Addison Independent, Thursday, June 7, 2018 — PAGE 7A
ADDISON COUNTY
Larry Gile, 73, Bristol
Obituaries Mark Alford, 72, East Middlebury
EAST MIDDLEBURY — Mark Powers Alford, 72, died peacefully at home surrounded by his family on May 26, 2018, following a battle with cancer. Mark was born on July 10, 1945 in Southampton, N.Y., the son of Frank and Mary Alford. He graduated from Southampton High School, class of 1963 and went on to study marine engineering at Maine Maritime Academy, class of 1967. Mark retired after a 33-year career as a Chief Engineer for the United States Merchant Marine. He traveled the world keeping the engines running on steam vessels and later on diesel container ships. When not at sea, his favorite place to be was his home on the North Branch Road in East Middlebury, Vermont. Mark
enjoyed alpine skiing, sailing, and was a licensed ham radio operator. He was known for his quick wit, his ability to fix anything, and his quiet strength. He was devoted to his family and a true friend to many. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Emmy; his son and daughterin-law, Matthew and Paige Alford and their children, Lily and Luke; his daughter and son-in-law, Lauren and Carl Vickerson and their daughter, Mya; his sister, Carroll Chandigian; brother and sister-inlaw, Peter and Betty Alford; many nieces, nephews, and friends. There will be a celebration of Mark’s life this summer. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Addison County Home Health and Hospice (achhh.org). ◊
MARK POWERS ALFORD
Nancy Lambeth, 92, native of Forestdale MECHANICSBURG, Pa. — Nancy B. Lambeth, 92, formerly of Mechanicsburg, Pa., passed away on Monday, May 28, 2018, at the Gardens at Blue Ridge, Harrisburg. Born on October 24, 1925, in Burlington, Vt., she was the daughter of the late Myrle and Irene (White) Brown and she was the widow of Austin Lambeth, who passed away in 2008. Nancy was raised in Forestdale, Vt., and in Brooklyn, N.Y. She was a graduate of Penn Hall Junior College in Chambersburg, Penn., and attended the Parsons School of Design. Early in her career she was a window designer and
later a buyer for several department stores in New York City. She went on to become a production manager for a newspaper company in Long Island. Nancy loved to work with crafts and, upon returning to Vermont with her family in 1974, started her own company teaching the art of beaded flowers and selling her elaborate designs. She was widely noted for her leadership and organizational skills and became president of every club, organization, or committee with which she was ever involved. Among her leadership roles, she was past president of the Middlebury College Friends of Art, and of Vermont
Handcrafters, Inc. Nancy was a member of St. Stephens Episcopal Church in Middlebury, Vt., and ran its annual Peasant Market for many years. Nancy is survived by a daughter, Wendy Meehan and her husband James Wabol, of Colbert, Ga.; a son, Craig Lambeth and his wife Rosalie, of Camp Hill, Penn.; a step-daughter, Linnea Stanley, of California; and a grandson, Nicholas Meehan, of Berlin, Germany. A memorial service for Nancy is being planned for a later date in Vermont. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choosing that benefits rescued animals.◊
Gertrude Jackson, 92, Middlebury
GERTRUDE JACKSON MIDDLEBURY — Gertrude (Birchard) Jackson, born February 19, 1926 in Shoreham, Vt., to Harry and Emma (Jones) Birchard, died peacefully at Helen Porter Health and Rehabilitation on June 3, 2018, with family present. She was 92. Gert, also known as Dirty Gertie and as Sweetie Pie to her grandchildren, married the love of her life, Herbert
Jackson on July 3, 1943. Their union lasted 67 years until Herbert’s passing in 2010. They made their home and farmed in Bridport for many years, raising their children there. Gert was active in the Bridport Fire Auxiliary. Gert worked for 25 years at Porter Hospital as a nurse’s aide and then as a Unit Clerk on evening shift. They were blessed with two children, Crystal Jackson and Evan Jackson. They made their home in Bridport until they moved to Middlebury in the early nineties to take over management of the Commons. Herbert and Gert were an integral part of the Commons community. One ambulance member remarked Gert was often there to greet the ambulance squad at the door when residents were in need. They resided at the Commons until Herbert’s death in January 2010. Shortly thereafter Gert’s declining health necessitated the need for more care and a move to “ Helen’s Place.” Gert was an avid and prolific knitter. Hundreds, perhaps more, of hats and mittens were knit as a volunteer for RSVP and distributed through Addison County Community Action Group to
warm area residents and their children. Gert was a Goodwill Ambassador for Helen Porter. She would hold hands with others and was active in Bingo and participated in many activities up until a week prior to her death. Gert was predeceased by her parents and brother; husband, Herbert; grandson, Nathan Jackson and special cousin, Pat. Gert is survived by her daughter, Crystal and husband Reid Peck and her son Evan and wife Robin. She is also survived by grandchildren, Sky, JJ and Ashley and great grandchildren Gwen, Zoe, Mac and Maci. Many thanks to everyone who loved Gert, especially to the staff of Helen Porter. Donations in Gert’s name can be made to the Activities Department at Helen Porter Health and Rehabilitation, 30 Porter Drive, Middlebury, Vermont 05753. Funeral services will be held Monday, June 11, at 11 a.m. at Sanderson Funeral Home in Middlebury followed by burial in Bridport Central Cemetery, Bridport, Vt. Online condolences at sandersonfuneralservice.com.◊
Theresa Turner graveside service MIDDLEBURY — The private graveside service for Theresa O. “Tot” Turner, 75, of Poultney, who died Tuesday afternoon, April
17, 2018, at the Pines in Rutland following a brief illness, will be held at the St Mary’s Cemetery in Middlebury. The Father Luke P.
