Corliss Hughes DuPratSt. Albans - As the sun began to rise September 23, 2011 the good Lord invited Corliss Hughes DuPrat, 87, home to be reunited with the love of her life for 52 years, George A. DuPrat. Corliss peacefully and joyfully accepted that invitation in the bedside presence of family members. Though Corliss will be dearly missed by her family and friends, we all take great comfort that her long wait to be with George and in the company of God is over.
Corliss was born July 5, 1924 in Burlington, VT the daughter of Clarence and Minnie (Maynard) Hughes. Corliss would often recall her fond memories of growing up at her Willard Street home and attending Burlington High School where she graduated in June, 1942. Shortly thereafter, Corliss was wooed by a young and handsome lad from Winooski. As Sfc. George DuPrat crisscrossed the states at the Army’s request, he delighted in sending Corliss postcards and letters from each state he visited and from each fort to which he was assigned. Corliss was as equally delighted as evidenced by her collection of such correspondence in the subsequent sixty-five years.
On June 11, 1949 Corliss married George at Christ the King Church in Burlington, VT. Upon their return from a honeymoon motor trip in Canada they settled in at Weaver Street in Winooski. Almost immediately, George was assigned as supply Sargent at Camp Pickett, VA. In a letter posted January 27, 1951 from Virginia, George wrote, “…how proud I am of you for blessing us with a big, beautiful boy…” Greg would be the first of four sons to George and Corliss. Next to George, ‘ her boys’ were the most important thing in her life.
In 1956, George was back in Vermont and he and Corliss moved to Saint Albans, VT. During that time they built their home at High Street and raised their four sons. In addition to tending to her family and new home, Corliss took a position with the Immigration and Naturalization Service. After 21 years of federal service she retired in November 1986. Upon retirement, Corliss pursued her love of painting and became quite accomplished. In addition, she took great pride and interest in the careers and accomplishments of her sons. In later years she reveled in the pleasure of her loving grandchildren.
Throughout the years, Corliss and her family enjoyed a very special and loving relationship with the McCormick clan of Winooski. Tom and Therese (DuPrat) McCormick were beloved brother and sister-in laws to Corliss. Upon their demise, Corliss felt a void in her life that was never replaced. However, the McCormicks and DuPrats have a lifetime of fond memories that will be treasured and built upon.
Corliss was also blessed with the special friendship of Connie, Pat, Louise, Ginny, and Ellen. Their weekly lunch trips and conversation were treasured by Corliss. Their special bond has weathered the passing of spouses and friends and grew ever stronger as the years passed. Corliss was especially blessed to have Connie, Pat, & Ellen (Louise and Ginny have passed) visit and say their goodbyes the day before Corliss passed.
In recent years Corliss needed around the clock assistance. She was extremely fortunate to have been provided excellent care. Her family would like to thank the staffs of Home Instead, Franklin County Home Health, and Dr. Audrey von Lepel for their health care and support. In particular, special gratitude is extended to Ryan DuPrat, Brittany DuPrat, Kelly DuPrat and Ann Noel for their love and care over the years.
Corliss is survived by her very loved sister-in-law, Gertrude Lucille DuPrat; her four sons and spouses, Greg and Dianne DuPrat, Mike and Jackie DuPrat, Brian and Mary Kay DuPrat, David and Nancy DuPrat, thirteen grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, September 27, 2011 at 10:00 AM. in St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Interment will follow in the DuPrat Family lot in Holy Cross Cemetery. Friends may call at the Brady & Levesque Funeral Home, 86 South Main St., from 4 to 7 PM., Monday evening. Having been a devoted member of the Immaculate Conception Parish (St. Mary’s), Corliss would appreciate donations made to the church in lieu of flowers. Donations can be mailed to: Immaculate Conception Parish, 45 Fairfield Street, St. Albans, VT 05478. Online condolences may be sent to the family at the funeral home website:
www.bradyandlevesque.com. Arrangements are entrusted to the Brady & Levesque Funeral Home and Commemorative Services.
