Bennington, Vermont – Pauline A Svitak, 86, died peacefully surrounded by her family on Monday, March 27, 2023, at her residence in Bennington, Vermont.

She was born in Cambridge, New York, on September 25, 1936, the daughter of Martin and Jennie McHugh.
She was a graduate of Cambridge Central High School.

Mrs. Svitak worked briefly at the Seed House in Cambridge before meeting the love of her life, Robert Svitak Sr.
She married Robert Svitak Sr. on September 15, 1956.

Her primary role was being a loving mother and wife and ensuring her family’s happiness. While raising her four children, Pauline was a proud Avon representative. She later worked at JCPenny. Once retired from JCPenny’s, Pauline enjoyed time with her husband, Robert, children, and many grandchildren.

Pauline never passed up a good tag sale and was always willing to barter on the price. She loved singing in the Sacred Heart church choir and had the voice of an angel. She was always looking out for her family and wanted to get them a deal, which led to her famous catchphrase, “Does a coupon ever really expire?” Through retirement Pauline and her husband Robert would go to the Casino and have a good time together at the slots. Above all, Pauline enjoyed being in the presence of her family, where she would always share a story, a good joke, and a trivia fact at family functions.

Pauline had a heart of gold and was always looking out for the best interest of her family, and she will be deeply missed by them all.

Survivors include her three children and their spouses. Daughters Peggy (Mike) Burke of Hull, MA and Ann (Duane) Peacock of Shaftsbury, VT. Son William (Angela) Svitak of Rutland, VT. Nine grandchildren, Braden (Alyssa), Conner (Melissa) and Jensen (Aaron) Burke, Duane Jr. (Marcy), Diane (Jason), Brad (James), and Erin (Nico) Peacock, Kaylee and Marin Svitak, and three great-grandchildren Mason Peacock, Grayson and Willa Burke and many nieces and nephews.

Pauline was predeceased by her husband, Robert Svitak Sr., her son, Robert Svitak Jr., and her sisters, Irene Gates and Jane Guiden.

A private service will be held at Mahar and Son Funeral Home in Bennington.

In lieu of requesting donations, the family feels that the best way to honor Pauline’s life is that you perform a random act of kindness.

Guestbook condolences may be made at www.maharandsonfuneralhome.net

To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Pauline Svitak, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.

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Bennington, Vermont – Hazel Squiers Harrington, 87, a resident of Bennington, passed away Wednesday, March 29, 2023 following a brief illness.

She was born in Arlington, VT on December 17, 1935. She was the daughter of the late Royce and Margaret (Gilbar) Squiers. She was one of fourteen children. Hazel attended school in Arlington, VT and graduated from Lyndon State Teacher’s College. Upon graduation, she taught in Vergennes, VT for several years. Later in her career, she was a substitute teacher in the Bennington area schools.

On October 15, 1966, Hazel married William H. Harrington Jr. who pre-deceased her in July of 2011. In their nearly 45 years of marriage, they shared their love of the outdoors, hiking, hunting, fishing, camping, and relaxing along with their children James and Diane. Their yard was always the neighborhood hangout and hosted many kickball and wiffle ball games, tag contests and hide and seek. Hazel was known as “Mom” or “Ma” by a lot of those kids.

Upon retirement from Eveready, Hazel joined Bill in the ranks of retirement and together they traveled. Their little Scamper could be seen all along the Eastern United States, but their favorite spot was Cedar Point, North Carolina. Hazel continued to travel with her children after Bill’s death, and together they had many adventures.

Survivors include, her daughter, Diane Mead of Bennington, her son James Harrington and his wife Wanda of Bennington. Her four grandchildren, Stacey, Amanda, Jennifer (Caleb) and Ian. Hazel is also survived by two brothers, Max and David Squiers (Bonnie) and two sister in laws, Janice Harrington and Dawn Clark (James) along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Hazel was pre-deceased by her parents, siblings: Gilbert Squiers, Lucille Squiers, Richard Squiers, Vernon Squiers, Ruth Squiers Gataletto, Joyce Squiers Gates, Phyllis Squiers Main, James “Don” Squiers, Linda Squiers Rose, Esther Squiers Gates, Kenneth Squiers and Nancy Squiers Gates Spinning.

At Hazel’s request, there will be no formal services. The family will have a celebration of life at a later date.

If friends desire contributions in memory of Hazel Squiers Harrington may be made to Bennington Project Independence through the office of the Mahar and Son Funeral Home 628 Main St. Bennington, VT 05201.

To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Hazel Squiers Harrington, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.

