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Ada and Ruben Olivarez went to be with The Lord within 3 days of one another. Ada Mae Blake Olivarez, 88, went to be with the Lord first, on Thursday, May 5, 2022. Ruben Gilbert Olivarez, 87 went to be with the Lord on, Monday, May 9, 2022. They both passed at Burlington Health and Rehab where they have resided since late fall of 2021.

Ada Mae, was born in Fairfax, Vt. on July 19, 1933. She was the daughter of Dean and Maude Blake.
Ruben Gilbert, was born in Brownsville, Texas on September 15, 1934. He was the son of Ismael and Juanita Olivarez.

After Ada graduated from BFA high school in Fairfax, Vt. she worked at the Howard Bank in Burlington, VT. Ada and Ruben met in Burlington and were married on February 28, 1953. They became the proud parents of 2 children. Gilbert and Maria Elena Olivarez.

Ruben was a Military Policeman in the USAF. He started his military career walking the flight line at Fort Ethan Allen, in Colchester, Vt. Ruben, served his country in Law Enforcement and security. He was in Air Defense command, Strategic Air Command, and the Bomarc Missile site. Ruben was stationed at Fort Ethan Allen, Otis AF base, Plattsburgh and Suffolk County AFB. He was also stationed in Germany, France and Vietnam, during his career. He received an honorable discharge in August of 1972, after 20 years of service.

Following his military retirement, he was employed at UVM in the maintenance department. Ruben retired from this position after 20 + years.

Ruben, was an active member of Essex Alliance Church. He served as trustee, deacon, usher, Sunday school teacher, bible study leader, also involved in men’s group and marriage groups. He worked in the nursery during the MOPS program. Ruben, was a team member on Cursillo week-ends, as well as, Tres Dias week-ends.

He was a dedicated husband and father. Ruben lovingly/selflessly/patiently was Ada’s primary caregiver, as her dementia unfolded and took over their lives. He knew this was his God given responsibility and he didn’t shrink back from it, even when it became harder by the day.

He easily, became HERO, to many of us, as he walked in his quiet and gentle ways, one day-one challenge at a time. He gave testimony of his faith by his devotion, not only to Ada, but also to his Lord. He rarely had to use words-his heart was revealed in his care and support of Ada.

Ada, enjoyed being a homemaker and a mom. She encouraged and supported her children in school, as well as in their Scouting activities.

Ada, was an active member of Essex Alliance church, she served as a Sunday school teacher, a deacon, held an office in Aglow, was a member of a Christian counseling Network Board, she started a Recovery/Support Ministry, was a team member with VT Cursillo, a Spiritual Director at VT. Tres Dias, a mentoring mom, a Den Mother, a Girl Scout leader — this is only a partial list.

Ada, often spent time mentoring women from all walks of life. She was gifted with a heart that listened long and understood the importance/ and gift of being heard and cared for.

Ada and Ruben both enjoyed visits to the Amish country, sometimes alone but most often with their adult children. Quilts, buffets, fabric, beautiful country sides, and last but not least, SHOO-FLY PIE! Memories made and treasured by all.

Ada and Ruben are survived by their two children-Gilbert and Maria Elena Olivarez. Gilbert and his wife Vicki live in Hollis, Maine, four granddaughters, Theresa M. Upstil and her husband, of Canterbury N.H., Sharon A. Miller of Biddeford, Maine., Melissa A. Olivarez of Biddeford, Maine, Heather L. Emery and her husband Timothy of Waterboro, Maine, 13 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren

Maria Elena Olivarez and her husband Gabriel Castro Luna of Morgantown, West Virginia, one Grandson, Raymond Blake Byrd of Morgantown, WV.

Ruben has two sisters in Texas, Leonor Olivares and Maria Elena Olivares, as well as, many nieces and nephews. Ruben had three brothers who predeceased him. H Augustine Olivares, Ismael Olivares, Mike Olivares.

