Obituaries
Junis Mary Claflin Thurston
January 23, 2026
She was born to Fred and Vera Claflin on September 9, 1935 and attended elementary school in Corinth, VT and later graduated from Bradford Academy. On November 5, 1954 Junis married Mahlon Thurston, her partner of over 70 years.
When Mahlon joined the navy and was stationed in Virginia, she joined him. Later they returned to Vermont living in Chelsea before buying a home in Bradford Center.
Junis held a number of jobs in Bradford including driving a mail route, being a bus driver, store clerk and later a secretary. Junis was a very loving and caring person with a light hearted sense of humor. Although she had a quieter demeanor, she often would chime in with a one line zinger that made everyone laugh. In her free time Junis enjoyed crafting (including crochetting, painting and quilling). She crocheted the grandchildren blankets, hats and mittens, painted her own Christmas village set, made crafts for the holidays, and much more. Junis was a great cook and specialized in baking. She was always trying new recipes and would have treats available anytime people came to visit. She loved owls and had a vast collection of them. Junis loved being a mother, grandmother, and great grandmother most of all. She hosted sleepovers for her grandchildren, attended every special event/sport’s game, and hosted large Christmas and Thanksgiving dinners each year. Her heart was most full when being surrounded by family. She always had a special way with children as they would gravitate toward her.
Together, Mahlon and Junis started camping with their daughters and continued camping with their siblings and daughter’s families. Junis enjoyed relaxing outside at the campsite while being surrounded by family. Mahlon and Junis went on many travel adventures, traveling to almost every state in the US with family and friends often joining them. Together they enjoyed snowmobiling, riding scooters, and driving antique cars. They loved to play card games with family and friends. Their biggest joy together was always dancing. Mahlon and Junis were always gliding across the floor.
Junis is predeceased by her parents, brothers John, Ralph & Frank and sisters Olive and Olis. Junis is survived by her loving husband Mahlon and three daughters: Cindy Spooner (Anthony), Brenda Sampson (Joseph), and Carissa Thurston (Jeff Hodge). She leaves behind grandchildren: Joel (Natasha), Jeremy (Meg), Danielle, Stephen (Holly), Brandon (Danielle), Kaitlin (Connor) and Courtney (Carlyle). She also cherished her great grandchildren: Tysen (Taylor), Andrew, Justin, Alaura, Annalyse, Andrew and Liam. She leaves behind a loving brother in-law, sister-in-laws, and many nieces and nephews. Per Junis’s request, there will be no services.
When Mahlon joined the navy and was stationed in Virginia, she joined him. Later they returned to Vermont living in Chelsea before buying a home in Bradford Center.
Junis held a number of jobs in Bradford including driving a mail route, being a bus driver, store clerk and later a secretary. Junis was a very loving and caring person with a light hearted sense of humor. Although she had a quieter demeanor, she often would chime in with a one line zinger that made everyone laugh. In her free time Junis enjoyed crafting (including crochetting, painting and quilling). She crocheted the grandchildren blankets, hats and mittens, painted her own Christmas village set, made crafts for the holidays, and much more. Junis was a great cook and specialized in baking. She was always trying new recipes and would have treats available anytime people came to visit. She loved owls and had a vast collection of them. Junis loved being a mother, grandmother, and great grandmother most of all. She hosted sleepovers for her grandchildren, attended every special event/sport’s game, and hosted large Christmas and Thanksgiving dinners each year. Her heart was most full when being surrounded by family. She always had a special way with children as they would gravitate toward her.
Together, Mahlon and Junis started camping with their daughters and continued camping with their siblings and daughter’s families. Junis enjoyed relaxing outside at the campsite while being surrounded by family. Mahlon and Junis went on many travel adventures, traveling to almost every state in the US with family and friends often joining them. Together they enjoyed snowmobiling, riding scooters, and driving antique cars. They loved to play card games with family and friends. Their biggest joy together was always dancing. Mahlon and Junis were always gliding across the floor.
Junis is predeceased by her parents, brothers John, Ralph & Frank and sisters Olive and Olis. Junis is survived by her loving husband Mahlon and three daughters: Cindy Spooner (Anthony), Brenda Sampson (Joseph), and Carissa Thurston (Jeff Hodge). She leaves behind grandchildren: Joel (Natasha), Jeremy (Meg), Danielle, Stephen (Holly), Brandon (Danielle), Kaitlin (Connor) and Courtney (Carlyle). She also cherished her great grandchildren: Tysen (Taylor), Andrew, Justin, Alaura, Annalyse, Andrew and Liam. She leaves behind a loving brother in-law, sister-in-laws, and many nieces and nephews. Per Junis’s request, there will be no services.
Have a story?
Let's hear it!
(802) 757-2773
(603) 787-2444
news@thebridgeweekly.com