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Bennington, Vermont – Marion C Cutler, 103, a resident of Webb Street, passed away Wednesday March 1, 2023, at home surrounded by her family.

Marion was born in Philadelphia, PA on October 11, 1919, the daughter of the late Emil and Florence (Weidemoyer) Schaub and attended local schools.

While visiting a friend in Bennington, she met and eventually married Harold J. Cutler on March 25, 1939, in Philadelphia, PA and with Harold moved to Bennington.

Marion worked for more than 40 years for various manufacturing facilities in Bennington and transitioned to the position of Sales Manager at Montgomery Ward before the store closed in the 1970’s.

Marion was a volunteer Grey Lady at Putnam Memorial Hospital (SVMC) for many years. She was a very dedicated member of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Bennington for 50 plus years. She was the Directress of the Altar Guild for decades; the parish sacristy has been renamed ‘Marion Cutler Sacristy’ in her honor. Marion assisted in many fund-raising endeavors for the church; she was a member of the knitting ministry, making prayer shawls that would be blessed and given to the sick, knitting blankets, mittens, hats and scarves for children in need. She also loved to embroider and was an extremely talented seamstress, making a blouse in a moment’s notice.

Marion definitely had a green thumb; her gardens and hanging baskets flourished in her yard and on her porch; she had a habit of tossing any type of seed into the dirt and weeks later tomato plants would appear. She also loved to bake, she baked for family, church teas and charity bake sales, she canned jams, jellies and relishes. She would try new recipes and her family would be on the receiving end of her fruits and labor, we loved everything she created.

She is survived by her children Robert H. Cutler (Charlotte) of Bennington, Kathleen M. Marcoux (Richard) of Bennington, Richard A. Cutler (Deborah) of Bennington, Thomas A. Cutler (Annette) of Woodford, and a daughter-in-law, Kathleen M. Cutler of Woodford, 11 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband Harold Cutler who passed April 15, 1985, and sons Kenneth J. Cutler November 30, 2004, and H. John Cutler May 19, 1961, and great granddaughter Kaylyn E. Marcoux December 5, 2010.

Marion was loved by so many in the community, especially her entire family. They are better because of her.

The family has entrusted arrangements to the care of Hanson-Walbridge & Shea Funeral Home 213 West Main Street Bennington, VT. Funeral services for Marion will be held at St Peter’s Episcopal Church in Bennington and will be announced at a later date. Interment will be in Woodford Cemetery. There are no visiting hours.

If friends desire, memorial gifts in Marion’s memory may be made to BAYADA Hospice or St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, c/o Hanson-Walbridge & Shea Funeral Home P.O. Box 957 Bennington, VT 05201. To send the family personal condolences please visit www.sheafuneralhomes.com.

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Benington, Vermont – Barbara Ann Downing, long-time resident of Houran Road, Bennington, died on February 22, 2023, following a brief illness. She was the second oldest of five children born to Alfred H. and Marguerite (Higgins) Taylor and grew up on Lincoln Street in Bennington. She attended St. Francis de Sales Academy and graduated from Bennington High School with the Class of 1951.

During high school, Barbara worked at the New York Store on North Street and for N.E. Tel. & Tel. Following graduation, she was employed at BenMont Papers and then as secretary at Bennington Catholic High School.

Following her marriage to Charles A. (Chuck) Downing on July 13, 1957, at St. Francis de Sales Church, she stayed home raising two children. As they got older, she resumed part-time employment at Tansitor Electronics and Vermont Container Corporation. In 1968, she became a full-time employee at the State of Vermont at the Bennington State Office Building where she worked for 27 years. During that time, she served the public at the Departments of Social Welfare, Social Service, Health and the Department of Employment and Training from which she retired in July 1995.

Barbara enjoyed caring for her home and helping Chuck with the flower and vegetable gardens. She also was an excellent cook and baker and shared her baked goods with family and friends. On two occasions she won blue ribbons for her apple pies in area contests. She also liked to sew, cross-stitch and quilt. She was a library volunteer for many years at the Bennington Museum and enjoyed doing genealogy research for her Taylor families.

She is survived by her husband Chuck; a son, Taylor A. (Tad) Downing (Jennifer Parker) of Bennington; a daughter, Tracy A. Bessette (Michael) of Vergennes; grandchildren: David M. Bessette, Molly A. Downing, Owen P. Downing, step-granddaughter, Caroline Parker, and great-grandson, Harley LeSage. Siblings surviving include Beverly T. Feeney of Bennington, and Marguerite (Peggy) Jones of Locust Grove, VA. She is also survived by sister-in-law Jane Taylor and special nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She is predeceased by a brother, Charles D. (Pete) Taylor; sister and brother-in-law, Nancy and Edward Frasier, brother-in-law, James E. Feeney; brother-in-law Robert Jones; and by sisters and brothers-in-law, Elizabeth and Kanaan Kano; Myrtle and Howard Corey; and Jean and Bruce Smith.

