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Hale Funeral Home, 187 Upper Plain, Bradford, VT (2026)

01/06/2026

Eleanor Taylor

BRADFORD - Eleanor Palmer Taylor, 90 passed away peacefully at home on January 1, 2026, surrounded by loved ones. Eleanor was born on October 30,1935 in Tamworth, New Hampshire to the Late Herbert E. and Addie (Grace) Palmer.

Eleanor grew up in Tamworth, NH where she attended Kennett High School and met the love of her life Keith Richard Taylor. After graduating high school, Eleanor and Keith were married August 11, 1954, at the Tamworth Inn.

Eleanor worked at the Tamworth Inn, Chimes Restaurant, and then began work with Bradford National Bank, Merchants Bank and then retired with Community National Bank at the age of 79.

Eleanor was involved with the Congregational church, Bradford Fire Dept. Auxiliary & Connecticut Valley Fair. She had a deep love and passion for the annual Connecticut Valley Fair Chinese Auction. She loved playing bingo, gambling with her sisters, and visiting with lifelong friends Colleen, Shelly, Karen, Rita, and Debbie.

Eleanor was predeceased by her husband Keith in 1996, son Bryan in 2016, 2 brothers Harlem and Clarence Palmer and three sisters Ginny Langevin, Charlotte Berry, and Doris Michaud.

Eleanor is survived by her daughter Susan (Glen) Hatch of Bradford, VT, daughter Cindy (Raymond Jr.) West of WRJ, VT, son Thomas (Tammy) Taylor Sr. of Corinth, VT. Her three sisters Arlene Satterfield of Ocala, FL, Mary Williams of Freedom, NH, and Jean McCormack of Moultonborough, NH, as well as thirteen grandkids, twenty-seven great grandkids, two step great grandsons & one great great grandson. As well as several nieces and nephews.

Eleanors favorite holiday was Christmas, and her last wish was to be able to have a large gathering at home around the Christmas tree with family and win the ugly sweater contest, and her wish came true.

There will be a graveside service at Sawyer Cemetery on June 27, 2026, at 11am with a Celebration of Life at the Bradford Fairgrounds immediately following.

Arrangements are in the care of Hale Funeral Home, 187 Upper Plain in Bradford, VT.

Those wishing to express online condolences may do so at: www.halefuneralhomes.com

View Eleanor Taylor's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/03/2026

Elaine Hibbard

Elaine Piper Hibbard

September 20, 1934 - December 25, 2025

BRADFORD, VT- Elaine Martha Piper Hibbard, 91, of Bradford, VT passed away peacefully on December 25, 2025, at Cottage Hospital in Woodsville, NH, after a short illness. She had not resided in Bradford for several years; during the pandemic, she lived for a time with two of her daughters and then lived at Grafton County Nursing Home after a time of declining health. She missed her home a great deal but understood the necessity and dealt with it with acceptance and grace.

Elaine was born on September 20, 1934, to Wendell and Doris (Noyes) Piper in an old sugar house that had been renovated into a small home on upper South Road in Bradford, VT. They moved into another home on South Road soon after she was born, which was to become the family home for the rest of her life. She was the youngest of three children; growing up with two older brothers, Lawrence and Carlton, who often said that she was spoiled, to which she usually smiled, and agreed. She attended schools in Bradford and graduated from Bradford Academy in 1952.

She met and dated her husband, Neil Hibbard, after graduating high school and they were married in Bradford on April 11,1953. She became a housewife, and then eventually a mother of four, which she enjoyed a great deal. They lived for a time at his family home in West Fairlee, VT and then in Post Mills, VT for a while before they returned to the Bradford family home after her parents passed away. She and Neil were together for many years until his passing in September 2012.

Elaine also worked for many years as a housekeeper at a few homes in the Hanover/Norwich area. Eventually she went to work in the Housekeeping Department at Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital, which then became Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center for more than twenty years. She enjoyed working and retired before she was ready to care for her husband during an illness. But once he had recovered, she had more time for her favorite activities.

Elaine enjoyed going to yard sales and flea markets a great deal and provided many useful items to her children and grandchildren. She almost always included friends or family on these excursions, which usually always included stopping somewhere for lunch. She loved holidays, especially decorating her home, preparing special foods, and spending time with family and friends.