All of Ada’s siblings predeceased her, Charles Blake, Dean Blake, Nora Blake Allen, Ada has many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Life service for both Ada and Ruben Olivarez will be held at Essex Alliance church -37 Old Stage Road Essex, Jct. VT on June 15, 2022 at 11:00 am. On June 16 at 11 am, the inurnment will be held at the VT Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 487 Furnace Road in Randolph Center, VT.


Rather, than flowers, you may make a donation in memory of Ada and Ruben -to Samaritan’s Purse,
P.O. Box 3000, Boone, N.C. 28607-3000 or online at www.samaritanspurse.org

Dale Brewster Bellows, 71, passed away in Fairfax on May 8, 2022 surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Cambridge on October 20, 1950, son of the late Frederick and Bette (Brewster) Bellows.

Dale worked the family farm in Fairfax for his entire career. He was a maple syrup producer and avid hunter. He was once featured by Ben & Jerry’s for his small farm contribution to the dairy community and was an avid supporter of the St. Albans Cooperative Creamery.

Dale took pride in his local community. In addition to his service to the United Church of Fairfax, he also was a member of the Fairfax Select Board, a Justice of the Peace, a longtime member of the Bellows Free Academy Board of Trustees and a member of the Fairfax Cemetery Commission.

Dale is survived by his daughter, Lauri Bellows Fisher, Esq., and her husband Dale, his son Nathan Bellows and wife Sherry; and two grandchildren, Carter and Hunter Bellows. His son is Car Chief for #18 Kyle Busch/Joe Gibbs Racing and Dale took pride in watching the NASCAR races on weekends with his long-time pal, Richard LeClair. Dale was able to see Nathan on television in his hospital room the Monday prior to his passing and made sure the nursing staff knew “that’s my son!”.

Dale is also survived by his brother James Bellows and wife Leslie, his sister Patti Bellows Smith and husband Mike, brother-in-law Jim Ellsworth, his aunt Louise Counos, uncle Robert Bellows, several nieces and many cousins. He is further survived by his loving life partner and caregiver Karen Hebert, her sons Dave (Naomi) Charbonneau, Nate (Kari) Charbonneau, Mike (Max) Hebert, her grandchildren Lyla, Levi and Colton as well as her siblings Lynn, Karen, Todd and Barbara and Karen’s sweet Labrador, Bentley.

Dale was predeceased by his sister, Cheryl Ellsworth.

Visiting hours will be held on Friday May 13, 2022 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. at A W Rich Funeral Home – Fairfax Chapel. Funeral services will be held on Saturday May 14, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at United Church of Fairfax with Reverend Katherine Arthaud officiating. Inurnment will be at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions in Dale’s memory may be made to your local Meals on Wheels or Franklin County Home Health. Please visit awrfh.com to share your memories and condolence

The Fairfax Community Library Board of Trustees will meet for a regular meeting on Thursday, May 19, 2022 at 6:30 pm in the Fairfax Room in the library. All are welcome! If you would like to attend the meeting remotely, please find a Zoom link below. Thank you!

Agenda:
Call to Order
Approval of Minutes from March 17th, 2022, meeting
Treasurer’s Report
Correspondence

Updates:
Highlights from our library since last meeting
Review (draft) for Patron Code of Conduct Policy
Early Literacy Project
Elementary Classes book distribution
Summer programs and schedules

New Business:
Summer Intern applications
Review Computer Use Policy
Other

Zoom info:
Topic: Fairfax Library Trustee Zoom Meeting
Time: May 19, 2022 06:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81614193865

Meeting ID: 816 1419 3865
Passcode: 958393

Lawrence “Larry” Young Sr, passed on May 2nd due to natural causes at his home in Fairfax with his wife Barb of 34 years by his side. Larry was born in Colchester to the late Benjamin and Theresa (Sloan) Young on April 13th, 1942. Larry was a lifelong and proud resident of Fairfax where he graduated from Bellows Free Academy in 1960.

