Fairfax, Stephanette Laverdure Potvin, 101, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on the evening of April 18, 2015 at her home in Fairfax, as she wished.
Stephanette was born March 31, 1914 in Cote des Neiges, Montreal, QC to Emery and Bernadette (Lamarche) Laverdure. As a child, she visited with her father’s friend, Saint Andre Bessette of L’Oratoire-Saint Joseph du Mont-Royal which instilled a strong and devout faith throughout her life. Her parents taught her at a young age to be independent and strong. Discipline, religion and hard work were attributes to strive for which she had accomplished. At the age of 14, her family relocated to Vermont to pursue her father’s dream of farming. Relocating to Vermont was a difficult change for her. She loved the City of Montreal. Her family had lived a wonderful and prominent lifestyle in Canada but the transition to Vermont led her to have a strong work ethic and profound appreciation for the simple things in life. In 1936, at the age of 22, she married her husband, Philip Potvin, and together they raised their family on a large farm in Westford, VT. After settling in Fairfax, Stephanette continued to work at Minor’s Country Store, ultimately retiring at the age of 90. Her independence maintained throughout her life as she was a very strong woman both physical and mindfully. Her ambition was to become an Accountant as she was always good with numbers. She was often quoted as being “Sharp as a pin”, and known for her “thriftiness” which she in turn quoted herself as being her hobby. Apple Blossom was her nickname chosen by her young friends because of her sweet personality and beautiful smile. Her most joyful moments were with her family, as her home was always filled with laughter and spirited conversation. Other joys in her life were singing her favorite French songs, long rides and playing cards. She continuously graced us with her beauty, intelligence, and zest for life. Her laughter, charm wit, and twinkle in her eyes will be missed by all.
Stephanette was the beloved matriarch of 14 children, Louise (Lee) Minor; Annette (Red) Koch; Irene (Larry) Lammott; Rita (James) Maloney; Ellen (Frank) Schigg; Robert Potvin; Susan (Michael) Rooney; Leon (Mary) Potvin; Linda (Ernest) Martin; Raymon (Kathy) Potvin; Doris (Dana) Wildes; Mary (John) Rooney; June Engemann and David Potvin, 33 grandchildren, 39 great grandchildren, 12 great great grandchildren. Her sisters, Therese Richardson and Georgette (Gil) Audette and brother, Louis Laverdure as well as several nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her husband, Philip, daughter, June, grandson Alan Minor, great granddaughters, Kiana Rooney Sablan and Heidi Rabidoux, by her brothers, Roma and Jacques Laverdure, sisters, Andree Morin, Simone Lavallee, and Cecile Baillargeon.
The family would like to give special thanks and are sincerely appreciative to David Potvin, Linda Martin, Irene Lammott, Annette Koch, Mary Rooney, Trudy Dudley, Doris Wildes, Stephanie O’Brien and Claire Lemnah. The family also would like to thank the staff at the Franklin County Home Health Agency, Hospice and the Meals on Wheels volunteers. Stephanette especially appreciated and valued the compassionate and caring support of Margaret Sproul, MD.
Calling Hours will be on Tuesday, April 28th from 5 to 7 pm in the Minor Funeral Home, Route 7 in Milton. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, April 29th at 11 am in St. Luke Catholic Church, Huntville Road in Fairfax with Fr. Henry Furman, celebrant. Burial will follow in St. Luke’s Cemetery. The family invites friends to join in celebration of Stephanette’s life at her home in Fairfax following the burial.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Franklin County Home Health Agency, 3 Home Health Circle, St. Albans, VT 05478, the American Cancer Society, 55 Day Lane, Williston, VT 05495-1460 or the Meals on Wheels program.
Online condolences may be made at www.minorfh.com