Elaine is survived by three of her children; Sheryl Whitehill and companion Scott Robie, Sandra Elliott and husband Tom Elliott, Sylvia McLeod and husband Emery McLeod. Four grandchildren; Matthew Elliott and wife Alisha, Camden Elliott and wife Elizabeth, Kristina Bogie and husband Shermie, Alyssa Thornton and husband Matthew Thornton. Seven great-grandchildren; Ava, Callie, Benjamin, Natalie, Gabiel, Charlotte, and Mirabella. Also, her brother, Carlton Piper, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Elaine was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Neil Hibbard, her son Steven Hibbard, her brother Lawrence Piper, and her twin great-grandsons, Samuel and Andrew. She was also predeceased by her dear lifelong friends Lurlene Hurlbert and Miriam O'Donnell.

No flowers please, per the family's request. Anyone wishing to donate in her memory may do so to the charity of their choice.

Calling hours will be at Hale Funeral Home in Bradford on Saturday, January 10, 2026, from 1 - 3 PM. Burial will be private later in the spring.

Arrangements are in the care of Hale Funeral Home, 187 Upper Plain in Bradford, VT.

Those wishing to express online condolences may do so at: www.halefuneralhomes.com

View Elaine Hibbard's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/15/2025

Joseph Donald Lauer

BRADFORD - Joesph Donald Lauer, age 71, of Bradford, VT, passed away on November 20, 2025, in the home of his son, Ian Lauer. Joe was an amazing artist, guitar player and singer. He was a true "Dead Head" who would go to all ends to attend concerts in his younger days. He was a lover of animals and nature, what he referred to as "flora and fauna", and he had a huge heart for family and friends.

Joe is survived by his loving son Ian Lauer (Rae), daughters Christina Bell (Ryan) and Danielle Noll (Matt), sons Michael Guiliano and Jason Wrotney, sisters Mary Beyert (Jeff) and Debbie Leshanka (George), and sister-in-law Tracy Pike. he leaves behind many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles among other friends and family.

Joe was predeceased by the love of his life Vicki (Pike), parents Mary (Henne) Traxler and Ferdinand Lauer, and stepfather Charles (Chub) Traxler. Joe met Vicki in Ascutney, VT and the two were married atop Mount Ascutney on September 19, 1998.

Joe will be missed by all who ever knew him, especially his son Ian who took care of him the last few years as his health deteriorated, and Christina who took him in before that. He will be sorely missed by his beloved pets JoJo and Moe.

Arrangements are in the care of Hale Funeral Home, 187 Upper Plain in Bradford.

Those wishing to express online condolences may do so at: www.halefuneralhomes.com

View Joseph Donald Lauer's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/05/2025

Stephen M. Cheney

ST. GEORGE - Stephen Cheney quietly passed away at his home in St. George, VT, on November 25, 2025. Steve was surrounded by Judy, his wife of 52 years, daughter Krista, family, and beloved dogs. He was 71 years old.

Steve was born to Nelson and Nancy Cheney in Hartford, CT, after their car hit a tree en route to the hospital in a blinding snowstorm. Steve lived in Connecticut throughout his childhood but considered himself to be an adopted Vermonter. His lifelong love for the Green Mountain State began with spending childhood summers at his family’s home in Newark. His summers were filled with hiking, camping, and swimming in Willoughby Lake. Steve learned to say “Willoughby Lake” vs. “Lake Willoughby” from Bud Chabot, an old-time Vermonter and wonderful family friend who also taught Steve to shoot and shared many WWII stories with him.

Steve graduated from Torrington High School in 1972. He was an excellent student with a lifelong love of learning about history and reading. Steve met his future wife, Judy McLam, while both were attending Champlain College in Burlington. They later purchased a home in St. George, VT, where they spent their life.

Steve was a hard worker and worked many jobs through high school. Working was a means of responsibility to those he loved. After college, Steve worked at Vermont Hardware Company, St. Johnsbury Trucking, Burlington Rent-All, and Vermont Tent Company.