Larry’s entire career was focused on the construction trades with the majority of it owning and growing LW Young Excavating. His business was a trusted resource to farmers, businesses, residents, municipalities, and the State. He loved his work and found great joy with operating heavy equipment and trucks. He was very skilled at his work and his customers and employees knew they were dealing with an honest and hardworking man.
Larry’s time away from work was spent camping where he enjoyed traveling with Barb to camporee events or finding a quiet site in Schroon Lake, NY. Since the 1960’s, Larry had passion for snowmobiling where he was an early member of the Fairfax Trailblazers Club establishing trails and bridges in Fairfax and Fletcher. He continued that passion throughout his life and rode thousands of miles in northern Quebec with his close friends and family.

Larry enjoyed and loved spending time with his family and friends. His family of 9 children, 8 grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren gave him abundant opportunities to witness sporting events, family gatherings, and spending time together. Living in Fairfax for his 80 years, allowed him to enjoy many lifelong meaningful friendships that he cherished.

Larry is survived by his loving wife of Barbara (Magnan) Young; his sons Lawrence Young Jr. and wife Cynthia; Todd Young and wife Elizabeth; Kent Boissoneault; Peter Boissoneault; Stephen Boissoneault and wife Sherri; his daughters Cherie Geddes and husband Gary; Dawn Boissoneault; grandchildren; Kirston & Travis Longway; Chellsey & Sam Howrigan; Emily & Joseph Malley; Andrea Young; Dameon Young; Morgan Young; Allison Geddes; Cameron Geddes; his sister Barbara Young; brother Robert Young and wife Marlene Tillery and 6 great grandchildren.

Larry was also predeceased by his sons Michael Boissoneault; Alan Boissoneault and sister Sandra Zeno.
Visiting hours will be held on Monday May 16, 2022 from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. at A W Rich Funeral Home – Fairfax Chapel. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday May 17, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Lukes Church, Fairfax. Burial will follow in the family lot in St. Lukes cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in Larry’s memory to Fairfax Rescue, PO Box 228, Fairfax, Vermont 05454. Please visit awrfh.com to share your memories and condolences.

The Fairfax Community Library Joint Board will meet on Thursday, April 28, 2022 at 6:30 pm.  To attend remotely, please find the Zoom link below. All are welcome!

Agenda:
Call to Order
Introductions
Approval of minutes for October 21, 2021, Joint Board Meeting
Correspondence
Highlights of Quarterly Reports – Librarians

Updates:
Library Insurance
New Community Library Staff
Compensation Study
Early Literacy Project

New Business:
   Highlights of school policies/procedures which impact the library
   Share update of Fairfax Community Library Unattended Children Policy
Trustees currently working on update to the Patron Code of Conduct Policy

Other:

Zoom link:
Topic: Fairfax Community Library Joint Board Meeting
Time: Apr 28, 2022 06:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85925825928

Meeting ID: 859 2582 5928
Passcode: 386811
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Corey Allan Crofts, 30, passed away unexpectedly at his home on March 26, 2022. He was the son of Lynn O’Brien and Gordon Crofts, Jr. He was born on July 9, 1991 in St. Albans.

Corey attended school in St. Albans and Fairfax, he graduated from BFA Fairfax in 2010. He loved anything with an engine and worked with his Dad to fix up a truck before he was old enough to drive it. He would spend many hours working on his snowmobiles and four wheelers. If not working on or riding his machines, Corey would love to go fishing. While many friends and family would use lures or other contraptions to attract the fish, Corey would out fish them all with a worm or night crawler.

When in grade school, Corey loved to play soccer and ice hockey. Despite usually being the smallest kid on the team, he used his speed and grit to outplay many kids bigger and stronger than him.

Corey tried his hand at several jobs including working for AC Hawthorne and George S. Wood Inc. before joining S.D. Ireland Company. During the eight years he spent with Ireland, he worked on many projects throughout northern Vermont.

