Category: Obituaries

St. Albans – Jean Grover Bigelow, 87, passed away Thursday, May 3rd, 2018, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s.

She was born in Gardiner, Maine on April 25th, 1931, to Donald and Rena (Astle) Grover.

Jean graduated from BFA in 1950 and worked as a bookkeeper at the Franklin Bank.

Jean ran a daycare for many years and was affectionally known as “Momma Jean” by the many children that she cared for.

She is survived by her husband, Elmer Bigelow of 65 years; her daughter, Bonnie (Charles) Godin of Swanton, Vermont; son,  John (Josephine) Bigelow of Ferrisburgh, VT and son, Scott Bigelow of Longmont, CO, as well as eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren ( more coming), who greatly blessed her life.

Jean was a member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church of St. Albans for over 80 years. During that time, she served in many capacity’s at the church.  Throughout her life she volunteered for numerous activities. She always found time to help in any way as serving hands for her Lord.

Jean’s family wishes to thank the staff and management of Franklin County Rehab Center, where they made her so comfortable in her new home.

Jean’s family will receive friends on Wednesday, May 9th, 2018, from 1:00 to 2:00 PM at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 11 Church Street, St. Albans.

A funeral service will follow at 2:00 PM in the church sanctuary. Interment will be at a later date in Greenwood Cemetery.

Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider, St. Paul’s United Methodist Church or Franklin County Rehab Center.

To send Jean’s family a written expression of sympathy or share a memory, please go to her on-line guest book at www.healdfuneralhome.com.

FRANKLIN (Lake Carmi)– Richard A. Mercy, age 77, passed away on Tuesday, May 1, 2018, at his home, surrounded by his loving family and friends.

He was born in St. Albans on May 20, 1940, to the late Alton and Dorthey (Longley) Mercy.

Richard was raised in Richford and graduated from Richford High School Class of 1958. He was a 20-year Veteran of the United States Navy as a Submariner on the USS Ethan Allen, following a long and distinguished career he received his honorable discharge as a Lieutenant. During his career he mentored many men and women serving in the Armed Services, he would demand the best out of people and accepted no excuses.

He had many hobbies and interests including, golfing, fishing, gardening, cheering on the New York Yankees and Ohio State Buckeyes, enjoying a Bud heavy and going to The Price Is Right game show in New Hampshire. Richard enjoyed time spent on the lake with his family, friends, and the dogs that he cherished. He loved the many hours boating on the lake making sure not to hit the ‘friggen’ rocks or the weeds.

Richard’s family will remember him for his many qualities including his sense of humor, being an exceptional provider for his family and friends, his ability to tell you exactly how he felt with “no filter” and giving the shirt off his back expecting nothing in return. During Richard’s illness he was in constant pain, never complained, and never gave up.

He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather, supporting his children and grandchildren in all aspects, particularly sporting events, where he would travel to great lengths to attend their activities.

He is survived by his wife, Lorraine (Wright) Mercy of Franklin, his high school sweetheart, married on July 21, 1961; his children, Jeffrey Mercy and his wife Tracy of Tecumseh, Michigan, Tammara Mercy and her soulmate James Fitzgerald of Fairfax, Vermont; grandchildren, Samantha Mercy, Haley Mercy, J’Nice Kobzik and her husband Jay, Hayden Fitzgerald, and William Fitzgerald; great-grandchildren, Kylie Kobzik and Kaden Kobzik; foster brother, Peter Upton, and many close friends and neighbors.

A memorial service with military honors will be held on Sunday, June 3, 2018, at 3:00 PM at Spears Funeral Home, 96 Dickenson Ave. Enosburg Falls, VT.  

Visitation will be held on Sunday from 2:00 PM until the hour of the service.

For those who wish, contributions in Richard’s memory may be made to the Richford American Legion Scholarship Fund, 35 River Street, Richford, VT 05476.

SHELDON – Claire R. (Noiseux) Vaillancourt, age 90, widow of Rosaire Vaillancourt, passed away following a brief stay at the Northwestern Medical Center in St. Albans, VT. Friday, April 27, 2018.

She was born August 28, 1927, in Enosburg Falls, Vt, the daughter of the late Philippe Aubert and Aurore (Beauregard) Noiseux.

