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JAMES J. TAFT

 ESSEX JUNCTION – James J. Taft, 59, of Essex Junction, died unexpectedly on Jan. 10, 2014, in Fletcher Allen Health Care. He was born in Rutland on June 5, 1954, to the late Chester M. and Mary J. Taft. He grew up and lived in Essex Junction. He graduated in 1972 from Essex Junction Educational Center, and in 1977 from the University of Vermont. He played varsity soccer at UVM and was Co-Captain and MVP for the 1975 season. After graduating from UVM, Jim taught social studies at Milton High School and at Essex Junction Educational Center. While at Milton, he coached boys’ varsity soccer. His 1978 team won the Class I State Championship. Upon leaving Essex Junction Educational Center, he became employed with Systems & Software, Inc. developing and teaching the use of municipal accounting software. He worked there until he retired. For many summers following UVM, Jim participated in a mens’ semi-pro soccer league, playing with many former high school and college teammates and opponents. They and their families became a lifelong group of friends. He enjoyed his role as family curmudgeon and Mr. Fix-It. Jim was a funny, helpful and generous brother, uncle and great-uncle. He was especially fond of his nieces and grandnieces and nephew. In recent years, he had enjoyed traveling to Florida and the Caribbean. He had been coaxed to take up the game of golf, for which he had developed a love-hate relationship. Jim was predeceased by his parents. He is survived by his brothers, George, David, and Jeffrey and wife, Marilee; sister, Deborah and husband, Walter Swarkowski; nieces, Brooke Taft Robbins and Heather Taft Garrow; grandnieces, Abby Robbins and Ryleigh Garrow; grandnephew, Tanner Robbins; and many cousins, and dear friends. He will be very much missed by them all. Calling hours are Thursday, Jan. 16, 2014, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Corbin & Palmer Funeral Home, 9 Pleasant St., Essex Junction. A memorial service will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family. Jim was a supporter of organ and tissue donation. It appears that his generosity in this regard may benefit as many as 30 people. For those who wish, and also in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jim’s name and memory to Essex Rescue, 1 Educational Drive, Essex Junction, VT 05452.

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DAVID K. BURNS – ESSEX JUNCTION/ LAKELAND, Fla. – David K. Burns, 57, died Jan. 10, 2012, at his home in Lakeland, Fla. He was born Sept. 21, 1954, in Essex Junction, the son of Kenneth E. and Rita (Fleming) Burns. David was a 1972 graduate of Essex Junction High School. After high school he enlisted in the United States Air Force and attained the rank of Sergeant. He was stationed in Greece for approximately two years. After returning from the service, he graduated from Champlain College with a degree in Electrical Engineering. He worked many years in the aeronautics business at various companies, both in Vermont and Florida. He retired in 2009. David was an avid NASCAR fan going to such tracks, with brothers Jeff, Gary and Dan, as Las Vegas, Joliet Ill., Talladega, Ala., Arizona, North Carolina, Florida, New Hampshire, and more. He loved the races, football (New England Patriots), and baseball (New York Yankees). David was admired by all his family. He leaves his Mom and Dad, Ken and Rita Burns of Essex Junction; brother, Gary and his partner, Donna, of Colchester; sister, Kathy and her husband, John, of Colchester; brother, Jeff of Shelburne; and brother, Dan and his wife, Suzanne, of Jericho; nieces, Shannon, Jennifer, Andrea, and Kristen; and nephews, Gary Jr., Matthew, and Zachary. There will be a Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2012, at 11 a.m. at St. Pius Church in Essex Center, with reception to follow in the Father Murray Room. Interment will be in the spring at the Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Randolph, at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, for those who wish, contributions in David’s memory may be made to the National Military Family Organization, (http://www.militaryfamily.org). The family invites you to share your memories and online condolences by visiting http://www.awrichfuneralhomes.com.

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BARRINGTON ; Leslie Ann Leduc (Hoffman/O’Brien) passed away Monday, May 12, 2008, after battling ovarian and endometrial cancer at the age of 53 years young. She is survived by husband, Curt; daughter, Erin O’Brien, sons, Ed O’Brien (grandsons, Jeremy and Philip) and Conor O’Brien (grandsons, Liam and Aidan); mother, Everdene, and siblings, Judy, Mark, Todd, Bobby and Robin.

Leslie was born in Burlington, Vt., on Nov. 26, 1954. She attended St. Michael’s College, where she married Stephen O’Brien in 1974 and graduated in the Class of 1976, and University of Vermont School of Nursing in 1978.  She was a family and ED nurse for 12 years, before becoming school nurse at Newmarket Jr./Sr. High School in 1990. She received her master’s in nursing from UNH in 1996. She worked as a nurse practitioner at Stratham Family Health and Families First for 10 years, and spent the last two years working at Dr. O’Connell’s Pain Care Center in Somersworth and Merrimac.

