Category: Obituaries

George Edward Lace

St. Albans: George Edward Lace 96 passed away peacefully at NWMC Hospital suddenly on Friday, 8 November 23, 2018.  George was born in Granby, Quebec on October 1, 1922, and came to the United States from South Stukley, Canada.  He was the son of the late Elward and Lillian (Norris) Lace.  He married the late Elaine Mae (Vallee) Lace on November 30th, 1948. They will be married 70 years at the end of this month. Continue reading “George Edward Lace”

Jean Grover Bigelow

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.

Richard A. Mercy

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.