Corey refused to be defined by his mental illness. Going to work or socializing could be mentally exhausting. Despite that he went to work every day, due to the work ethics instilled in him by his parents’ and brother’s example. His courage throughout this time will never be forgotten.

Corey is survived by his parents, stepmom Ellen Bushey and stepdad Mike O’Brien, big brother Kyle Crofts who Corey looked up to and relied on for help so many times, Kyle’s fiancée Tiffany Reed who Corey thought of as his sister, his two nephews Kasen and Lennox Crofts and his maternal grandmother Sandy Sweeny. Corey is also survived by his stepsisters Carrie O’Brien, Celia O’Brien and Alysia Newell, stepbrothers Justin O’Brien, David Bushey his wife Alisa, and Brian Bushey, and niece Fiona Bushey, also aunts and uncles, Debbie and Norman Parent, Diane and Mike Deslandes, Diane and Dave Messier and Debbie and Matt Ladd along with many cousins and step relatives. Corey was predeceased by his paternal grandparents Gordon Crofts, Sr. and Elizabeth and Alan Westcott and his maternal grandparents Raymond Sweeny, and William and Lorraine O’Brien.

There will be no visiting hours and inurnment will be at a later date.

For those who wish to make a donation in Corey’s name, please consider: Franklin County Animal Rescue, 30 Sunset Meadow, St. Albans, VT 05478 or The Howard Center, 208 Flynn Ave, Burlington, VT 05401.

To send Corey’s family a message of condolence, kindly go to www.healdfuneralhome.com.

Peg and Bill lived in Fairfax for many years before moving to Fletcher.

Fletcher – Margaret Louise “Nanny Peg” Cootware, 93, passed away peacefully at her home in Fletcher on Friday March 11, 2022. Margaret was born in Bristol, Connecticut on June 9, 1928 the daughter of Swedish immigrants, Knute and Annie (Hagman) Peterson, who raised her in the Swedish Evangelical Mission Church of Bristol. Margaret married Bill Cootware on August 3, 1947 in Armenia, New York. Margaret and Bill came to Fairfax early in their marriage raising the "10 KIDS" between there and then Fletcher. She played an active role in manning-the-herd of their Jersey farm; getting her hands in the dirt working a large garden to help feed her family; and playing in her flower gardens.

She was very creative and a skilled seamstress - making beautiful quilts, wedding gowns, prom dresses, blue jeans (with designer tags), and the best Halloween and Easter costumes ever. "Nanny Peg" was an active participant in so many kids' activities from the Easter egg hunt to dressing up for trick-or-treating, to snowshoeing, to supplying the lemonade and donut stand; accompanying on field and class trips; you name it, she was there!

She was an excellent cook and always included friends and neighbors in her huge family gatherings. She was famous for her Swedish meatballs, baked beans and roast pork.

Margaret worked at Cambridge Pharmacy for numerous years. Her service to the Fletcher Community was extensive - 20 years of service on the Zoning Board. She was also school hot lunch cook, 4-H Leader, member of Parent/Teacher Organization, a member of the Fletcher Historical Society, Life member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles, served on the board of the Fletcher Union Meeting House and participated in endless fund raisers. She was particularly proud of her many years of service with the American Legion Auxiliary and shared her experiences with the Civil Air Patrol in her high school years during WWII. Peg did her best, by example, to instill a sense of civic responsibility and hard work in her children.

In later years, she became an active participant in the Binghamville United Methodist Church in Fletcher. Her children have fond memories of her singing hymns and songs in "Swedish".

"Peg" and Bill travelled the country extensively in their retirement and spent many vacations camping with family and friends; and hours on the dreaded sailboat (Peggy Lou, Too) on Lake Champlain. “Peg” and Bill introduced the family to the seaside in the early 60’s in Seabrook, New Hampshire and then migrated north to Pine Point Scarborough for their annual week-long camping event – a tradition that the Cootware family plans to continue.