Claire lived most of her life on the same family farm in Sheldon beginning from the age of five when she along with her parents and the herd of cows transitioned from the Enosburg farm during the great depression. A home she cherished to the end of her life.  She began her education in a one-room schoolhouse in Sheldon often hitching a ride with the milkman on his morning route. To maintain her French heritage she was enrolled at all-girl boarding school, St Andre de Sutton, in Sutton PQ. She completed her education at Enosburg High School graduating in 1946.

Claire met the love of her life, Rosaire, when she helped serve at his parents’ 50th wedding anniversary at the church parish hall. They married October 3, 1949, at St John the Baptist Church in Enosburg Falls and traveled to Niagara Falls for their honeymoon. As Claire was an only child, Rosaire moved to her family’s dairy farm. It was a farm that Claire and Rosaire would continue to improve and grow both in land and children. She raised seven children teaching them to appreciate the finer things in life; music, art, and fashion.  She was a devout Catholic who sent her children to Catholic schools in Saint Albans. Education was valued and all of her children graduated from college. She enjoyed vacationing in Maine in the summer with the children and her sister-in-law Pearl Vaillancourt and her children, and frequent trips to visit relatives throughout Quebec. She also toured the United States with her husband and their nephew Fernand Bourbeau and his wife Margot from Trois Rivieres, PQ.

Claire was best known for her fine cuisine and hosted many dinner events and large family gatherings.  She had a flair for fashion and expertly sewed many designer dresses with fabric she would select with her favorite cousin Madeleine Desroches who spent much time on the farm with her and was like a sister.  She provided well for her family growing a large garden every summer and canning the bounty in the fall. But the family was the most important part of life. She was key in maintaining contact with both sides of her extended family and had daily contact with her special sister-in-law Frances Vaillancourt.

She is survived by her children Denis of Franklin, his wife Cindy and their daughters Andrea and Dena; Madeleine Chapman of South Royalton, her husband Pete, their son Christopher and his wife Megan; Pierre of Sheldon, his wife Mary and their children Josh, his wife Sarah, Shawn, Evan and Chelsea; Lise LaRose of Enosburg Falls, her husband Mark and their children Renae and Danielle; Louise Greene of East Berkshire, her husband Jim and their children Betsy, her husband Rob, Michelle and Caleb; Paul Vaillancourt of Franklin, his wife Christine and their children Karly and Emma; and Philip Vaillancourt of Sheldon, his wife Lisette and their children Jonah, Emma and Megan. She also leaves behind great-grandchildren, Noah, Del, Rye, Ava, Jonah Jr, and Charlee Grace, and numerous nephews, nieces, great nephews, great nieces, great-great nephews and great-great nieces.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held Saturday, May 5, 2018, at 11 AM at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 222 Missisquoi St, Enosburg Falls, Vt with Rev. Karl Hahn officiating. Interment will follow at St John the Baptist Cemetery.

Visiting hours will be held Friday, May 4, 2018, from 4-7 PM at the Spears Funeral Home, 96 Dickinson Ave. Enosburg Falls, Vt

For those who wish, contributions in Claire’s memory may be made to Franklin County Home Health Agency, 3 Home Health Circle, St. Albans, Vt 05478 or to a charity of choice.

SWANTON – Lawrence E. Therrien Sr, age 79, passed away on Thursday, April 26, 2018 in the comfort of his own home surrounded by his loved ones.

He was born in Highgate, but a long-time resident of Swanton. Lawrence was the son of the late Abraham and Marie (Michette) Therrien, of Pike River, Quebec.

Lawrence attended St. Anne’s Academy. On August 1, 1975 Lawrence married the love of his life, Elaine J. (St. Francis) Therrien after being together for fourteen years.

Lawrence loved to fish, bike ride, work on cars and loved going with his father for minnows. Lawrence worked at Gage Auto in St. Albans in 1965 for seven years.

He is survived by his wife Elaine, their two sons, Lawrence E. Therrien Jr. and wife Melodie of St. Albans, David A. Therrien and wife Holly of Swanton; sisters, Lorraine Therrien of Rutland, and Lucille Kittredge of Waterbury; 6 grandchildren, Cory Paquette of St. Albans, Eugene Bessette of Richford, Lawrence Therrien III of St. Albans, Jennifer Therrien of Swanton, Samantha Therrien of St. Albans, Christopher Therrien of Swanton and seven great grandchildren. Besides his parents, Lawrence was predeceased by his brother Roland (Smiley) Therrien, and an infant brother.