Leslie and Curt were together for six years and married May 19, 2007, at their house in Barrington. Leslie will be remembered for her love of people, wildlife, nature, adventures, and new experiences. Leslie’s many adventures include sky diving, white water rafting, Tae kwon do, riding motorcycles with Curt, Laconia Bike Week, whale watching, and traveling. She accepted everyone for who they are, was always willing to help, and could always make you laugh. She touched so many lives and mattered so much to her friends and family. Leslie looked forward to seeing the birds, turkeys, deer, raccoons, and the occasional bear visit her backyard. The hummingbirds and Baltimore orioles came back for her to see one last time. The red-winged blackbird sang while she departed for a more peaceful place and the peepers were peeping for her all night long.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 17 at 40 Wood Road, Barrington.  In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Seacoast Hospice, 10 Hampton Road, Exeter, NH 03833.  Visit www.kentandpelczarfh.com to sign the online guest book.  Visit the online guest book at www.fosters.com/obits

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Thomas C. Ray
2006   Essex Jct.

Thomas Carlton Ray, 52 passed away Sunday October 29, 2006 at Fletcher Allen Health Care in Burlington following a courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Colchester, VT on December 31, 1953 son of Joyce Mildred (Marx) Ray and the late Robert Henry Ray.  Tom grew up in Essex Junction and was active in Scouting. He particularly enjoyed hiking and backpacking on the Long Trail. He graduated from the University of Vermont with a degree in Geology and was a member of Acacia Fraternity. He attended graduate school at the State University of New York in Albany. His passion for the great outdoors and geology were realized during his work at Sand Point Seismic Research Station in Alaska. Tom also worked for Hamlin Engineering Company in both Essex Junction and the Virgin Islands. Most recently, he served the Town of Colchester as their Health Officer. Tom was a compassionate man who helped to save countless lives through his long and active involvement with the Red Cross Blood Donor Program.  Tom was a devoted uncle not only to his niece and nephews but the many children of his friends. The outdoors always called to him and he was perhaps most content out camping in the Green Mountains or the Adirondacks. Tom ever the gadget connoisseur always had just the right tool for the expedition. Tom�s quick wit and dry sense of humor enlivened us all. He was a voracious reader with a personal lending library that he shared freely. Tom was a giver to the max. He was always reaching out to offer whatever was needed. He was a tremendously loyal friend whose compassion knew no bounds.  Tom is survived by his mother Joyce (Marx) Ray Flynn of Cambridge, Two brothers Robert (Bob) Ray of Cambridge, Frank Ray of Burlington, Washington, Two sisters Peggy Ray and husband David Abeln of California Susan Ray and husband Mark Hamelin of Underhill.  Niece Amanda Abeln and nephews Michael Abeln and Nicolas Hamelin and his beloved cat Ki Ki.

Visiting hours will be held on Friday November 3, 2006 from 5:00 � 8:00 p.m. at the A. W. Rich Funeral Home � Essex Chapel. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Saturday November 4, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Family Church with the Reverend Charles Ranges, S.S.E. officiating. Internment will be private and at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions in Tom�s memory may be made to the Humane Society of Chittenden County 142 Kindness Court South Burlington, VT 05403 or to the American Red Cross Northern Vermont Chapter P.O. Box 508 Burlington, VT 05401. Those who wish may forward their online condolences by visiting http://www.awrichfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are by John D. Workman A. W. Rich Funeral Home � Essex Chapel, 57 Main St. Essex Jct., VT 05452.