Margaret was a warm and generous woman with a tremendous sense of humor. To know her, was to love her. "Peg's" greatest love was her family - boasting "10 KIDS" on her number plate. She took great pride and joy in participating in all festivities with her kids and grandkids, and greatgrands - providing them with endless happy memories. "Nanny Peg" was mother to all children who crossed her path; and a devoted friend who enthusiastically lent a helping-hand to elderly neighbors. She touched s-o-o many lives and will be greatly missed by all.

Margaret is survived by sons, Joseph David Cootware and wife Susan McCartney of Reno, NV; Richard W. Cootware of Fletcher; daughters, Diane Schwarm and husband Ron of Waterville; Barbara Lehouiller and husband George of Cambridge; Janet Mazzola of Hyde Park; Brenda Edwards of Fletcher; Tracey Hunt and husband Palmer of Johnson; Jennifer Cary and husband Alan of Fletcher; son-in-law Dolor Lamphere of Cambridge; sister-in-law Peggy Hein of Farmington, Conn., 19 grandchildren: Bobbi, Brian, Monica, Tara, Jake, Lisa, Sean, Schuyler, Bailey, Adam, Eric, Jessica, Nathan, Austin, Spencer, Amber, Marissa, Lindsay and Trevor; 27 great grandchildren: Chauncey, Christopher, Emma, Morgan, Noah, Zachary, Emilie, Katelyn, Madison, Teagan, Brennan, Wesley, Desiree, Tyler, Mady, Hannah, Madeline, Isaac, Maddox, Tripp, Hailey, Ava, Ryder, Michael, Colton, Gentry and Scarlett. Many nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was predeceased by her husband Bill Cootware; son Paul W. Cootware; daughter Joyce Lamphere; infant son William Cootware; sons-in-law Bob Mazzola; John Edwards and Tom Fonda, 4 siblings and their spouses Anna Mae & Clem Conforti; Kendall Peterson, Gunnar & Lillian Peterson; and Richard & Claudia Peterson and sister-in-law Kathryn Jean Bonyai.

There will be no public services held at this time. Funeral services are planned for June 5th at Binghamville United Methodist Church in Fletcher. Burial to follow in the family lot in St. Luke Cemetery. Time to be announced. Memorial contributions in Margaret’s memory may be made to the Friends of Fletcher Elementary, 340 Stone Road, Cambridge, Vt 05444 or to Binghamville United Methodist Church, c/o Charles Tinker – Treas., 629 Fairfax Road, Cambridge, VT 05444. Friends and family are invited to share your memories and condolences by visiting awrfh.com.

Obituary for Evelyn Mary Ashline

Saint Albans - Mrs. Evelyn Beniot Ashline passed away peacefully in her sleep Friday, March 11th, 2022. She was born appropriately on All Saint’s Day, November 1st, 1935, on the Benoit Family Farm, daughter to Sam and Doris (Samson) Benoit. She married the love of her life Robert Ashline, August 17th, 1963, they made their life together in the home her father had built on the farm in Fairfax.

Evie was proceeded by her parents, Sam and Doris, her in-laws, Lawrence and Alice Ashline. Brother, Leo and sister-in-law, Marie Beniot, sister, Dorothy and brother-in-law, Bobby Scanlon, and little sister, Claire Beniot, niece, Karen Martell, and brother-in-law, Terry and wife Katherine Ashline.

Evie leaves behind her husband, Bob of 58 beautiful years, her sister, Mary (Dennis) Shorey, brother, Norman (Jackie) Beniot, special niece, Jessica Scanlon, and many nieces and nephews, all of which she loved deeply.

Evie graduated B.F.A. Fairfax, class of 1956, later had a 35-year career at Fonda’s, and was a communicant of Holy Angles Parish. She also taught catechism for many years at the St. Albans Bay School.