Lawrence’s family would like to thank some special friends and helpers; James Boudreau, Linda Calin, Howard Rich and many others. They would also like to extend appreciation to GMTA for transportation to and from dialysis, and NWMC dialysis department for helping and providing care to him for the past seven years.

In keeping Lawrence’s wishes, there will be no services.

For those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to Elaine J. Therrien, 12 Andy Avenue, Swanton, Vermont 05488.

NORTH HERO – Ruby Jane Gonyea, age 97, a lifelong resident of North Hero died peacefully, Thursday, April 26, 2018, at the Northwestern Medical Center in St. Albans.

She was born July 19, 1920, in North Hero the daughter of the late William & Lottie (Frost) Parrott.

Ruby attended school in North Hero and on March 9, 1939, she married Otto Gonyea who predeceased her. She worked at Holiday Harbor and Alburgh School as a Foster Grandparent for 31 years retiring in 2014 at the age of 93.

She is survived by nieces, Ann Carol of New Hampshire, Susan Barcomb of Rouses Point, NY, Nicky Gardner of Morrisville & Fanny Parkhurst of Hyde Park; nephews, Marvin Rocke his wife Helen and their family of New Hampshire, William Parrott and family of Milton; good friends, Kevin, Amalia, Amanda & Arianna Dingee of Poughkeepsie, NY, Jean & Mark Mahoney of Poughkeepsie, NY, Debbie & David Hall of Bakersfield; Sisters-in-law, Esther Parrott of Alburgh, Laura Munson of Clifton, NY, Mabel Abare of Florida; several great nieces and nephews. Besides her parents and husband, Ruby was predeceased by her sisters, Florence Delisle, Anna Rocke, Gladys Patenaude; her brothers, Milton Parrott, Floyd Parrott & Raymond Parrott; her nephew, Larry Garrett and his wife Leona; and her niece, Leora Lemnah.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, May 1, 2018, at 11:00 am at the Kidder Memorial Home, 89 Grand Avenue, Swanton with Pastor Chico Martin officiating. Interment will follow in the Jerusalem Cemetery in North Hero.

A time of visitation will take place at the funeral home on Tuesday from 10:00 am until the hour of the funeral

For those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to Champlain Islands United Methodist Parish, P.O. Box 107, North Hero, VT 05474.

SWANTON – Raymond C. Bushey, age 67, passed away Wednesday, April 25, 2018, at his home with his loving family at his side.

He was born January 25, 1951, in St. Albans the son of the late Clifton & Dorothy (Young) Bushey.

He is survived by the love of his life, Pamela Alberts and her sons, Zach, Nate & Nick; his daughters, Lara Paquette, Amanda Bushey and her fiancé Brandon Scribner, and Rhea Bushey; his grandchildren, Rilynn & Ciaran Paquette; his sisters, Joyce Graves and her life partner Denis Hovey, and Beverly Raine Rexford; his brother, Clifton Bushey Jr.; many nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours will be held Monday, April 30, 2018, from 4-7PM at the Kidder Memorial Home, 89 Grand Avenue, Swanton.

A graveside service will be held Monday, May 7, 2018, at 11:00 AM at the Vermont Veterans Cemetery, 487 Furnace Road, Randolph, VT.

SWANTON – Raymond L. Barrette, age 74, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, April 22, 2018, in Swanton.

He was born in St. Albans on July 22, 1943, to the late Clayton & Madonna (Langlois) Barrette.

Raymond was a life-long resident of Swanton. He worked as a handyman for the area and he could usually be seen walking throughout the village. Raymond loved dancing and listening to Elvis.

He is survived by his siblings, Barbara Barrette, Ronald Barrette, Karen Masse, David Barrette, Brenda Mullen, Neil Barrette, Cynthia Beauregard, and Brian Barrette and several nieces & nephews. Besides his parents, Raymond was predeceased by his siblings, Patricia Ditcham and Jeffrey Barrette; and a sister-in-law, Heather Barrette.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, April 30, 2018, at 11:00 AM at the Kidder Memorial Home, 89 Grand Ave., Swanton. Interment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Swanton. A time of visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until the hour of the funeral.

For those who wish, contributions in Raymond’s memory may be made to Swanton Community Food Shelf, 65 Canada Street, Swanton, VT 05488.

