Cecile Rainville

After a period of gradual physical decline, Cecile Rainville passed away on January 2, 2024 at the age of 96.

Cecile May Royer was born May 23, 1927, to Arthur and Rose (Fournier) Royer in St. Johnsbury, VT. , the fourth of six children. Cecile was an outstanding student and graduated valedictorian of the class of 1944 Mount St. Joseph Academy.  She and George Rainville married May 25, 1946, and raised their family of three children in St. Johnsbury. George and Cecile enjoyed many years at their camp on Harvey’s Lake, and often traveled to Florida to visit family, and lived in Florida briefly in the 1970s.

Cecile had a long career in law, first as secretary to Swainbank’s law office in St. Johnsbury, and her last 16 years worked as Chief Deputy Clerk of the Caledonia County Superior Court. She was often called upon to translate French documents and act as interpreter for French speaking people in the area. Her French Canadian heritage was very important to the family.

Cecile was best known for her incredible wardrobe, all designed and created by herself. An article in the Caledonian Record highlighted her fashion sense and described how she was able to study the fashions of the day and create her own designs that were far above anything that could be found in local shops, made on a working woman’s budget. In 1998 Cecile was featured in another article in the Caledonian Record titled “Cecile Rainville: Always a Vital Part of the Community”.

In retirement, Cecile was a volunteer at The Fairbanks Museum front counter and gift shop, and The Athenaeum, where she helped to repair books and volunteered as docent in the art gallery. She was always ready to share her knowledge of our local treasures. She was an active member of the St Johnsbury Woman’s Club, a member of the NVRH Auxiliary, and TLC Club, the Red Hat Society, and a member of the 251 Club, where she strived to visit all 251 towns in Vermont. She continued to take long walks and enjoyed fishing and playing cards with a close circle of friends, as well as continuing her amazing sewing and handy crafts.

Cecile was the first resident to move into the new Summit by Morrison Assisted Living Facility in Whitefield, NH. She continued to be one of the favorite residents of the staff, with her ready wit and outgoing personalilty. She kept up to date on local news with her subscription to the Caledonian Record and enjoyed word game books, and taking long walks around the facility as long as she was able.

As well as her parents, Cecile was predeceased by her husband, George and son, Paul. Also by sisters Gilberta Royer and Georgette Wilkins, and brother Edgar Royer, and Son-in-law Alan Crosby. She is survived by her sister, Marielle Shepard and brother, Ernest Royer; children Arthur (Ida) Rainville and Rose Crosby; grandchildren Krystal (Brian) Tischendorf, Jeffrey (Alison) Rainville, Jon (Tara) Prue, Cheryl (Rob) Brunetti, and great grandchildren Jake and Megan Gilbert, Grant and Evelyn Brunetti, Colby, Casey, and Katie Prue; and great-great grandson Logan Gilbert.

There will be no visiting hours. A private family service will be held at a later date.