Dianne Gadapee

Dianne Brown Gadapee, age 70, of Danville, passed away peacefully at her home on May 29, 2016 surrounded by her family.  She was born in Northfield, Vermont, August 3, 1945, daughter to the late Gerald and Eunice (Peck) Brown.

Dianne is survived by her husband of 52 years, Larry Gadapee, as well as their black lab, Maple.  Dianne and Larry have three children, Karen Gadapee and her boyfriend Steven Rubalcaba of St. Johnsbury, Kevin Gadapee and his wife Wendy, Keith Gadapee and his wife Shelli, all of Danville.  Dianne and Larry have 11 grandchildren; Lyndsay (Calkins) Beattie and her husband, James Beattie of Danville, Garrett Calkins and his girlfriend Abby Brunelle of Cumberland Rhode, Island, Mikayla (Calkins) Huston and her husband Nathan Huston of Wooster, Ohio, Logan Calkins of Scottsdale, Arizona, Bianca Calkins of Boston, Massachusetts, Brandyn Gadapee and his girlfriend Lindsay Warren of Lyndonville, Kyle Gadapee, Daryn Gadapee, and Lacey Gadapee all of Danville, Brittany (Fontaine) Terhune and her husband Samuel Terhune of Walden, Tyler Fontaine and his girlfriend Christina Lazelle of Danville.

Dianne and Larry have five greatgrandchildren, Maddison and Isla Beattie, Hayden and Kailey Terhune, and Bentley Fontaine.

She is also survived by her close sister, Grace Morse and her husband, Roger, of West Lebanon New Hampshire.  Dianne enjoyed an extended family of many cousins, nieces and nephews, all of whom were very important to her.  She is predeceased by her parents Gerald (Brownie) and Eunice Brown, her brother Billy Brown, and her sister Gwen Rovas.  She enjoyed genealogy and researched and recorded family trees for both sides of her family.

Dianne was very active in her community.  She was a member of the Danville Congregational Church where she served on many committees including being a Deacon.  She also spent many hours volunteering at the Open Door in Danville.  Her faith, as well as her family, guided her through life’s journey.

She was a 1963 graduate of Danville High School and a life-long supporter of the school.  She served on the Danville School Board, presided over the Danville Booster Club and Alumni Association, and was an employee of the Danville School Lunch program for several years.  She and Larry enjoyed watching their children and grandchildren participate in concerts and sporting events both at Danville School and St. Johnsbury Academy.

Dianne attended Springfield College as an adult learner and graduated in 2002 with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Human Services.  She worked for the State of Vermont Department of Vocational Rehabilitation for 20 years.  She traveled to various offices in Newport and St. Johnsbury serving clients in the Northeast Kingdom.  Her co-workers became her friends, many of whom she remained in contact with.

Dianne’s commitment to family and community came together in her retirement.  She was instrumental in growing the family business, Gadapee Family Sugarhouse. She perfected numerous maple recipes and she proudly sold these delicious products at several nearby Farmer’s Markets.  She enjoyed talking to people and sharing her love for the Vermont made product.  She knew people by name and corresponded with people all over the country filling maple orders for them.  Her role in the business will be missed, but one that her family will strive to continue for her.

Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service for Dianne on Friday, June 3, 2016, at 11:00 a.m. at the Danville Congregational Church on Hill Street, w/Reverend Doug Carter officiating, a reception will immediately follow downstairs in the fellowship hall.  There will be calling hours at Sayles Funeral Home on Thursday, June 2, from 6-8 p.m. for those who wish to visit with the family.  A family burial will take place at the convenience of the family.

Memorial donations may be made to The Capital Campaign Church Improvement Fund and mailed to:  Danville Congregational Church, PO Box 161, Danville, VT  05828, attention-Cristal Brown, treasurer.

Memories and condolences may be shared privately at www.saylesfh.com.