At Barbara’s request, there will be no calling hours or formal services. Burial will take place in the family lot at Park Lawn Cemetery, Bennington. There will be a Celebration of Life at a later date.

If friends should desire, contributions in memory of Barbara may be made to SWVT Regional Cancer Center or Sacred Heart School, through the office of the Mahar and Son Funeral Home 628 Main Street Bennington, Vermont

To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Barbara T. Downing, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.

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Bennington, Vermont – Jack was a friend to everyone he met.

He was born in Klamath Falls, Oregon January 27, 1922. In 1942 He married his high school sweetheart, Norma Jean Hotchkiss. They began a life of adventure together that lasted 61 years until her death in 2003.

As newlyweds Jack and Norma lived in Tule Lake, Oregon in a house so small the front door wouldn’t open when the Murphy bed was down. When Jack enlisted in the Navy Sea Bees during WWII his wife went to Reno, NV to live with her parents. Jack was sent to the South Pacific to Tarawa Island. In 1945 he returned to Reno to reunite with his wife and meet his son, Richard Jack, who was born while he was overseas. Soon after they had a daughter, Leslie Jean.

Both Jack and Norma were direct descendants of pioneers (Jack’s the Oregon Trail and Norma’s the Kansas land grant) so they too followed their dreams and lived and worked in many towns and cities in Nevada, Oregon, California, and lastly, Bennington, VT.

As a young man Jack worked as an appraiser for a bank in Nevada, appraising everything from homes to large cattle ranches. Later in life he managed utility districts. But his true love and talent was in the building trades. He built custom homes, custom cabinets, and furniture. He was an artisan and craftsman who could design, engineer, and build just about anything. He even built or remodeled all seven of the houses he and his wife owned and lived in. He was designing and creating wood furniture, shelves, and cabinets up until his late 90’s. Many friends and relatives are the recipients of his handcrafted furniture and cabinets.

In retirement Jack and his wife were antique dealers in Oregon. They became very knowledgeable and were successful in the business. In 1998 they moved to Bennington to help their daughter and her husband start a family owned and operated antique mall in Pownal Vermont, the Century Barn.

After his wife’s death in 2003, Jack spent his time volunteering. He participated in Bennington Lion’s Club events and activities, started a “woodworking” program at BPI, was on the board of CDC building trades program, and helped with Habitat for Humanity. But his greatest joy in volunteering came from being a Hospice volunteer. Over a fourteen-year period he spent hundreds of hours visiting clients, learning about their histories and lives or just holding their hands – whatever was needed.

Jack is predeceased by his wife Norma, his identical twin sisters, Dorothy and Beverly, and his son Richard Jack O’Keefe. He is survived by his daughter and her husband, Leslie and John Resio, his daughter-in-law, Ruth O’Keefe, three grandchildren, six great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Jack’s family would like to thank the caring, wonderful staff at the VA clinic in Bennington for helping Jack stay independent the last few years of his life and the VNA Hospice nurses and staff for compassionate care the last week of his life. They were all more than caregivers, they were his friends.

Donations in Jack’s name can be given to VNA Hospice c/o Hanson Walbridge & Shea Funeral Home, PO Box 957 Bennington, VT 05201

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Bennington, Vermont – Lynn Hoyt, 68, a resident of East Road in Bennington, Vermont, passed away peacefully on February 6th, 2023, following a long illness.

Born September 2, 1954, she was the daughter of the late Joe and Gloria (Woodcock) Brandalik. She received her early education and graduated from Hoosick Falls Central School in 1973.

For 24 years Lynn worked at Union Carbide then Eveready. Then at Hemmings motor news for 12 years until she retired due to medical issues.

On November 3, 1996 Lynn married the love of her life Stephen J. Hoyt.

Lynn is predeceased by a sister, Sue Frazier, and two brothers Ed and Tom Brandalik.

Survivors include her husband Stephen Hoyt, her daughter Jamie Racicot and Jamie’s partner; Jeremy Rabideau. Her sister Diane Conway (Vince). Her three grandchildren; Cecily Bentley (Dakota), and Hayden and Asa Rabideau. As well as her 5 great grandchildren; Rian, Rory, Alura, Rowan, and Braxton.

At Lynn’s request there will be no services. However, there will be a celebration of life at a later date.