Steve also played hard. He and Judy collected salt and pepper shakers after becoming intrigued by the numerous collectable kinds. They took many Sunday trips looking for them and went to salt and pepper shaker conventions. They took trips to Las Vegas to see comedy shows, ride the roller coaster, and gamble a bit. Steve camped with friends at Button Bay State Park and went to Daytona 500 parties

His greatest passion of all, though, was fishing. Steve and Judy started fishing in a small boat and moved up to a bass boat. They went to major FLW and B.A.S.S. fishing tournaments as co-anglers and as spectators at tournaments in Plattsburgh, NY. After winning a trip to Australia, Steve and Judy went marlin and wahoo fishing in Bermagui N.S.W. Fishing was a means of being with friends and family and of being in nature. When asked why he loved nature, Steve replied, “In nature there is peace and quiet. In peace and quiet there is bliss.”

Steve received and gave much love and admiration from and to his wife’s family, the McLams of Waits River, VT. Their dedication to family, work ethic, and goodness contributed much to his life. Steve learned carpentry from his father-in-law, Robert, and he saw good examples of partnership from Robert and his wife, Leota.

Steve loved dogs and shared his life with many. A sweet Bluetick hound named Daisy held a special place in his heart. When asked why dogs were so special he said, “They are pure and inspire compassion.”

Steve was a good man, intelligent, handsome, loyal, and dedicated to his family and friends. He enjoyed the outdoors, camping, fishing, animals, and learning about anything historical. Steve, we’ll find you in the forests, fields, lakes, and streams. We’ll find you in the smell of warm dog fur, fall leaves, and pine. We will meet you there.

Steve is survived by his wife, Judy; daughter Krista; sister Ellen Cheney Friedler and her husband Don of Rochester, NY; brother Todd Cheney of Lancaster, NH; sister-in-law Lois McLam Cote and her husband Armand of Burlington; sister-in-law Sue McLam; aunt Sally Cheney of Enfield, CT; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews. He is predeceased by his mother Nancy Cheney Rovero and stepdad Jim; father Nelson Cheney; brother Scott Cheney; and uncles Adrian Cheney and Al Scranton.

Per his wishes there will be no visiting hours. Burial will be a private gathering in the spring at Waits River Cemetery. For those who would like to honor Steve, please consider a contribution to North Country Animal League (www.ncal.com) or Long Trail Canine Rescue (www.longtraildogs.org).

Many thanks to Home Health and Hospice for their support. Arrangements are in the care of Hale Funeral Home in Bradford. Those wishing to express online condolences may do so at: www.halefuneralhomes.com.

View Stephen M. Cheney's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

11/04/2025

Lele 'Leslie' Henry

PIERMONT, NH - Lele 'Leslie' Henry, passed away peacefully at home on November 2, 2025. She was born August 27, 1958, to Russell "Russ" and Shirley "Fred" Gould. She was predeceased by both of her parents.

She is survived by her husband Bruce Henry of Piermont NH and three beautiful daughters. Tiffany Henry of Piermont NH, Morgan Hall and husband Carl of White River Jct. VT and Carmen Henry and her fiancé Carrie of Barrington NH. A brother Russ and wife Kay and sister Alison Rose.

Lele also leaves behind brother and sisters-in-law along with a great number of nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.

A celebration of life will be held for Lele at later date in the spring at the Piermont Fire Station. The Henry's.

Arrangements are in the care of Hale Funeral Home, 187 Upper Plain in Bradford, VT.

Those wishing to express online condolences may do so at: http://www.halefuneralhomes.com

View Lele 'Leslie' Henry's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

11/03/2025

Louise M. Young

EAST CORINTH - Louise Mitchell McKay Young, 92, of East Corinth, VT passed away peacefully on October 26, 2025, at the Margaret Pratt Community in Bradford, Vermont. Friends and family were by her side.

Louise was born on October 11, 1933, in East Topsham, Vermont to Marjorie (Mitchell) and James McKay. She grew up on the farm in the village with her older brother, Duncan. They did a lot of skiing and skating up on the hill in back of town. She spent summer vacations with her grandparents on Pumpkin Hill in Danville and told many stories about the happy times she had there picking peas with her gramma. She attended graded school in East Topsham, graduating from Bradford Academy in 1952. She chose Houle's Beauty School in Manchester, New Hampshire for the next two years, where she met her lifelong friend, Irene Bruneau. Irene's parents knew Louise's aunt and uncle in Newport, and they often rode back and forth together, spending weekends at each other's homes.

