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Obituaries 5-6-14

Catherine E. Fitzpatrick

 Middlebury-Catherine E. Fitzpatrick, 92, died at her home in Middlebury on April 28, 2014, surrounded by her loving family.  She was born on July 27, 1921, in New Haven, Vermont, the daughter of Arthur and Helen (Mulligan) Fitzpatrick.
   Her childhood was spent in New Haven and Middlebury.  Her father was a farmer and teamster as well as a harness racer, driving sulkies behind both trotting and pacing horses at Saratoga Springs and other venues in the Northeast.  Her mother was a homemaker. Catherine herself became an accomplished young horsewoman who led groups of riders at the Durkee Farm and Tea Shop in Middlebury while still in grade school. In high school, Catherine worked at the Town Hall movie theater selling tickets.  Following her graduation, she worked at Ruby’s Market as well as at Gorham’s Market as a bookkeeper; during World War II, she worked in the Middlebury Rations Office and also volunteered for Civil Defense.  In 1947, Catherine began working for the Addison Trust Company, which subsequently became the Chittenden Trust Company.  Catherine became one of the first woman bank officers in the state of Vermont, rising to the position of Assistant Vice President of the Middlebury branch.  Her ability to connect with customers and provide friendly and professional service to all comers was unmatched. She often worked late to provide for the needs of her customers. Following her career at the Chittenden Bank, Catherine was elected to the position of Probate Judge of Addison County.  Again, her humane approach to all, as well as her fair opinions which took into account each family’s individual circumstances, earned the respect of the Middlebury community.  She also served as Treasurer of the Middlebury Incorporated School District, Auditor for the Town of Middlebury, as a member of the Addison County Vocational Advisory Board and the Community House Board of Trustees, and Treasurer of the MUHS Alumni Association. She was a member of the Middlebury Business Women’s Club.
Catherine was honored by the Town of Middlebury by having the Town Report dedicated to her twice, in both 1984 and 2005. She was a member of the Governor’s Commission for Women.  She also was honored for citizenship by the Middlebury High School Alumni Association and received a Meritorious Service Award from the Rotary Club.  She also did much volunteer work for the Alumni Association, especially following her retirement.  Catherine was a committed Catholic communicant who attended St. Mary’s Church in Middlebury and served on several church committees.   As the 1984 Town Reports summarized:
Unassuming, hard working and plain spoken—as well as outspoken when need be—Catherine Fitzpatrick has long contributed to one of Middlebury’s most valuable assets—its sense of community.
No matter what position Catherine holds, all are warmly welcomed on equal footing.  
A  problem?  Catherine will help solve it.  A reason to celebrate?  Catherine will help  celebrate.  A job to be done?  Catherine will do it.
   Catherine lived at her home at 46 Washington Street in Middlebury for over 65 years, first with her parents and sister, and later with her sister, M. Elizabeth (Betty) Fitzpatrick until Betty’s death in 2002, at which time she lived alone. While Betty was living, she and Catherine particularly loved their autumn trips to Wells Beach, Maine, once the crowds had dispersed. Catherine has a large and loving extended family, as well as many friends in Middlebury, who together celebrated Christmas and other holidays and provided a lively presence in her home.  Catherine was an independent, strong, and compassionate woman who was a wonderful role model to all, particularly the young women in her extended family   who respected her for her interest, warmth, sense of humor, and accomplishments.
   Catherine is survived by her sister in law, Barbara Fitzpatrick; her nephew, James Fitzpatrick , his wife Carma and their children Caitlin and Liam; her nephew, John Fitzpatrick ,his wife Molly and their children Teal and Ethan; her niece, Kathleen Fitzpatrick Reynolds, her husband Steve and their children Luke and Rebecca; her nephew Thomas (Pat) Fitzpatrick; her niece Frances (Toni) Fitzpatrick Mauro, her husband Frank, and their daughter Katrina; her nephew Arthur (Bill), his wife Kat and their son Eric; her niece Deborah and her daughter Tammi;  her niece  Ann (Fitzpatrick) Webster and her great great nephew Christopher Fitzpatrick; her nephew Robert Fitzpatrick; and her beloved cousin Robert Fitzpatrick and his wife Sandy, as well as many other relatives and dear friends.
Catherine was predeceased by her parents, Arthur and Helen Fitzpatrick, her sister, M. Elizabeth Fitzpatrick, and three brothers —Robert J. Fitzpatrick who died in childhood; Clement A. Fitzpatrick and his wife Collette; and Paul R. Fitzpatrick. She is also predeceased by Constance (Gerow) Fitzpatrick, wife of Thomas Fitzpatrick, and her great nephew Jared Fitzpatrick, son of James and Carma Fitzpatrick.
  A Funeral Mass was celebrated  Friday, May 2, at St. Mary’s Church in Middlebury.  In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the M.S. Society.

