JUNE LAPOINTE BEST
WINOOSKI - June LaPointe Best, 90, of Winooski, passed away on Dec. 3, 2009, in Fletcher Allen Health Care of Burlington. June was born on Sept. 22, 1919, in Hyde Park. She was the daughter of Eldin and Sadie Hovey. She was predeceased by both parents, several brothers and sisters, brothers-inlaw and sisters-in-law, her husband George "Zum" LaPointe who passed away in 1994, and second husband Bernard Best. June is survived by her five children: June Plant and husband Bob of Winooski, Roland "Butch" LaPointe and partner Marcia Merrill of Winooski, Michael LaPointe of San Francisco, Calif., Bruce "Sam" LaPointe and partner Donna LaGrand of Winooski, and Kathleen Santerre and husband Daryl of Essex Junction; a brother, Donald Hovey and wife Dottie of Greenland, N.H.; and sisters, Eleanor Ross of Essex Junction, Jean Abair and husband Raymond of South Burlington, and Betty Bourdeau and husband Bob of Fairfax. She is also survived by twelve grandchildren, twenty-one great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. June's talent for making arts and crafts led to the creation of a beautiful Christmas village, well known to the residents of Winooski, and displayed every year in her home at Christmas time. Each year, she opened her doors to area school children who highly anticipated this field trip to view this magical and spectacular display. June will also be remembered for her love of children and teaching. She spent time working as a teacher at Mrs. Ducharme's Kindergarten in the early seventies. "Nana", as she was known to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, was a bright beacon in our lives and in the lives of all who knew her. The memories we each created, along with the special times we had with her throughout the years will be cherished and forever remain close to our hearts. The family would like to express their deepest thanks and gratitude to the staff at Shelburne Bay in the Haven for the wonderful care that they provided to June over the past five years. They also wish to thank the medical staff at Fletcher Allen Health Care. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, Dec. 7, 2009 at 11 a.m. at St. Stephen Catholic Church in Winooski. Interment will follow at St. Stephen's Cemetery. There will be no visiting hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association Vermont Affiliate, 434 Hurricane Lane, Williston, VT 05495. Arrangements are with the LaVigne Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 132 Main St. in Winooski.
