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Obituaries 03-09-10

Irene S. Thomas

Vergennes - Irene Stevens Thomas passed away peacefully on February 28, 2010 at Porter Medical Center in Middlebury, Vermont. Born on April 23, 1924 in Vergennes, Vermont, Irene has proudly called the "Little City with the big Heart" her home all her life. Graduating from Beeman Academy and the University of Vermont during WWII years, Irene began here first teaching position at the one room school on Stage Road in Ferrisburgh, where she was little older than some of her students. She went on to teach for 36 years, including 25 years at South Burlington Middle School, but always remembered her one-room school years as the best in education. While her resume included several degrees and honors, her pride was always in the lives of the students she taught to be leaders. Irene saw potential in each child and person she contacted.

   In addition to her role as a teacher, Irene opened and ran Thomas Business Agency from her home on Crosby Heights in 1958 and was active in bookkeeping, estates and taxes until 1995. She also proudly worked as a Law Clerk for decades and assisted many in estate planning and execution. She mentored and took under her wing many people and helped them find their paths in life and in business. She cherished her community, family and friends with a passion and feistiness that carried with her until her passing. Irene served her community and nation as a WWII pilot in the Civil Air Patrol and in countless positions with church and educational organizations. In her honor, her family asks you to celebrate your family, friends and reach out to others in need. Irene did for her entire lifetime.

    Irene married Robert Thomas in 1960 and raised their daughter Cookie in the Vergennes area. Robert passed away in 1989, but left a legacy of stories and actions which still cause many people to chuckle and shake their head in wonder. Irene would simply smile and remark, "That's Bob." One of her most cherished experiences was taking a year sabbatical and traveling around the country with her husband and child learning about America and its people.

   She leaves behind a daughter Cookie, grandchildren Jacqueline, Rachel, and Jacob, as well as treasured friends spanning decades including Madeleine Neuhoff, Paul Tasetano, Erlend Gokey, Claudia Marsh, Mike & Marge Booska, Betty Sabourin, Maryann Hastings, Susan & Larry Griffin, Arthur & Helen Grant, Bernadette & Claude Laberge and hundreds of others. She was predeceased by her mother, father, brother and great uncle all in the early 1960's.

    At her request, there will be no funeral or calling hours. Internment will be in the spring at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to the Bixby Memorial Library, Main Street, Vergennes, Vermont, or Porter Hospital in gratitude for the caring and humanity of the people who helped care for her in her last weeks.

Irene C. Michaud

    Irene married Alphe Michaud on June 2, 1956, and raised six children; Sally, John, Norman, James, Teresa and Pamela. Irene was predeceased by her parents, husband Alphe, son John, grandson Kevin and all of her siblings.

    She is survived by Sally Bushey and Les Champine of Vergennes, Norman and Hilda Michaud of Bristol, Jim and Rhonda Michaud of Ararat, North Carolina, Teresa Nielsen of Morrisville, and Pam Michaud and Tiffany Morgan of Lincoln.

    Several grandchildren, great grandchildren, step-grandchildren and step- great grandchildren, and nieces and nephews also survive her.

    Irene enjoyed going to Project Independence and had made, and lost, many friends there during the five years that she attended. Hidden word search puzzles were a favorite activity. She enjoyed country music, especially the old classics, and took great pleasure in attending the Champlain Valley Fiddlers whenever she could. Dance on Mom and Grandma, we love you.
 

   Funeral services were held on Thursday March 4th at Brown-McClay Funeral Home in Bristol. Interment will be in Maple Cemetery in Lincoln. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Project Independence, 112 Exchange St. Middlebury, VT or Bristol Rescue Squad, PO Box 227, Bristol, VT 05443.
 
 

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