Irene Gadbois

Irene Lucille Gadbois, age 92, passed away quietly at her home, with family by her side, in Saint Johnsbury, VT on Saturday evening April 1, 2017.

Irene, matriarch of the Laferriere family, was born at home on the Lavoie Farm, October 7, 1924 in Littleton, NH.  With roots in Canada, her parents Phil and Laura Rancour, together with her brother Danielle (deceased at age 4), sister Rosalie and brother Bernard resided in Littleton, NH and eventually moved to Saint Johnsbury, VT in the 1930s.

Irene graduated with high honors from The Saint Johnsbury Academy in 1941, married Bernard A. Laferriere in 1943 and together they created their large family of 13 children (9 boys and 4 girls).

Surviving children of Irene include: Daniel Rancour and wife, Barbara of El Cerrito, CA, Rene Laferriere of Danville, VT, Donald Laferriere and wife, Rita of East Haven, VT, Joseph Laferriere and wife, Catherine Simonson of Colchester, VT, Marie Lumbra and husband, Mike of Lyndonville, VT, Theresa Laferriere of Albuquerque, NM, Peter Laferriere and wife, Elaine of Westmore, VT, Fred Laferriere and wife, Katherine of Saint Johnsbury, VT, Lionel Laferriere and wife, Donna of Lyndonville, VT, Margie Laferriere and husband, Chip Holmes of Middlebury, VT, Dennis’s wife Pam Laferriere of Lyndonville VT.  Children of Irene who went before her and she has longed to see include Katherine “Kakwin” Marguerite, James “Jack” Alexander and Dennis Martin.

Irene’s Family extended far and wide and included 25 natural grandchildren, 21 natural great grandchildren, several step grandchildren (although she considered them her own) and many, many spiritually adopted family members.  She loved all powerfully, passionately and truly enjoyed every moment she was able to spend with each.

Irene spent most of her life raising her large family and enjoying friends and family in her home.  In her 50s and 60s she enjoyed working outside the home as a cook, music shop clerk and insurance representative with Bouffard Insurance.  In retirement, Irene married Robert Gadbois of Littleton, NH and they lived graciously for thirteen years until his passing in 2001.

Irene spent her final years in Saint Johnsbury, VT in her welcoming and oh so homey apartment.  She enjoyed receiving any and all who came to visit her and “chit chat” or ponder the meaning of life.

Irene was a woman of strong faith and love.  She dedicated herself to being a wonderful daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, friend and confidant.  She was an avid reader, bird watcher, nature lover, crossword puzzle solver, scrabble aficionado (and possible cheater J) and accomplished needle worker.  The family is grateful for all she has done and given.  They will treasure always her gift of legacy and will strive to carry on her incredible zest for life.

Most importantly, all who knew her loved her with a love that was more than love.  But…she loved us more.

On April 5, Wednesday at 11 a.m. the family invites you to gather with her family at the Sayles Funeral Home to celebrate her life.

Memorial contribution contributions could be directed either to H.O.P.E., 136 Church St., Lyndonville VT 05851; or to the American Cancer Society, 55 Day Lane, Williston VT 05495.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.saylesfh.com.  The Sayles Funeral Home is located at 525 Summer St. in St. Johnsbury.