Austin, pastor of the Assumption of The Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Middlebury will officiate.
Kathleen Altobell, 83, Middlebury MIDDLEBURY — Kathleen Ann Altobell, age 83, died Tuesday, June 5, 2018, at Helen Porter Health and Rehabilitation Center in Middlebury. Mrs. Altobell was born in West Rutland on January 3, 1935. She was the daughter of Francis and Margaret (Powers) Mumford. She grew up in West Rutland where she received her early education. She graduated from West Rutland High School, class of 1953. She afterwards attended Radiology School in Glens Falls, N.Y. She worked as an x-ray technician in Glens Falls Hospital and later at Rutland Hospital. On April 24, 1965, she married John Louis Altobell Sr., in St. Bridget’s Catholic Church in West Rutland. They lived in Vergennes and later in Shelburne. They made their home in Middlebury since 1971. She has lived with her daughter Mary in Brandon since 2015. She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Middlebury. She enjoyed sewing, cooking and knitting. Surviving are three daughters; Angela Elizabeth Bartolotta of New Hartford, Conn., Margaret Elizabeth Hayward of Rutland and Mary Kathleen Stanley of Brandon; one son John Louis Altobell Jr., of Jackson Hole, Wyo.; two sisters, Mary Elizabeth Zak of Mendon and
KATHLEEN ANN ALTOBELL Margaret Agnes Collins-Lebenbaum of Middlebury. Nine grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins also survive her. The family would like to give special thanks to her care providers Lisa Nolan and Patsy Munson. She was predeceased by her husband John Altobell Sr. in 2007, her brother James Mumford and a grandson Lean Louis Hayward. A mass of Christian burial will be
celebrated on Friday, June 8, 2018, at 2 p.m., at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Middlebury. The Rev. Justin Baker will be the celebrant. A private graveside committal service and burial will take place at a later date in St. Mary’s Cemetery. There are no public calling hours. Memorial gifts in lieu of flowers may be made, in her memory to; Project Independence, 112 Exchange Street, Middlebury, VT 05753.◊
BRISTOL — Larry Kenneth Gile, 73, died peacefully Sunday, June 3, 2018, at Helen Porter Health Hospice and Rehabilitation services with his family by his side after a five year battle with COPD. He was born in Burlington, Vt., the eldest son of the late Homer and Virginia (Phelps) Gile, October 12, 1944. He was raised in Richmond, Vt., with his three brothers and graduated from Richmond High School in 1964. Larry began his apprenticeships in funeral services in Richmond, Rutland and Bristol, Vt. He then served four years in the U. S. Navy, including a one-year tour in Vietnam as a hospital corpsman receiving the Navy Achievement Award for Bravery. After graduating from the New England Institute in 1971, Larry began his long career in funeral service in St. Johnsbury, Vt. In 1973, he became associated with the Brown-McClay funeral home and purchased it in 1986, where he remained until retiring in 2007. His profession was far more than a career for Larry — it was his calling to serve as a source of strength, support and comfort for many over the years. Larry served as president of the Vermont Funeral Directors Association and at the time of his death was the current chairman of
the Vermont Funeral Service Board of Professional Regulations and Licensing. As a FEMA employee, he served in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Larry was a 40-year member of the Bristol Federated Church, serving on various committees. Has was also a member of the Libanus Lodge 47 F. & A. M., and the Bristol Rotary Club, where he received the Paul Harris Award. He was a loyal member of the Old Farts Club until his illness. Larry considered being a co-founder of the Great Bristol Out House Race, along with the late Bill Paine, one of his greatest accomplishments and was its announcer every year until his illness. Larry and four fellow Vietnam servicemen were recently honored at Mt. Abraham High School for their annual presentation to the American Studies History class on their experiences in Vietnam. Larry is survived by his wife of almost 49 years, Donna Parent Gile, his two sons Carl (Theresa) and Neil (Suzanne); and four grandchildren, Colby, Madison, Ava and Grace. He is also survived by three brothers, Dennis (Sherry), Bradley (Barbara) and Bryant. He is also survived by his sister in law Adelaide Shepard and several nieces. He is predeceased by a sister-in-law Judy Gile and brother-in-law Dr. Harley Shepard.
