Elodien Roberge - Full Obit With Photos

Fairfax – Elodien Roberge, 85, died peacefully on Friday April 24th, 2009 at the Fletcher Allen Health Care in Burlington. Elodien will be missed for his sense of humor and his recollections of days gone by. He loved to banter with anyone, even folks he had just met. He was a prolific storyteller, always willing to share vivid stories from his younger days, each of which was characterized by his sense of wonder and his curiosity about how things work. He cared deeply about people and was always willing to help anyone in a bind.

Elodien was born in Rock Island, Quebec on March 21, 1924, the son of Odina and Odila ( Pouliot ) Roberge.

On May 12th, 1947, he married Edith Burns in St. Thomas Catholic Church in Underhill Center. He and Edith were married for over 58 years until her death on February 11, 2006.

Elodien was always known as a hard worker as demonstrated by his many years spent logging in the woods of Vermont. He was self employed for many years as a dairy farmer while operating his own milk truck route. He also worked for Pouliot & Therrien Paving for several years.

He will be dearly missed by his children and their spouses, Francis “Robie” and Linda Roberge of Lovington, NM, Marie and Leo Grenon of Burlington, Louis and Deborah Roberge of Sheldon Springs, Leo Roberge of St. Albans, Albert “Joe” Roberge of Alburg, Lori and Kevin Parker of Pocatello, ID, Patrick Roberge of Fairfax, Michelle and Ricky Jones of Fairfax, by 19 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, by his brothers and sister and spouses Claude and Giselle Roberge of Essex Junction , Jeanine Giles of Newark, NJ, Norman and Lisette Roberge of Underhill, and Guy and Patricia Roberge of Westford, by sister-in-law Betty Burns of Buffalo, NY, Willa King of Waterford, NY, Ella Wheeler of Jericho, and Alfred and Linda Burns of Burlington, and by many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister Lucille Chicoine and his brothers Leonard and John.

When Elodien was incapacitated by poor health in his later years, son Patrick showed his devotion by quitting his job to take care of him around the clock so that Elodien could continue to live in the family home. Daughter Michelle pitched in on a regular basis with cooking, grocery shopping, cleaning, and many other chores.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday April 28th, 2009 at 11 am in St. Luke’s Catholic Church in Fairfax. Burial will follow in St. Luke’s Cemetery in Fairfax.

Visiting hours will be held on Sunday April 26th, from 1-3 pm in the Minor Funeral Home in Milton. Prayers will be offered at 3 pm by Fr. Feltz.

For those who wish, contributions in Mr. Roberge’s memory may be made to the Fairfax Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 428, Fairfax, VT 05454.

Online condolences may be made to www.minorfh.com

His passing saddens all of his family and friends, but many people have been profoundly enriched simply for having known him. His love and generosity will continue to inspire and guide us.

Photo of Elodien holding granddaughter, 16 year old Alyshia