Around Town: May 1, 2025

Condolences

Bernice L. Titus

Bernice L. Titus, age 88, of Charlotte passed away peacefully at the Colchester Respite House with her daughter by her side.

She was a homemaker for many years. She also worked for several years at the University of Vermont Medical Center as a patient transporter and before that in the packaging department for Resolution DVD Center. She was a loving mother and worked hard to help provide for her family, along with her husband Robert Titus. She grew up during the depression in the Dakotas with nine siblings.

Bernice was born August 3, 1938, in Eureka, S.D., to Christ and Lydia Leicht. She is survived by her daughter Laurie and husband Peter Curler; grandson Bobby and his wife Genia and great-grandchildren Colbie and Levi; grandson Bradley and wife Kari and great-grandchildren Remi, Reese, Emerson, Wylie, Leland and Capri; daughter-in-law Lorraine Titus, grandson Ryan and his wife Jenn of S.C.; her sister Shirley Pulciani and husband Mike; and several nieces and nephews. Bernice was predeceased by her parents Christ and Lydia Leicht; husband Robert Titus; their infant daughter Diane and son Jeffrey Titus; brothers Edwin, Marvin, Milton, Delbert and Howard Leicht; along with her sisters Ida, Elise and Ardella.

Bernice enjoyed traveling and took many trips along with her family across the country to see her mother and siblings in South Dakota. She enjoyed reading, loved a good movie or play at the theater and enjoyed watching her great-grandchildren participate in sporting events. In later years, she especially enjoyed many bus trips with her husband Robert. She dearly missed her husband and their many years together, filled with the love of family and shared adventures.

Many thanks to the UVM Hospice team and the folks at McClure Miller Respite House. Though her stay was short, she received the best loving care you could ask for and it was greatly appreciated. A special thanks also to those who visited her at home; they really helped make her days a little brighter.

Memorial Service will be held Saturday, June 7, 2025, at the North Ferrisburgh United Methodist Church at 11 a.m. A gathering will be held at the church after the service.

Donations may be made to McClure Miller Respite House, 3113 Roosevelt Highway, Colchester, VT 05446.

Stanton Williams

Stanton Williams, 86, of South Burlington, Vermont, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 12, 2025, surrounded by his family after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Born on May 14, 1938, in Burlington, Vermont, Stan was the son of Helen and Wilson “Bill” Williams. He grew up in Charlotte alongside his sisters, Rebecca (Williams) Mascott, now residing in Florida, and the late Diana Williams. Stan spent his formative years in Charlotte, often playing hockey on the pond off Greenbush Road, swimming at Thompson’s Point or working at his family’s establishment, the Old Brick Store.​

Stan graduated from Burlington High School, where he was class president, and later attended Kimball Union Academy. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Vermont, where he was president of the Sigma Nu fraternity and a member of the ROTC program. After graduation, Stan was commissioned as a First Lieutenant and stationed at Fort Benning in Georgia.

In 1963, Stan married Joanna Lull, with whom he shared many meaningful years. Later, he built a new chapter of life with Joyce Williams, and together, they established Pine Tree Nursery in Chatham, Massachusetts. There, Stan developed his knowledge of horticulture and the landscaping business.

Stan had a lifelong love for the water. He spent countless hours racing sailboats on Malletts Bay with his dear friend Bob Morse, walking along the Cape Cod National Seashore and enjoying sunsets on the beaches of Naples, Florida, often with a cold beverage in hand.

Sports were another of Stan’s passions. He was an avid baseball fan, attending Cape Cod Baseball League games and participating in the Red Sox Fantasy Camp. One of his most cherished memories was watching Game 7 of the 2004 ALCS, where the Red Sox completed their historic comeback against the Yankees, with his 7-month-old grandson, Sam, by his side.  Stan also had a deep love for hockey, especially University of Vermont hockey. He was a longtime season ticket holder and served as president of the Friends of UVM Hockey for many years. Some of his fondest memories were attending games and post-game celebrations with his family, where he let his young son stay up much too late. 

In 2015, Stan returned to Vermont to be closer to his family. He treasured the moments spent with his son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren. Whether it was attending school concerts, sharing a Starbucks drink or simply sitting together on the back porch, Stan loved every moment with his grandchildren. His loyal dog, Dexter, was his constant companion during these years, serving as a wonderful and special friend.​

During his time at Gazebo Senior Living in South Burlington, Stan formed a special friendship with fellow resident Sally Vachereau. Their mornings were often spent sharing hot chocolate and coffee, sitting outside and talking for hours, and dancing together at Gazebo events or the Moose Lodge. Stan’s love for gardening was evident in the beautiful spaces he cultivated at Gazebo, bringing joy to all who visited.​

Stan is survived by his son, Stanton Lull Williams of Shelburne and his wife, Naomi Lei Williams, and their children, Samuel Lull Williams and Lillian Grace Williams; his sister, Rebecca Mascott of Naples, Florida; and his nieces, Kimberly Zieselman of Manchester, Vermont, and Tara Mascott of Boxborough, Massachusetts. He was predeceased by his parents, Wilson and Helen Williams; his sister, Diana Williams; and his first wife, Joanna Lull.​

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at both Grand Way Commons and Gazebo Senior Living in South Burlington for their compassionate care and support during Stan’s battle with Alzheimer’s disease.​

Though Alzheimer’s gradually took many things from Stan, it never touched his love for family, his passion for the outdoors or his uncanny ability to make people smile.  

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of Vermont.