Obituary: Celia Cioffi Paquin
Dateline: Swanton, Vermont / Stuart, FloridaCelia Cioffi Paquin passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 23rd at her winter home in Florida. Her husband of 66 years, Burton, and their sons, Burton Jr. and Robert, and daughter, Sarah, were by her side.
Celia was born in St. Albans, Vermont on July 12, 1922, the eldest child of George and Rose Cioffi. She graduated from St. Mary's High School in 1939 and from the University of Vermont in 1943 with a degree in elementary education. Celia began her teaching career at the Elm St. School in St. Albans.
Celia married Burton Paquin on November 3, 1946. They spent much of their married life in Burlington where they raised their three children. Celia spent many years teaching in the Burlington school system. Her favorite role was as a first grade teacher at C.P. Smith Elementary School where she had the opportunity to introduce many children to the joy of reading and learning in general.
While living in Burlington, Celia was involved in many civic and social organizations including the Catholic Daughters of America, the University of Vermont Parents Association and several bridge clubs.
Upon retirement, Burt and Celia moved to Swanton, and Celia became involved in the Swanton community. She was particularly active in the Church of the Nativity where she served as a lector for many years. Celia was also a member of the Autonoe Club, the Champlain Country Club and a bridge club. Burton and Celia were fortunate to have a wide circle of friends with whom they enjoyed many activities both in Vermont and at their winter home in Florida.
In addition to her husband, Burton, Celia is survived by sons Burton, Jr. and Robert (Theresa) and daughter, Sarah (Allan) Merritt and by three loving grandchildren; Jennifer (Paul) Pikna, Burton III and Christine Paquin. Celia leaves her sister, Gertrude Villella, brothers, William (Therese) Cioffi, Robert (Nancy) Cioffi, brother-in-law Clinton (Pauline) Paquin, and sister-in-law, Theresa Gearty. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Celia and her family wish to thank those who made life so much easier over the past few years by providing dedicated and caring support, especially her primary caregivers, Betsy Taylor and the late Norma Gratton.
Friends may call at The Kidder Memorial Home, 89 Grand Avenue, Swanton from 4 to 7p.m. on Friday, March 1, 2013.
The Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, March 2 , 2013, at 11 a.m. from The Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary , 65 Canada St., Swanton. Interment is planned for the spring in Riverside Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Celia's memory may be made to Franklin County Home Health Agency and Hospice Program, 3 Home Health Circle, St. Albans 05478.