DELAND, FL / MONTGOMERY, VT – Evelyn “Tootsie” Brouillette, age 99, passed away on Friday, April 20, 2018 at Alliance Health Care in Deland, Florida.

She was born in Montgomery, VT on April 14, 1919 to the late William & Florence (Touchette) Levis.

Evelyn was a very resourceful depression era lady and a wonderful cook.  She worked as a bookkeeper at Puffer’s Store in Montgomery Center for several years.  She enjoyed flowers, gardening and crochet.

She is survived by her daughter, Patricia Skoll of Orange City, FL; granddaughter, Robin Dunton and her husband Tim; great-granddaughter, Taylor Dunton all of Orlando, FL; step-son, Gary Brouillette and his wife Camilla of Websterville, VT; step-grandchildren, Steven, Joan & Michael Brouillette; sister, Joyce Prout and her husband Richard of Daytona, FL; and several nieces, nephews and step-great-grandchildren.  Besides her parents, Evelyn was predeceased by her husband, Ami Brouillette; son-in-law, Robert Skoll; her brother, Robert Levis and his wife Carolyn.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, May 9, 2018 at 11:00 AM at Spears Funeral Home, 96 Dickenson Ave., Enosburg Falls, VT. Interment will follow in Montgomery Center Cemetery.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday at Spears Funeral Home from 10:00 AM until the hour of the funeral.

For those who wish, contributions in Evelyn’s memory may be made to Halifax Health – Hospice, Fund Development, 3800 Woodbriar Trail, Port Orange, FL 32129.

ENOSBURGH CENTER – Theodore E. Frazier, age 69, a lifelong resident on Enosburgh, died at his home of natural causes on January 3, 2018.
A memorial service will be held Thursday, May 3, 2018 at 1:00 pm at the Spears Funeral Home, 96 Dickinson Ave., Enosburg Falls. There will be no visiting hours.
For those who wish, contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to Enosburgh Ambulance Service, P.O. Box 465, Enosburg Falls, VT 05450.

BERKSHIRE – Michael J. Smith, age 33, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, April 21, 2018 as a result of an automobile accident.

He was born in Burlington on May 12, 1984 to Joseph & Tammy (Reed) Smith of Berkshire.

Michael lived his life on the edge and had a strong desire for adrenaline. He loved riding dirt bikes, going snowboarding, hunting, fishing, and anything he could do to the extreme. Michael was also a hard worker and he started Green Mountain Wall Systems about 5 years ago. He enjoyed sugaring with his Dad, and recently referred to himself as “Maple Mike”. He was also great with children and he was cherished by his nieces & nephews, they would always look forward to family gatherings with him. Michael will be remembered by his infectious smile and back breaking bear hugs.

He is survived by his wife, Kristen Smith and their beloved dog, Trapper; his parents, Joe & Tammy Smith of Berkshire; brother, Alex Smith and his wife Nichole of Hood River, OR; father-in-law, Joey Knoff and his wife Judy of Enosburgh; mother-in-law, Anne Ouellette and her husband James of Enosburgh; siblings-in-law, Sarah Demianenko of Calera, AL, Adam Gleason and his wife Ina of Essex, Ben Knoff and “Duke” of Georgia; Kendra King and her husband Andy of Franklin, Kaitlin Knoff, and Sarah Ouellette of Westford; nieces & nephews, Leland, Natalia, Alexandru, Jenna, Brayden, Kyler, and Akyah; maternal grandmother, Jeannine Buehler; paternal step-grandfather, Rene Demers; aunts & uncles, Tom Smith and his wife Phyllis, Sue Hogan and her significant other Bob Peters, Charlie Smith and his wife Deanna, Andy Smith, Marie Hathaway and her husband Andrew, Melody DeGrenier and her husband Ray, Kevin Reed and his wife Joann, and Greg Sheldon and many, many special cousins and friends. Michael was predeceased by his paternal grandparents, Gerry Smith & Clara Demers; maternal grandfather, Rayburn Reed; and his aunt, Kathleen Sheldon.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 26, 2018 from 4-7:00 PM at Spears Funeral Home, 96 Dickenson Ave., Enosburg Falls.

A Funeral service will be held Friday, April 27, 2018 at 2:00 PM at Spears Funeral Home.

For those who wish, contributions in Michael’s memory may be made to Franklin County Animal Rescue, 30 Sunset Meadows, St. Albans, VT 05478 or a charity of your choice.