Evie’s passion and life’s devotion was her family. She thrived watching the kids grow up on the farm, having them over to share sweets from the treat drawer, and stood proudly at graduations, weddings and so many other special days. Her heart was most filled when surrounded by her family, serving them, feeding them, caring for them. It was Aunt Evie’s tendency to offer you seconds before you had even begun to eat, assuring you, there was still dessert to be had.

Her family will receive family and friends on Monday, March 21st, 2021, from 3:00 to 6:00 PM at the Heald Funeral Home, 87 South Main Street, St. Albans.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, March 22nd, 2022, at 2:00 PM at Holy Angels Catholic Church, 245 Lake Street. Masks will be required for visiting hours and Mass.

In lieu of flowers or donations, Evie’s wishes are that you live a life serving others before yourself, hold your family close and feed them with love and good food until their hearts and bellies are full. Work hard, and dance until your legs hurt. Laugh and be silly, but above all else love one another, and save room for dessert.

As per Evie’s wishes, a bereavement lunching will not be had after the Mass, but a family BBQ will follow the graveside memorial this summer.

Honored to be serving the Ashline family is the Heald Funeral Home, where messages of condolence are welcome at www.healdfuneralhome.com.

We are back after 2 years of covid.  Hope to see you there.

Bake and Book Sale, Saturday March 19, 9A-1P at the United Church of Fairfax, 8 Fletcher Rd. in Fairfax.  Benefit of the Ladies of the United Church of Fairfax for their mission work.  For info. call 849-6313.   We ask that you wear a mask for everyone’s protection.
If you have books you would like to donate you can drop them off on March 17th from 3-5 and the 18th from 3-6.

 
ENOSBURG FALLS: Joyce Popple Irish passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 27th at the Villa Rehab in St. Albans with her daughter Bonnie and granddaughter Jennifer by her side, along with daughters Sharon and Susie in spirit.

Joyce was born in Rutland on October 10, 1929 to the late Howard Sr. and Madeline (Cook) Popple. She graduated from B.F.A. Fairfax in 1947 with a class of 13 graduates. 

On March 6, 1948, Joyce married James (Jim) Irish and resided in Fairfax and St. Albans for over thirty years. In her early years, Joyce was a sales assistant for Stollman’s Ladies Apparel, she left to raise their family. She returned to work and for many years was a loan officer with the Franklin Lamoille Bank.

Jim and Joyce were fortunate enough to retire early and move to Bradenton, Florida, where they became the “cruising couple” having enjoyed 44 cruises over the years.  Family always knew if they couldn’t reach them, it was because the cruise line had a last minute cancellation for them.  They moved back to Vermont in 2007 because of Jim’s declining health. He passed away on February 28, 2008. Until her passing, Joyce resided in her own apartment in Enosburg Falls. 

Joyce was the last member of hers and Jim’s generation. She never missed any sporting event, graduation, or prom pictures in the park. Her greatest joy was providing everyone’s favorite food for family gatherings and baking for the Farmer’s Market with Susie. Everyone loved her buttermilk donuts and her baking powder biscuits for strawberry shortcake! Joyce was an avid reader and loved crossword puzzles.

Joyce leaves three daughters and their families, Bonnie Evans (Michael) of St. Albans, Dr. Sharon Bevins (Tom) of Lehigh Acres, Florida, and Susan Irish-Reed (John) of Sheldon. She also leaves many grandchildren and great-grandchildren whom she adored. She also leaves many nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents and her husband, she is predeceased by her brother Howard Popple Jr.(Pop) and his wife Barbara.

Joyce was fiercely independent, living on her own until very recently. “A good life lived…rest in peace”.

The family would like to thank Dr. Amy Roberts and her staff, Franklin County Home Health, and the Villa Rehab for the wonderful care Joyce received while in their care.

Gifts in Joyce’s memory may be made to Franklin County Home Health, and Franklin County Humane Society.

There will be a private burial and family celebration of her life later in the summer.