Contributions in memory of Lynn may be made to Bayada Hospice through the office of the Mahar and Son Funeral Home 628 Main Street Bennington, Vermont 05201

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Bennington, VT – John P Hart, 69, a lifelong resident of Bennington, Vermont, passed away unexpectedly on January 18, 2023, following a brief illness.

Born on August 16th (Bennington Battle Day), 1953, in Bennington, he was the youngest son of William and Jean (Morrissey) Hart. John was a lifelong Bennington resident, graduating from Mt. Anthony Union High School in 1971 and Mercer University in Macon, Georgia in 1976.

John was a tremendous 3-season athlete, playing baseball, football, and basketball. He was best known as an outstanding right-handed pitcher, playing baseball throughout his youth with the Bennington Little League, Babe Ruth and the American Legion leagues. He later played with the Bennington Generals in the collegiate Northern League, and, at the age of 21, he was drafted by the Kansas City Royals in the 1975 Major League Baseball Amateur draft. Beyond baseball, John played high school football, where he set many records at Mt. Anthony as quarterback and was selected to play in both the Vermont State and New Hampshire All State Football team in 1970. He similarly excelled at basketball, and remains on the MAU leader board to this day. John was selected as a Top 100  Basketball player in the nation in the National High School Magazine in 1971.

On June 22, 1985, he married his soulmate, Donna Lee Hart.

John was a longtime employee of the Town of Bennington Buildings and Grounds Department and the Bennington VFW post #1332, where he was immensely popular among the members and patrons.

John was a great friend to so many, and it was impossible for him to attend an event without running into old friends or making a few new ones. He was a skilled storyteller, and whether he was recounting memories for the first time, or the 21st time, his stories always grabbed the attention of anyone within hearing distance, and usually ended with a “harty” laugh, that was so true to who he was.

John is survived by his children; Casie Hart-Connolly (Brian) of Holliston, MA,  Crystal Ottaviano (Juan) of Stamford, CT, Guy “Tony” Ottaviano, Jr., (Cristi) of Essex Junction, VT; grandchildren, Cora, Carmelia, Mason, Jedi and Quinn; brothers, Lee W. Hart (Suzanne) of Jacksonville, FL, Michael J. Hart and Dennis W. Hart (Alma Jane “Peaches”) of Bennington; sister, Donna Alice Maher, of Bainbridge Island, WA; and many nieces and nephews. John Hart is reunited in death with his soulmate Donna Lee Hart, his parents, and sisters, Linda and Tina (Christina).

Visitation for John will be held from 10am till 12pm on Saturday, January 28, at the Mahar and Son Funeral Home in Bennington, immediately followed by a funeral service at the funeral home and a graveside service at White Chapel Cemetery on Chapel Road in Bennington. There will be a celebration of John’s life at the VFW beginning at 3pm.

If friends should desire, contributions in John’s memory may be made to Bennington Little League or American Legion Baseball Post 13 through the office of the Mahar and Son Funeral Home, 628 Main Street, Bennington, Vermont 05201. Guestbook condolences may be made at www.maharandsonfuneralhome.net

To plant Memorial Trees in memory of John Philip Hart, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.

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Bennington, VT – Florence (Budsie) Smith passed away peacefully at River’s Edge Community Care Home on Friday November 25, 2022, two days after her 105th birthday. She was born November 23, 1917 the youngest daughter of Lorenzo and Fannie Moore. She married William F.D. Smith on December 14, 1940 and had 3 daughters, Wilhelmina Smith, Ann Smith and Catherine Bergquist.

She graduated from Bennington High School and the Baptist Institute in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was a lifelong member of the First Baptist Church. Her interests included gardening, sewing, bridge, crocheting, quilting and reading. She lived her entire life in Bennington.

She was predeceased by her husband, William F.D. Smith in 1979 and her daughter, Wilhelmina (Billie) Smith in 2021. She is survived by her daughters, Ann Smith of Bennington and Catherine (Jeff) Bergquist of Rutland, Vermont. She is also survived by grandchildren Kyle Bergquist (Amy) of Hartford, CT and Allison Bergquist of Boise, ID. Florence had one great grandchild, Ellen Bergquist of Hartford, CT.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the First Baptist Church in Bennington on Wednesday January 11, 2022 at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow at Park Lawn Cemetery. Friends may call at the church from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at 11. Following the graveside service there will be a light luncheon at the First Baptist Church.

If friends desire contributions in Florence’s memory may be made to the River’s Edge Community Care Home or the Bennington Free Library through the office of the Mahar Funeral Home 628 Main Street Bennington, VT 05201.

