Elizabeth Turcotte

Elizabeth J. (Graves) Turcotte, age 82, passed away on Friday, April 20, 2018, at St. Johnsbury Health and Rehabilitation Center. Sitting beside her throughout the night her best friend, an angel from God, Kathy McGown holding her hand, that was gripping the rosary as the last prayer was shared.

Elizabeth was born in Newark, VT, on November 4, 1935, to George and Harriet (Smith) Graves; the last of five girls. She married the love of her life, Earl Turcotte and raised four boys and a girl sharing  40 years together until Earl’s death in 1992.  Elizabeth (Liz) devoted her life as a homemaker raising her children and taking care of her Mother who also lived in the home.  In later years she implemented her skills by working at St. John the Evangelist Church, St. Johnsbury Vermont, and enjoyed cooking, cleaning, and sewing for the priests. She would spot a missing button from a mile away!!

Liz was a symbol of selfless humanity. She will always be remembered for her faith, thoughtfulness, and placing everyone’s needs before her own.  She loved all kinds of music and with the help of the nursing staff would make her way to the living room at the rehab center, and was noticed “tapping her foot to the beat”. A few of her favorite songs that brought a smile were:

Que Sera Sera

I come to the Garden alone…AND

How much is that doggie in the window?

Elizabeth is survived by 4 sons: David and his wife, Beverly, of Lyndonville, VT, Brian and his wife, Cheryl, of  Lyndonville VT, Patrick of Seabrook, NH, and Robert of  Lyndonville, VT; a daughter: Melody Waters and her companion, Donna Krick, of Ilion, NY; 6 grandchildren: Tina Sanborn and husband, Robert, Jody Drown, Carrie Chhibber, Sarah and Christopher Turcotte, and Joseph Waters; 4 great-grandchildren: Brandon and Rylee Drown, and Madison and Jaiden Chhibber; and 9 nieces and nephews who loved her dearly: Diane Ruggles of Pittsburgh, PA, Kelly Ruggles of Gansevoort, NY, Larry Ruggles of Barnet, VT, Toni Ruggles of St. Johnsbury, VT, Lonny Ruggles of East Haven, VT, Susan Otrubova of Ceres, CA, Pam Stiles, Debbie Delussi and Patty DelRe of Modesto, CA.

She was predeceased by her older sisters: Mary Harwell of East Haven, VT, Blanch Vinton of Derby Line, VT, Ruth Hudson of Lyndonville, VT, and Pauline Jenkins of Jamestown, CA.

A graveside service will take place on Saturday, May 5, 2018 at 11:00am in the Howland Cemetery in Burke, VT.  All are welcome to attend.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.guibordfh.com.