She worked at Mary Maloney's Salon after graduation, then moved to St. Johnsbury where she worked at Provost's Beauty Shop with Irene. They shared an apartment and remained “best of friends always.”

During these years she met Neil Young. They were married in August of 1956 and moved into the house in East Corinth where Louise had her Beauty Shop. They stayed there for the next 67 years. Louise and their daughters enjoyed walking in the woods with Neil while he was lining bees, riding along bird hunting, scouting deer, and often stopping for a picnic on Tucker Mountain. Louise was an excellent seamstress who enjoyed making clothes for their daughters. Her talent carried over into her quilting, many of her quilts, table runners, and wall-hangings will continue to please for years to come. She'll be remembered for her lemon meringue pies for the church suppers, and hundreds of kids will recall the Rice Krispie squares on Halloween.

Neil and Louise spent years square dancing with their many friends. A lot of time and effort went into floats for the 4th of July parades. They were both particularly fond of ice cream and raspberry pie.

Louise is survived by daughter, Nan (John) Young-Mann, Grandsons Michael Bottiggi and Benjamin Whiting, Honorary Grandchildren, Lee and Terri Tillotson, sister-in-law, Judy McKay, and niece Kathy Lamson. She was predeceased by her husband, Neil, her daughter and son-in-law, Joany and Larry Whiting, her brother, Duncan McKay, and nephew, Duncan McKay, Jr.

We thank all of the caregivers from Caring Hands, who allowed her to stay in East Corinth as long as possible, and to the incredible staff at Margaret Pratt Community for helping her to make another home there. You are all exceptional human beings.

Calling hours will be at Hale's Funeral Home in Bradford on Thursday evening, November 6th from 6-8 pm. Louise's funeral will be at the East Topsham Presbyterian Church the following afternoon, November 7th at 2:00 pm.

Should you wish, contributions in Louise's memory could be made to Northeast Slopes, c/o Wade Pierson, P.O.Box 213, East Corinth, VT 05040 or The East Topsham Presbyterian Church, c/o Anne Peck, P.O.Box 12, Topsham, VT 05076

Arrangements are in the care of Hale Funeral Home in Bradford. Those wishing to express online condolences may do so at: www.halefuneralhomes.com

View Louise M. Young's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/23/2025

William M. "Bill" Rose

Sharon, VT / Sparta, NC - William M. “Bill” Rose, 69, passed away peacefully on October 18, 2025, in Sparta, North Carolina, at the home of his sister, Susan.

Born on October 7, 1956, in Lebanon, NH and raised on the Palmer family farm, Bill attended Thetford schools and was a graduate of Thetford Academy, Class of 1975. He worked for many years as an electrician with Lyme Electric, where he was known for his dedication, skill, and friendly nature.

Bill enjoyed woodworking, hunting and fishing, and spending time with family and friends.

He was predeceased by his mother and stepfather, Arlene and Arthur Palmer; his father and stepmother, Martin and Phyllis Rose; and siblings Johnny, Nancy, Buzzy, and Marty.

He is survived by his son, Daniel J. Rose and wife Anna of Sharon, VT; grandchildren Dominic and Layna “Aspen”; siblings Susan (Randy), Roger (Ann), Laurie (Steve), Kathy (Sid), Alan, David, Bonnie, Mark (Susan), Tammy (Robert), Kelly (Don), Stephen and Deanna; many nieces and nephews, as well as cousins and their families, and his mother’s sister, Aunt Lizzy Vaughan (95).

A celebration of life will be held at a later date in Vermont.

In lieu of flowers please consider donations in his memory to Mountain Valley Hospice who aided Bill’s care over the last few months.

Mountain Valley Hospice

PO Box 325

Dobson, NC 27017

Arrangements are in the care of Hale Funeral Home, 187 Upper Plain in Bradford, VT.

Those wishing to express online condolences may do so at: http://www.halefuneralhomes.com

View William M. "Bill" Rose's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/16/2025

EAST CORINTH – Deanna B. Pierson, 80, of East Corinth, died at her home on September 28, 2025. Deanna (“Dee”) was born Dec 1st, 1944, in Woodsville N.H., the daughter of John, Sr. and Elizabeth (Sulham) Patterson. She attended school at South Ryegate and Wells River High School.
On December...