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Obituaries 3-15-11

Russell Frederick Hallett

BRANDON - Russell Frederick Hallett, age 90, died Sunday, March 06, 2011, at Helen Porter Health & Rehabilitation Center in Middlebury.

    Mr. Hallett was born in Brandon on February 19, 1921. He was the son of Fred and Nellie (Davis) Hallett. He received his early education in local Brandon schools and was graduated from Brandon High School class of 1941. He entered the United States Army in July 1942 and served in the European Theatre of Operations. He was involved in the battles of The Rhineland, Ardennes and Central Europe. Among his numerous military decorations is the Bronze Star. Following his honorable discharge he returned home and worked as an automobile mechanic for several local area garages. He retired in 1981 following more than 24 years of service as a mechanic for The Vermont Army National Guard. He was a member of St. Paul’s Masonic Lodge #25 F. & A. M. and Brandon American Legion Post #55. He belonged to the Brandon Congregational Church.

    Surviving is his wife Irene Mallory Hallett of Brandon, whom he married in Castleton on December 15, 1942, 2 daughters Sharon Smith of Oak Hill, WV and Gail Barr of Brandon, a son Gary David Hallett of Brandon, 1 brother Barney Hallett of Forestdale and a sister Dorothy Wetmore of Brandon. 6 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and cousins also survive him. He was predeceased by a son Ronald Hallett in 2006.

    The graveside committal service and burial, with military honors, will take place, at a later date, at Pine Hill Cemetery in Brandon. The Rev. Richard White, pastor of the Brandon Congregational Church will officiate.

There will be no public calling hours.

    Memorial gifts in lieu of flowers may be made, in his memory to; The Brandon Area Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 232, Brandon, VT 05733.

    Arrangements are under the direction of the Miller & Ketcham Funeral Home in Brandon.

Grace W. Bottamini

RUTLAND - Grace W. Bottamini, 92, died on March 7, 2011, at her home in Rutland with family at her side.

    She was born on March 23, 1918 in Hardwick, Vermont, the daughter of Jessie May (Corrow) and Henry Fisk Weaver, Brattleboro farmers who went on to become proprietors of the Addison General Store. After Brattleboro High School she graduated from the University of Vermont in 1939, and in1942 married Dr. Joseph T. Bottamini. They settled in Vergennes where he ran his private practice in family medicine and pediatrics for more than 46 years. When he retired in 1986 they moved to Panton where Grace poured her energy into creating an extraordinary garden that reflected her love of plants and unusual architectural objects, her eye for color, and the unflagging focus and enthusiasm she brought to all her creative endeavors. Grace remained in Panton after Dr. Bottamini died in 1998, caring for her beautiful home and garden until moving to Rutland in 2004.

    Grace was an active antiques dealer, running The Owl in the Attic on Main Street in Vergennes for many years. She was a collector in the truest sense, and her talent as a conversationalist helped her find new friends to add to her collection regularly. She had a gift for recognizing what makes each individual unique and in so doing, she made each person in her life feel special. Her frequent clippings with handwritten quips in the margins will be deeply missed.

    In addition to antiques and gardening, Grace enjoyed reading and writing and was a generous supporter of the arts. She loved her dogs, especially little Molly.

    Grace was very close to her sister Renny throughout her life, and Renny’s five children always held a special place in Grace’s heart. She is survived by her five nieces and nephews: Bridget, Cricket, Jack, Dorcas, and Tim; her twelve great-nieces and great-nephews: Dinah, Tim, Grace, Nathan, Eliza, Will, Christa, Jackson, Harley, Luci, Ella, and Alice; and Dr. Bottamini’s nephew Joe Whalen and his family.

    Grace was predeceased by her husband Joe, her great-nephew Austin, and her sister Renny.

    A private service will be held at the convenience of the family.

    The family asks friends to donate one special hour reading to a child, visiting someone who is ill or housebound, pounding nails for Habitat for Humanity, walking a lonely dog at a Humane Society, donating volunteer time at a clinic, or similar activities as a remembrance.

    Contributions in Grace’s name to Maple Leaf Farm (10 Maple Leaf Road, Underhill, Vermont 05489, or http://www.mapleleaf.org/makedonation.asp, the Rutland Area Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice (PO Box 787, Rutland, Vermont 05702, or http://www.ravnah.org/how_you_donations.htm, local arts organizations, or libraries would also be especially meaningful.

Betty Carolyn Gilbert

ORWELL - Betty Carolyn Gilbert, 80, died in her home on March 8, 2011.  

    Mrs. Gilbert was born on January 15, 1931 in Adams Center, NY. She was the daughter of Harold and Carolyn (Peach) Langworthy.  Mrs. Gilbert graduated from Lyme (CT) High School class of 1949. On October 4, 1952, she married the love of her life, Fred Gilbert.  In 1969 they followed their dream to operate their own dairy farm.  They relocated from Rocky Hill, CT to Addison, VT where they farmed together until selling the farm in 1983.  Betty was a juried crafter and had received a certificate of recognition from the State of Vermont for being a cultural leader in creative arts.  Betty participated in numerous craft shows throughout the state with her wood burnings.

    Betty is survived by her husband, Fred, of 58 years and five children, Fred Jr., Wendy, Mark, Vicky, and Richard, two brothers William and Richard Langworthy, eight grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and cousins also survive her.  Betty was predeceased by a son, Roderick, who died in 1959.

    The family has arranged a private memorial service; there are no public calling hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made, in her memory to: Addison County Home Health and Hospice, PO Box 754, Middlebury, VT 05753.   

    Arrangements are under the direction of the Miller & Ketcham Funeral Home in Brandon.

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