Margarite (LaCasse) Fortin(1922 - 2016)Burlington/ South Burlington - Margarite (LaCasse) Fortin age 94 died May 27, 2016 at the Mansfield Place Assisted Living Facility in Essex, Vermont. Margarite was born in Essex in 1922 and was nicknamed "Tootsie" by her siblings. The nickname stuck with her and she carried it for the rest of life. The residents and staff at Mansfield Place in Essex shared the last two years with Tootsie bringing joy and companionship to her after the passing of her husband, Robert (Bob) Fortin in 2010.
Tootsie and Bob are survived by their five daughters. Judy Dow and her husband Steven of Essex, Nancy Comstock and her husband Jeff, Tina Gibbo and her husband Tim, all of Burlington, Anita Braman and her husband Arnold from Chelsea and Bobbie Barnack and her husband Chris from Fairfax. Tootsie also had many wonderful years enjoying her eleven grandchildren and many great grandchildren. She created a true home, not just a house, for those who entered.
Tootsie came from a large French Canadian family. Growing up on the family farms first in Essex and, later, in Williston she shared responsibilities on the farm with her 13 siblings. Tootsie is also survived by two brothers, Francis (Frankie) and Albert (Bubby) LaCasse and a sister, Catherine Long.
Tootsie worked in many places, but the one she most often remembered in her stories was working at Fanny Farmer Chocolate. Tootsie loved chocolate. She could tell you what was in a chocolate without pinching it to peek inside. Anyone who came to visit Tootsie could never leave without first having a piece of candy.
Tootsie will be remembered by her quiet, gentle, and friendly nature. Her predictable and humorous one- liners will be greatly missed; they always kept everyone laughing.
Tootsie and Bob planned their funerals together years ago knowing they would be reunited. This day has come.
Visiting hours will be from 4 pm to 7 pm on Tuesday, May 31st. at LaVigne Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 132 Main Street in Winooski. A Catholic Service will be held at the LaVigne's on Wednesday June 1st at 11:00 AM. The burial service will follow at the New Mount Calvary Cemetery on Plattsburg Ave. in Burlington.
Margarite's family would like to thank the residents and staff at Mansfield Place for all the love and care they shared with our mother. In lieu of flowers, please perform an unexpected and unsolicited act of kindness for someone in memory of Tootsie.
