Eunice J. Schleif, 76
BENNINGTON, Vt. — Eunice J. Schleif, 76, of Overlea Road, died Monday, Nov. 17, 2008, after being stricken at her home. She was a longtime community activist.
Born in Williamstown, Mass., on Feb. 6, 1932, daughter of Ernest and Cynthia Sweet, she was a graduate of the former Williamstown High School.
Mrs. Schleif was instrumental in the development of day-care facilities around the state. After working as an assistant to the plant controller at the former General Cable Co. from 1965 to 1970, she became chief fiscal officer for the Bennington-Rutland Opportunity Council, during which time she helped develop, and serve as, treasurer of Bennington Child Daycare. When Vermont received a grant in 1970 from the federal government for a pilot program in day-care development, she was appointed by Gov. Dean Davis to oversee day-care programs across Vermont because of her involvement in the development of Bennington Child Daycare.
This position was later moved into the Department of Social and Rehabilitative Services, where she remained until 1983. Mrs. Schleif came to the Bennington office at that time as a review specialist and, in 1988, was appointed district director, from which she retired in 2004.
A very prominent member of the Bennington community, she was instrumental in the founding of the Spirit of Sharing program to raise funds to clothe less fortunate children during the winter months. A longtime member of the Bennington Rotary Club, she held several Rotary positions over the years, including assistant district governor. She had been active in the United Way campaign, Green Mountain Chapter of the American Red Cross, the Early Childhood Council, Coalition for the Homeless, the Catamount Partnership, School and Workforce Partnership, the Park McCullough House and Oldcastle Theatre Company, among others. For many years, Mrs. Schleif had been a devout member of the Second Congregational Church, where she also served as a deacon. In her free time, she enjoyed playing golf and following the activities of her grandchildren.
Her husband, William W. Schleif Jr., is deceased.
She leaves two daughters and sons-in-law, Nadine Wisher and Neil Kenyon of North Bennington and Nancy and Tim Dailey of Palm Harbor, Fla.; a brother and sister-in-law, Alfred and Helen Sweet of Williamstown; five grandchildren, Duncan Kenyon of Lutz, Fla., Taylor Kenyon of North Bennington, and Ryan, Ross and Drew Dailey of Palm Harbor; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
She predeceased by a brother, William Sweet.
FUNERAL NOTICE — The funeral will be conducted at Second Congregational Church on Friday, Nov. 21, at 2 p.m. by the Rev. Mary Lee Clark, pastor. Friends may call at Mahar and Son Funeral Home on Thursday from 4 to 8, when the family will be in attendance. Burial will take place in the family lot in Park Lawn Cemetery.
Should friends desire, contributions in Mrs. Schleif's memory may be made to the Spirit of Sharing through the office of funeral home, 628 Main St., Bennington, VT 05201. Guest book condolences may be made at www.maharandsonfuneralhome.net.