lancaster on Nov. 19, 1937, the son of Linwood J. and Emily M. (Rich) Gainer.
In 1966 he married Virginia A. Sullivan of Shoreham.

Phyllis L. Bergedick

MIDDLEBURY — Phyllis L. Bergedick, 88, died Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2009, at Porter Hospital following a period of failing health.

Born Feb. 3, 1921, in Dayton, Ohio, she was the daughter of the late Ralph and Marie (Geis) Heffner. Phyllis had lived in Middlebury since 1966, moving here from Fayetteville, Ark.
Mrs. Bergedick was a secretary to the principal at Middlebury Union High School, retiring in 1981.

She was a proud volunteer for the American Red Cross and Porter Hospital and was a communicant of St. Mary’s Church.

Stewart Albert Rouse


TAMPA, Fla. — Stewart Albert Rouse, 90, died Aug. 28, 2009, at Hospice Home in Tampa, Fla.

He was born in Shoreham on Aug.19, 1919, the son of William and Sofia Rouse. He attended schools in Shoreham and Middlebury. After graduation he married Ruth Ellis and then enlisted in the armed forces. He served in the Philippines during World War II.