Diana McCullough

CHELSEA—Diana Lynn "Dolly" McCullough, 50, died Tuesday afternoon, May 1, 2007, at Gifford Medical Center in Randolph.

She was born May 11, 1956, in Barre, the daughter of Maurice "Spike" G. and Beverly J. (Rogers) McCullough. She began her schooling in Chelsea and then attended Green Mountain Special School in Montpelier, graduating in 1977. From 1983-2001, she worked at the redemption center operated by Upper Valley Services in Bradford. Most recently, she helped at the senior citizen dinners held at the United Church of Chelsea.

She started competing in the Vermont Special Olympics when she was 21. For the next 29 years, she participated in this annual event. In her earlier years, she took part in track and field events and more recently, she enjoyed the bowling competition. She received many ribbons and awards. This past year, she was given the "Lifetime Bowler Award."

When her younger brothers were in high school, she liked watching their baseball, soccer and basketball games. She enjoyed bowling and watching TV, especially WWF wrestling and the Boston Red Sox.

She lived her entire life in the family home on Route 110 with the loving and supporting care of her parents.

Survivors include her parents of Chelsea; two brothers, Mike P. McCullough of Tunbridge and Tim M. McCullough of Arlington, Va.; her nieces and nephews; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Calling hours were held Friday evening, May 4, at the Boardway & Cilley Funeral Home on Main Street in Chelsea.

A celebration and service of remembrance was held Saturday, May 5, at the United Church of Chelsea. Following the prelude by organist Dale Post, Dr. Bewster Martin greeted the congregation. Dolly’s sister-in-law, Kathy McCullough, opened the service by sharing a memory of her first visit to Chelsea, to meet the McCullough family. She shared that how over the years Dolly had become such a huge influence not only in her life, but also in the lives of all the people who came in contact with her. This was evident by the large attendance made up of family, friends, co-workers, staff from Upper Valley Services, and members of the communities.

The service continued with a scripture reading followed by the congregation reciting the 23^rd Psalm. Following the hymn "The Old Rugged Cross," Dolly’s niece, Christina McCullough, read an essay she wrote for college about her aunt. A piano solo, "Setting of the Sun" by Ben Jelen was played by niece Karen McCullough. Dolly’s youngest brother Tim gave a very emotional remembrance, followed by Kelly Wright reading a poem she had written for Dolly. Dr. Martin shared a few words and then the congregation sang "Amazing Grace." Dr. Martin led the benediction.

Burial followed in the Village Cemetery in Tunbridge. Friends and family returned to the church following the burial for refreshments and to share memories. Fellowship was hosted by the women of the United Church of Chelsea. The pallbearers were her brothers, Mike and Tim McCullough, Roger McCrillis, Rich Gilman, Boo Gilmour, and Harry Clark. Services were under the direction of the Boardway & Cilley Funeral Home in Chelsea.

Memorial contributions may be made to Upper Valley Services, 267 Waits River Road, Bradford, Vt., 05033; or to the First Branch Ambulance Service, P.O. Box 74, Chelsea, Vt., 05038.

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