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OBITUARIES, VOWS, CELEBRATIONS
OBITUARIES
22 LIFE LINES
SEVEN DAYS
01.20.16-01.27.16
SEVENDAYSVT.COM
Marilyn “Bunny” (Moody) Conger 1944-2016, WINOOSKI Marilyn “Bunny” (Moody) Conger, age 71, passed away on Tuesday, January 12, 2016, at the University of Vermont Medical Center, with family by her side, after several years of declining health. Born in Burlington on March 16, 1944, to James and Rose (Vezina) Moody, she was educated by the Burlington School District. Bunny worked for the Burlington School District for several years and later worked as a bartender, retiring from the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Winooski. She was a caretaker by nature and enjoyed organizing family gatherings. No party was complete without her legendary baked beans. In addition to nurturing with food, Bunny took in, and took care of, Charles Pecue and Harvey Allard for many years, until their death. They predeceased her in 1999 and 2000, respectively. For the past 15 years she had been caring for her brother, Michael Moody, a role she cherished. Bunny is survived by her siblings: James (Priscilla) Moody, Susan (Dana) Sabine and Michael Moody; her longtime partner, Anthony (Tony) Arruzza, and their faithful companion, Molly; as well as several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents; five sisters: Dorothy Couture, Doris Dame, Leona Kirby, Patricia Decarreau
and Jacqueline Billings; several brothers-in-law; her niece Judy Kirby; her nephew Bruce Billings; and her ex-husband, Ronald Conger. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make donations in her memory to Champlain Community Services, 512 Troy Avenue, Colchester, VT 05446. The family would like to thank the staff on Baird 4, the providers at Winooski Family Health and Dr. Dennis Sanders for the care and support they provided to Bunny and her family. They would also like to thank Terrie Campbell, Bunny’s neighbor and friend, for the assistance she has provided to Bunny and Michael for the past several years. Visiting hours were held on Saturday, January 16, 2016, followed by a service at the funeral home. Funeral arrangements were in the care of LaVigne Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 132 Main Street, Winooski. Interment will follow at St. Francis Cemetary. Condolences may be shared at lavignefuneralhome.com.
Lorraine Merchant Gabbeitt
1935-2016, WINOOSKI Lorraine Merchant Gabbeitt, age 80, of Winooski, passed away after a long battle with cancer on Thursday, January 14, 2016, surrounded by her loving family at the University of Vermont Medical Center.
Lorraine graduated from Winooski High School in 1952. She went on to work for New England Telephone and retired after many years of service. Lorraine was an avid sports fan. She loved the Boston Red Sox and Celtics. She was a lifetime member of the Winooski Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1767, where she served as treasurer for many years. She was also a member of Winooski Seasons Greetings and the Winooski Senior Center. She truly enjoyed and looked forward to her weekly coffee social hour with her very close friends Peggy Cadieux, Jean Devarney, JoAnne Myers and Ann Frenette, as well as her monthly luncheons with her New England Telephone friends, where she was able to visit with her very dear friend Marion Bistram. Her family was her life, and she loved them more than anything, especially her two granddaughters, of whom she was so very proud. She is survived by daughters Judy (Jim) Heintz of Colchester, Stephanie (Bernie) Fregeau of Winooski, granddaughters Ashley (Jason) Holtz and Baby H of Milton and Jennifer Heintz of South Burlington; sister Teddy (Ron) Yandow of Winooski; sister in-laws Sue (John) Martin, and Martha (Ernie) Courcy; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Theodore and Madeline (Shepard) Merchant; husbands Robert “Bobby” Landry and John Thomas “Tommy” Gabbeitt; in-laws Arthur and G.G. Landry; John and Evangeline (Van) Gabbeitt; sister and son in-law Elaine and Jerry Bergeron; sister Dorothy “Dot” Shaw; niece Christine Connolly; and nephew Timothy Bergeron. A very special thank-you to the McClure 6 staff at the University of Vermont Medical Center. They were absolutely wonderful and took very good care of all of us. A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated on January 19, 2016, at St. Francis Xavier Church in Winooski.
Interment followed at Resurrection Park in South Burlington. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, Vermont Chapter, 55 Day Lane, Williston, VT 05495. Arrangements are being provided by a very close family friend, Tom LaVigne of LaVigne Funeral Home and Cremation Service. Condolences may be shared at lavignefuneralhome.com.
Peter L. Lesage
1947-2016, COLCHESTER Peter L. Lesage, 68, died suddenly on January 7, 2016. Peter was born June 7, 1947, in Colchester, son of Ernest and Albertine (Quenneville) Lesage. Peter enjoyed boating, sailing and long Miata rides with his wife, Stephanie. Being mechanically inclined, Peter could always be found in his workshop working on new projects, tinkering with his toys or just relaxing watching the History and Discovery channels. He is survived by his wife, Stephanie, of 42 years; his brother Richard Lesage and wife Donna of Colchester, his sister Blanche Boissy of Winooski, his brother Andrew Lesage and wife Sandy of Burlington, his sister Virginia Lesage of Colchester, his sister Judy McGonis and husband Bob of Barre, his brother Ernest Lesage Jr. of Florida, his sister Marie Lesage of Colchester, and several nieces and nephews. He also leaves special friends Paul Hebert, Gary Gregoire and Roland Senesac, who were always there for him. Peter was predeceased by his parents, Ernest and
Albertine Lesage, and sisters Pauline Martel and Bernadette Lesage. There will be no services, per Peter’s request. A memorial service will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a charity of your choice in Peter’s name. Arrangements are under the care of LaVigne Funeral Home and Cremation Service. Condolences may be shared at lavignefuneral home.com.
Angie L. McSweeney
1949-2016 Angie L. McSweeney (Annie), 66, passed away on January 13, 2016, after a long, courageous battle with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma surrounded by her family and holding the hands of her son and her daughter-in-law Michelle. Annie was born on December 16, 1949, to Chester and Francis (LaBelle) Brothers in Burlington. Annie married the love of her life, Jack J. McSweeney Sr., on April 16, 1966. Annie and Jack Sr. would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this year. Annie, a strong and proud woman, spent her life doing what she enjoyed most, caring for her family and friends, who were her world. Annie loved being in
the kitchen, whether she was cooking and baking or visiting with family and friends. Annie enjoyed sitting on her porch enjoying every season and loved to watch the first snow fall. Annie’s favorite holiday was Christmas, as the family would gather and celebrate together. Annie also enjoyed reading, arts and crafts, and her many flower gardens. Left to cherish her memory are her husband, Jack Sr.; children Tina M. and husband Lloyd McSweeney of Colchester, Terrie A. and husband Robert McSweeneyKing of Colchester, Tracy J. McSweeney and boyfriend Roger Bergeron of Colchester, and Jack J. Jr. and wife Michelle McSweeney of Colchester; brother Chester (Chet) Brothers; sisters Brenda Atherton, and Beverly Jean Tanner; grandchildren Lloyd Jr., Sara, Craig, Bryan, Robbie, Josh and Chelsey; six great-grandchildren; good friends Linda LaBelle and Judy Ward; many nieces and nephews; extended family; and countless friends. The family would like to extend a special thank-you to all the staff on Shep 4 for the wonderful care that they gave Annie; she loved you all. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating blood or a general donation to a blood donation organization such as the American Red Cross to help save a life. A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. on Wednesday, January 20, 2016, at LaVigne Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 132 Main St., Winooski. Burial will be in the spring at Holy Cross Cemetery in Colchester. Condolences may be shared at lavignefuneralhome.com.
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