Around Town: Feb. 6

Condolences

Jane Akin passed away peacefully in her home in Greensboro, Vermont, on Jan. 10, 2025. Born in Hoboken, New Jersey, to the late Howard C. and Madeline H. Anderson. Jane graduated from East Orange High School in 1966 and attended Wheeling West Virginia College.

Jane was an academic and professional success, applying her talents and passion to careers at Gardenway, Lane Press and Charlotte Central School, where she brought laughter and care to children for 14 years.

Jane is survived by her husband David and three children, Seth, Jordan and Catherine, all of whom will continue to be inspired by her remarkable strength of heart.

Jane and David raised their family in Charlotte, Vt., for over 40 years before moving to Greensboro in 2023. She was a dedicated wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend.

A kind and compassionate person, Jane was known for her generosity and fierce advocacy for those she loved. Her vivacious nature was clearly beheld by anyone lucky enough to find themselves in her beautiful gardens or kitchen. Her family and friends will remember Jane for her timeless style, sharp intellect, wit and unwavering support.

Jane will be welcomed back to the earth by her family at a future date when her beloved flowers bloom.

We ask that you remember her for the way her life was lived and for the profound impact it had on the lives of those who had the pleasure of knowing her and loving her. You are invited to please share your memories and messages.

Donna Marie Liebert (DeSiato), a loving wife, mother, grandmother, friend, colleague and astute businesswomen in the areas of management, finance, accounting, human resources and information technology, of Charlotte and Englewood, Fla., died from cancer on Jan. 9. Liebert (1955–2025) passed away at age 69 at the McClure Miller Respite House in Colchester, Vt.

Donna was born in Philadelphia, Penn., to Perry and Mary DeSiato. She attended Springfield High School in Springfield Township, Penn., later earning a degree in fine arts from Montgomery County Community College in Blue Bell, Penn.

She held several professional positions before and after raising her two sons, including accounts payables and receivables, assistant accountant, payroll manager, accounting manager and controller and chief financial officer. During the years she stayed home to raise her sons, she worked part time as a township tax collector and treasurer, she also opened and operated a secondhand shop for children’s clothes, accessories and toys called My Kids Closet.

Her most recent positions were with KSV Agency in Burlington, a strategy, marketing and creative agency. When she first walked through the KSV doors in 2000 as a temporary accounting manager, she never envisioned a 24-year career where she managed accounting, human resources, facilities and information technology, eventually becoming the chief financial officer. She retired from KSV Agency in April of 2024.

Donna met her husband Greg in 1984 while they both worked at Netzsch Incorporated in Lionville, Penn., marrying in 1986. Their first date came about after Donna slipped a note in Greg’s paycheck envelope inviting him to share a drink or dinner if he were interested. He was, and they spent the next 40 years together. Greg, Donna and their sons made their home in Pennsylvania until 2000, when Greg’s job relocated them to Vermont. One of her dreams was to have a home in Florida where she could bask in the sun, dig her feet in the sand and dip her toes in the ocean. This dream came true when she and Greg purchased a home in Englewood, Fla., a few years ago.

A wonderful and loving mother to two sons, Ryan and Derek, she doted over them as children, teenagers, young men and eventually as husbands and fathers. Her sons and their wives blessed her with three grandchildren, twins Maxwell and Reya, and Riley. She so loved these three precious little human beings.

Donna had great love for furry friends, treating them like family members. She nurtured and cared for Rusty, a shih tzu that lived to 16 years of age, and then Milo, a miniature poodle now 14 years of age. Milo was at her side as usual when she passed away.

Although she received a degree in fine art and was always an artist at heart, she chose to work in finance and accounting, as she knew those business so well and always felt she would do better in those fields as opposed to starting over teaching art or running a studio.

Donna was preceded in death by her father Perry DeSiato and is survived by her mother Mary DeSiato of Horsham, Penn., brother Perry DeSiato (Maria) of Austin, Texas, sisters Nancy Jones (Steve) of Lower Gwynedd, Penn., and Jean Nowack (Edward) of Chalfont, Penn., along with her sons Ryan Liebert (wife Bethany, son Maxwell and daughter Reya) of Hinesburg, Vt., and Derek Liebert (wife Leah and daughter Riley) of Oakdale, Penn., and sisters in-law Sandy Liebert of Edgewood, New Mexico, Trish O’Grady of Rifle, Colo., Valerie Liebert of Perrysburg, Ohio, and Joyce Roberts (Edward) of Englewood, Fla.

Donna chose to be cremated; therefore, a celebration of her life will be held on Feb. 8, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Stephen Gregory and Son located at 472 Meadowland Drive, Suite 7, South Burlington, followed by a luncheon at Ridgewood Estates Clubhouse located near 1 Concord Green, South Burlington.

Congratulations

Sophie Pidgeon of Charlotte was named to the dean’s list for the fall semester at the University of New England.

Crawford Phillips of Charlotte was named to the University of Rhode Island’s fall dean’s list.

James Anair and Samuel Zinner of Charlotte were named to the Vermont State University dean’s list for the fall semester.

Angela Fortin of Charlotte was named to the fall dean’s list at Quinnipiac University.