Kevin Paul Clark

MIDDLEBURY:Kevin Paul Clark, age 59, passed peacefully from this life and into our Father's presence on Monday, April 28, 2014, with loved ones at his side, at his Middlebury home.  Kevin was born the second of five children in Middlebury on July 28, 1954 to Joy Bonneville Clark and Robert Paul Clark.
   After his Middlebury High School years, Kevin ventured to the coast of Maine and spent several years working with his brother as a commercial fisherman on Penobscot Bay. He returned to Vermont in the 80's and for nearly 30 years, Kevin used his skills and talents painting homes and businesses large and small. He occasionally contracted in commercial settings but Kevin really enjoyed painting interiors and exteriors of Victorian homes. It was in these colorful and complex palettes that he found the most challenge and opportunity to express his creativity. Kevin loved the outdoors, enjoying time on the golf course with friends.  He was an avid fisherman and hunter and storyteller. His passion was "getting close", so bow hunting was his favorite season.
   Kevin began living one-day-at-a-time in 1986 and was always ready to share his experience, strength and hope with others. He was active in fellowship with others in recovery who were seeking freedom from addiction and he demonstrated the value of living according to biblical principles as embodied in the 12-step program of recovery.
  He is survived by his wife, partner and best friend; Bonnie (Hurley) Clark of Middlebury, his two sons, Colin and Jesse of Madison, WI, his daughter Jessica of Middlebury, his mother, Joy Bonneville Clark, also of Middlebury, his brother, Steve of South Wheelock, and his sisters, Bonnie Betourney of Salisbury, Darlene Thorpe of Middlebury and Paula Pockette of Middlebury. Several nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family of stepchildren and step-grandchildren also survive him. His father, Robert P. Clark preceded him in death on July 28, 2009.
   The memorial service “In Celebration of His Life” was held on Saturday, May 3, 2014 at the Brandon Baptist Church. The Rev. Robert Bove, pastor  officiated
   Memorial gifts in lieu of flowers may be made, in his memory to; Addison County Home Health & Hospice, P.O. Box 765, Middlebury, VT 05753.
   Arrangements are under the direction of the Miller & Ketcham Funeral Home in Brandon.
Robert Joseph Desforges
FORESTDALE:Robert Joseph Desforges, age 79, died Sunday, April 27, 2014, at his home in Forestdale.
   Mr. Desforges was born in Shoreham on February 20, 1935. He was the son of Leo and Yvette (Larocque) Desforges. He grew up on the family farm in Sudbury and received his early education in local schools. He had served in the United States Army from 1957 thru 1958. Following his honorable discharge he returned home and continued farming for Richard Pomainville on Quarry Road in Bridport. He later worked as a truck driver for Depot Farm Supply in Leicester Junction from 1977 until retiring in 1997. He was a member of Brandon American Legion Post #55 and of the Loyal Order of The Moose in Rutland. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Brandon.
   Surviving are 3 brothers; Rolland J. Desforges, Raymond J. Desforges and Patrick Paul Desforges all of Sudbury, 2 sisters; Shirley Plouffe of Bridport and Yolande Larson of Charlotte and his sister-in-law; Carmen Desforges of Middlebury. Many nieces, nephews & cousins also survive him. He was predeceased by his parents and a brother; John C. Desforges.
   A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Saturday, May 3, 2014  at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Brandon. The Rev. Ruel Tumangday will be the celebrant. The graveside committal service and burial, with military honors, will follow in the family lot, at St. Mary’s Cemetery.
Memorial gifts in lieu of flowers may be made, in his memory to; St. Mary’s Church Restoration Fund, 38 Carver Street, Brandon, VT, the Brandon Area Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 232, Brandon, VT 05733, or Rutland County Humane Society, 765 Stevens Road, Pittsford, VT 05763.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Miller & Ketcham Funeral Home in Brandon.

Richard “Dick” William Robinson, II,

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