LARRY KENNETH GILE Calling hours will be on Thursday, June 7, 2018, at Brown-McClay Funeral home in Bristol from 6-8 p.m. Funeral services will be Friday, June 8, 2018, at The Bristol Federated Church at 11 a.m. with burial to follow the service at Greenwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Bristol Federated Church or Bristol Rescue. To send online condolences to his family visit brownmcclayfuneralhomes. com.◊
Sally Bruch, 87, Middlebury MIDDLEBURY — Sally Bruch, 87, of Middlebury, Vt., passed quietly the afternoon of April 21, 2018. She was born to George and Irma (Rath) Rounds on October 7, 1930, in Chattanooga, Tenn. She and her two younger brothers spent their early childhood in Providence, R.I. before moving as a family to Cleveland Heights, Ohio. Sally attended Hathaway Brown, a college preparatory private all-girls school located in Shaker Heights, Ohio. It is during this time Sally’s love of the arts — especially dance — developed. At a ‘mixer’ organized by upper classmate, Cookie White, with the boys from University School, Sally met her future husband, Frank Osborne Bruch. Upon graduation from Hathaway Brown Sally entered Bennington College to continue her education in the arts. Sally studied dance under Martha Graham and was offered a position in her company upon graduation in 1952. Fortunately for her husband and future children she declined the opportunity, instead marrying her sweetheart, Frank, on March 27, 1953, during his second year of medical school at Case Western Reserve. In 1970 Sally’s husband left his private medical practice in Ohio, moving the family to Storrs, Conn., to join the University of Connecticut Student Health Services. With her six children now older, Sally was able to reconnect with her love of dance by joining the faculty at UConn as a dance teacher. In 1974 she began choreographing for the Nutmeg Summer Theater professional productions, including “Richard the III,” “Oliver,” and “Promises, Promises.” She was a gifted choreographer and a favorite of the summer stock casts. Sally, along with several like-minded contemporaries, founded the Mansfield Creative Council that later became the Mansfield Creative Arts Council with a mission of bringing dance and the arts to the community. In 1977 the family moved to Middlebury, Vt., when her husband became the physician and sports
SALLY ROUNDS BRUCH medicine doctor for Middlebury College. Sally continued teaching dance at Middlebury College and she also volunteered her choreography talents to several musical productions at Middlebury Union High School. She taught dance and movement to a group of ‘her senior ladies’, as well as spin classes. She also worked with the Middlebury College football team utilizing movement and dance to limit potential sport injuries. Sally took up pastels and enjoyed capturing the beauty of the Vermont countryside and barns in a collection of work. Her childhood love of horses was reignited and in her 50’s she took up eventing and then dressage and rode well into her 80’s. At 72 she and her daughter spent a week in England jumping cross country fences across the hilly countryside. She was also the oldest individual at the time to spend a month as a working student for Denny Emerson, Olympian and well-known equestrian. In 2004 and 2005 Sally was the Vermont Quarter Horse Association Dressage Champion with her beloved Quarter horse ‘Shot Gun Blues’. Always up for adventure, in her 70’s, Sally whitewater rafted in the Grand Canyon and canoed on the Black River with dear friend and trip organizer, Judy Rowe.
Sally also enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren, especially at the beach, and could be found body surfing, building sand castles and sea glass hunting with them. Sally had a great love for all animals and supported several animal welfare organizations as well as other non-profits donating her time, artwork, etc. to support local and international causes. Social justice issues were also important to Sally and she and husband Frank actively supported the civil rights movement including hosting gatherings of leaders at their home in Cleveland. Sally was a mom to many and frequently kids in addition to her own would seek her advice and friendship. She connected easily with people and her warm smile and generous spirit touched many. The depth of her love and kindness knew no bounds and she wore a hat like no one else. Sally will be greatly missed by her husband, Frank O. Bruch of Middlebury, Vt.; her children Matthew Bruch and wife Kylie Bruch of Weybridge, Vt.; Elizabeth Davis and husband Steve Davis of Lander, Wyo.; Amy McWilliams and partner Christopher Gramza of Springfield, Va.; Sarah Sparks and husband Alec Sparks of Addison, Vt.; Josh Bruch and wife Jennifer A. Bruch of South Salem, N.Y.; brother George Rounds and wife Jean Rounds of Evanston, Ill.; brother Dennison Rounds and wife Paulette Rounds of Springfield, Vt.; as well six grandchildren and one great grandchild. Sally was predeceased by daughter Jennifer Bruch and Jennifer’s husband Bryan Schofield of Bridport, Vt. In lieu of flowers donations in her name can be made to Heifer International (heifer.org), Mid Atlantic Horse Rescue (midatlantichorserescue.org) or environmental or social justice groups of choice. The family would like to thank Lisa Ward and family for their amazing care of Sally. A celebration of Sally’s life will be held over Labor Day weekend; date, time, and location to be announced one month prior.◊