Wanda Lourie Putnam

West Rupert, VT – Wanda Lourie Putnam quietly passed away on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at the Center for Living and Rehabilitation in Bennington, VT, after a long illness. In her youth and early adult years, she was an avid horsewoman.

Wanda worked in Manchester, VT, in several capacities before attending college to pursue a degree in Data Processing. After graduating, she returned to Manchester, where she worked for the Manchester Supervisory Union in the accounting department and later with the VT LEAD Project, eventually becoming its director. Wanda also worked at Castleton State College in several administrative roles. After leaving the State College System, she was employed by the Vermont Country Store, where she began taking phone orders, moved into customer service, and eventually became a trainer.

An accomplished vocalist, Wanda sang in the choir of the Congregational Church of Rupert for most of her life. She was also highly skilled in needlework, enjoying sewing, picture stitching, and knitting a wide variety of items.

Wanda was born in Cambridge, New York, on September 7, 1951. She lived with her parents in Salem, NY, before moving to West Rupert, VT, where she resided for the remainder of her life. She was educated in Rupert, VT (elementary school), and Salem, NY, where she graduated with honors.

On May 24, 1987 she married Val Almosnino, of West Rupert, at the Congregational Church of Rupert, VT with the Rev. Katherine B. Arthaud, pastor of the Congregational Church of Rupert, VT, officiating. Their daughter, Jessie, was born late in 1987. They lived in West Rupert, VT and were married for 38 years.

Wanda was predeceased by her parents, Ellen (Gould) Lourie and William J. Lourie; her grandparents, Willard and Mary (Wilson) Lourie and Harold and Vera (Ludd) Gould; and her parents’ siblings.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband, Val Almosnino; her children, Luther (Diana) Putnam of Middlesex, VT, and Jessie Almosnino of Manchester Center, VT; her grandson, Reese Ollivander of Hudson Falls, NY; her granddaughter, Briana Putnam; and her great-granddaughters, Mary Putnam and Skylar Hopkins, all of Cambridge, NY. She is also survived by her cousin, Gary (Pamela) Dunham, with whom she was very close, as well as several sisters- and brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

There will be no calling hours. A memorial service will take place in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Wanda’s memory may be made to the Congregational Church of Rupert, PO Box 87, Rupert, VT 05768 or the Salem Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 360, Salem, NY  12865.

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