Janet R. Clarke
Janet R. Clarke, 47, of Essex Junction, died early Sunday morning, October 13, 2002, surrounded by her loving family, following a long illness. Mrs. Clarke was born in Newport on October 21, 1954, the daughter of Burton and Ruth (Osborne) Perrier. On June 17, 1972, she married George R. Clarke of Island Pond at Holy Family Catholic Church in Essex Junction. He survives her. They returned from the Philippines in July of 2000. In January 2000 the United States Marine Detachment presented her with a special citation for making her home “a home away from home” for the Marine Detachment during the holidays. A dinner invitation at her home was highly prized by the diplomatic community of the Philippines.  She was a member of the American Women’s Club of the Philippines, the U.S. Embassy Association in Manilla, Philippines, and American Legion Auxiliary Brighton Post No. 80 Island Pond. She was employed by the New England Federal Credit Union in Essex Junction. She traveled extensively throughout the United States and abroad but always considered Vermont as her “special place.” She was a loving and caring person who had an infectious smile that would brighten up any gathering of family and friends. Besides her husband, she is survived by her children: Jason Clarke and his wife, Heather, of Brunswick, Georgia, Melissa Clarke and her friend, Kevin Gieler, of Watkinsville, Georgia, and Stacey Clarke of Burlington; by her grandson Peyton Clarke; by her mother, Ruth Perrier, of Winterhaven, Florida; by her brother Brian Perrien and his wife, Dawn, of Essex Junction; by her sisters: Cathy Williams and her husband, Reynald, of Milton and Susan Perrier and her friend, Raphael Guitterez, of Essex Junction; by her brothers-in-law: Michael Clarke and his wife, Janella, of Island Pond, Patrick Clarke and his wife, Lisa, of Island Pond, and Darcy Clarke of Wickenburg, Arizona; by her sister-in-law Christine Clarke and her life partner, Aime DeGrenier, of East Hampton, Massachusetts; by her mother-in-law, Jeannine Clarke, of Island Pond; and by numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was predeceased by her father, Burton Perrier, in August 1998. There will be no visiting hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. James Catholic Church in Island Pond on Wednesday, October 16, at 10 a.m., with Father Paul Houde officiating. Interment will follow at Lakeside Cemetery in Island Pond. Should friends desire, contributions may be made to the Visiting Nurses Association, 111 Prim Road, Suite 1, Colchester, Vermont 05466; to Vermont Cancer Society, Drawer C, Montpelier, Vermont 05602; or to the St. James Renovation Fund, St. James Catholic Church, Island Pond, Vermont 05846. Arrangements are by Curtis-Britch Converse-Rushford Funeral Homes.

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01/14/2002 SUSAN RENEE (PLOOF) SPILLER BURLINGTON — Susan Renee (Ploof) Spiller of Jericho went to be with the Lord on Saturday, Jan. 12, 2002, at home, surrounded by the love of her family and friends, after a courageous battle with cancer, at the age of 47. Susan was born Dec. 12, 1954, in Burlington, the daughter of Paul Ploof of Richmond and Erliene Ploof (Adams), who joined the Lord Jan. 17, 1998, and her sister-in-law, Gail Spiller, on Dec. 20, 1998. She is survived by her loving husband, Roy Spiller of Jericho; her daughters, Alyssa Moran and her husband, Lee, of Jacksonville, N.C., Jennifer and Stephanie Spiller of Jericho; her brothers, Stephen Ploof and his wife, Lori, of St. Albans, Scott Ploof of Richmond, and Shawn Ploof of Colchester; her father-in-law, Norman Spiller of Westford; her mother-in-law, Virginia Bundy and her husband, Loren, of Florida; sister-in-law June Ross and her husband, Cliff, of Westford; brother-in-law Stephen Spiller and his wife, Pam, of Westford; brother-in-law Randy Spiller of Essex; her special aunts, Ruthie Beaulieu of Essex, Sandy Thompson and her husband, Carlton,of Milton, Lynn Plant and her husband, John, of Burlington; Aileen Ploof of Burlington, and Doris Parizo of Burlington; godchildren Sean Gilbert of Georgia and Brittany Ploof of Texas; a special and dear friend, Diane Gilbert of Tennessee; and several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and special friends. She was also predeceased by two aunts, Donna Dufresne and Karen Reed. Susan was a graduate of Essex High School in 1972. She then moved on to graduate from Vermont College of Cosmetology. She began her career at the Pinewood Beauty Salon in Essex. She then worked for Burlington Food Service, Joe’s Snack Bar in Jericho, and finally at Mane Street Stylists in Jericho.  She made a collection of very close friends at each place she worked, who became like a second family. Susan was a devoted and loving wife and mother, who always looked out for and kept her family and friends under her wings and close to her heart. She always put others before herself, looking out for their well-being. In addition to helping others, she enjoyed the outdoors, gardening, camping, taking care of her birds and cats, and going to the bingo. She will be remembered for her strength, warm heart, and sense of humor. She has gone on to continue helping others in a better place. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, Jan. 16, at 10 a.m. in St. Lawrence Roman Catholic Church in Essex Junction. Interment will follow in Resurrection Park Cemetery in South Burlington. For those who wish, donations in Susan’s memory may be made to either the Breast Care Center, 1 S. Prospect St., Burlington, Vt. 05401, or Hospice of the Champlain Valley VNA, 1110 Prim Road, Colchester, Vt. 05446. Visiting hours will be held Tuesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Ready Funeral Home, Mountain View Chapel, 68 Pinecrest Drive, Essex Junction.