To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Florence Louise Smith, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.

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Linda worked at various businesses in Bennington and the surrounding area throughout the years including CB Sports, Thompson Manufacturing, Independent Homes and the American Red Cross. She also worked at the Bennington Banner for a number of years in the advertising sales department and ran Linda’s Restaurant. She was a mainstay at the Bennington American Legion Post 13 for 18 years. She was very committed to the American Legion and was devoted to Veterans and Veteran causes. She served as an officer of the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary. She was a member of the NorShaft Lions Club. She was a huge Nascar fan, a crafter, loved bingo and frequenting the casino with her friends.

Linda was truly devoted to her loving family and dear friends and supported them in all that they did. She was very proud of them all and rejoiced in their achievements. Her relationship with her sisters and brothers was cherished. She enjoyed attending her grandchildren’s BMX races and cheering them on. She loved family events and always made it a point to attend, if possible. Linda was very social and could carry a conversation with anyone. She touched the lives of countless people.

Linda’s memory lives on in the hearts of her survivors: her husband, Stephen Greenslet, of Bennington VT; her son and daughter-in-law, Barry and Amy Richardson, of Shaftsbury VT; her brother and sister-in-law, Richard and Joyce Gardner, Jr. of Bennington VT; her sisters and brothers-in-law, Gail and Edward Elmore, Sharon Gardner and Bob Harrington, Wendy Chenaille and Jim Thurber, Kim and Mike Livingston, all of Bennington; and her sister-in-law, Robin Haynes-Gardner of Shaftsbury VT. Her grandchildren, who were the light of her life, Riley and Ryder Richardson; her stepchildren, Chad Greenslet, Ryan (Jacqui) Greenslet, Jodi (Lee) Morrison and Josh Greenslet, 9 step grandchildren, 2 step-great grandchildren and her beloved dog, her ‘girl’ Minke. She was predeceased by her parents and her brother, Gary Gardner in 2021.

A Celebration of Life for Linda Jean Greenslet will be held on Saturday, January 7, 2023; what would have been Linda’s 72nd birthday, at 2:00 PM at the Bennington American Legion Post 13. Should friends desire, contributions in Linda’s memory may be made to the American Legion Post 13 or the Second Chance Animal Center through the office of the Mahar Funeral Home, 628 Main Street, Bennington, VT 05201.

Guestbook condolences may be made at maharandsonfuneralhome.net.

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Bennington, VT – Frank A Babcock Jr,79, a resident of Putnam Street in Bennington, VT passed away Monday December 26, 2022 at the Vermont Veterans Home in Bennington following a long illness.

He was born in North Adams, MA June 17, 1943. He was the son of the late Frank A. Babcock Sr. and Belva (Brookman) Babcock. Frank received his education in North Adams and was a graduate of Drury High School.

Following high school, Frank joined the United States Navy serving from 1960 to 1964 aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise.

He married the former Patricia Schneski on April 2, 1976 at Saint Francis de Sales Church in Bennington.

Frank worked at Dodge Construction Company in Pittsfield, MA as a natural gas installer.

He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council # 307 and also served as an usher at Sacred Heart Saint Francis de Sales Church in Bennington. Frank enjoyed traveling, including taking cruises with his family, cooking and baking. He enjoyed listening to music and loved his spunky and beloved dog, Taco.

Frank was a loving husband and father. Survivors include his wife, Patricia Babcock of Bennington. His children, Jimmy Babcock (Debbie) of Florida, Lisa Demarsico (Michael) of North Adams, MA, Laurie Douglas (Brian) of Clarksburg, MA, Raiden “Heather” Babcock (Sarah) of New Hampshire and Heidi Marchand (Nick) of Long Island, NY. A daughter-in-law, Kristina Babcock of Sarasota, Florida. Thirteen grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. A sister Cheryl Cook (Keith) of New York, along with several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was pre-deceased by a son John Babcock and a grandson, SPC Michael DeMarsico.

Friends may call at the Mahar and Son Funeral Home on Thursday December 29, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

The funeral will be held from the Mahar and Son Funeral Home on Friday December 30, 2022 with a prayer at 10:30 a.m. and then from Sacred Heart Saint Francis de Sales Church at 11:00 a.m. where the Liturgy of Christian Death and Burial will be offered.

The burial with military honors will follow at Park Lawn Cemetery in Bennington.

If friends desire, contributions in memory of Frank A. Babcock Jr. may be made to the Eagles Concert Band through the office of the Mahar and Son Funeral Home, 628 Main St. Bennington, VT 05201. Guest book condolences may be made at www.maharandsonfuneralhome.net

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