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BARBARA MADELINE OVITT MACKAY
BURLINGTON - Barbara Madeline Ovitt MacKay passed away suddenly and peacefully at her home on Jan. 24, 2009. Barbara was born on July 23, 1919, in Fletcher, Vt., the daughter of Silas and Rhoda (Chadwick) Ovitt. She graduated from Bellows Falls Free Academy in Fairfax and the St. Albans School of Nursing. Barbara married Major John A. MacKay in 1943, who predeceased her in 1989. Barbara left Vermont with her husband while he was serving in the United States Air Force, living in many states and countries before returning to Vermont in 1962. She enjoyed gardening, especially violets and roses. She won many awards for the quality of her violets at the Champlain Valley Fair Exhibition. She enjoyed her time taking care of new mothers as an OBGY nurse from 1962 to 1979 at Mary Fletcher Hospital. She most enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren. Barbara is survived by three children, Linda Matteson of Alvin, Texas, Jonnie Filion and her husband Dennis of South Burlington, and John MacKay and his wife Anne of Whitinsville, Mass.: eight wonderful grandchildren, Michael, Ricky, Jackie, Sarah, Matt, Daniel, Julie, and Rebekah; two adorable great-grandchildren, Haile and Madisen; her brother Orman Ovitt of Fairfax; a sister Arlene Brown of St. Albans; and extended family. Barbara was predeceased by her daughter Barbara Sourdiff in 2002; her sister Dorothea Wright; and her brother Darrell Ovitt. A service celebrating the life of Barbara will be held on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2009, at 2 p.m., in the United Church of Fairfax. Interment will be in the Sheldon Village Cemetery in the spring. Visiting hours will be on Wednesday, Jan. 28, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m., at the LaVigne Funeral Home, 132 Main St. in Winooski.