Shirley H. Britch

Shirley H. Britch, age 69, of Saint Johnsbury, Vermont passed away on May 1, 2024 in her home surrounded by her closest family members. Our mother was a very strong, independent, sharp, and spunky woman who lived life completely on her own terms right up until the end. May we all be so brave to live so fully in our own skin the way she did throughout her life. She endured a long and brave battle with cancer, never losing her faith in God and leaving behind a legacy of wisdom, gratitude, and empathy for her children to follow. They say that only the good die young, and it must be true because our mother was one of the best.

               Our mother was born in Rochester, New Hampshire on April 5, 1955 to the late Romona Robertson and Augustus Elliott. She was raised in Lebanon, Maine by her grandparents, Martha (Smith) and Harry Bellen. Her grandparents were her heroes. They represented everything good and just about the world in her eyes, and she would go on to live her life following the example they set of selfless generosity. They taught her the importance of sacrificing and giving to those less fortunate, and she spent her life always grateful to them and seeking opportunities to pay it forward. She was one of five children and leaves behind her sisters, Constance Frye and Lorraine Briggs and her brothers, Calvin and Tracy Robertson.  

               Our mother was married to our father, Alton K. Britch for a total of fifty-two years before his passing in 2020. They raised seven children together and two grandchildren. They were both very simple and family-oriented people and were happiest when spending time with family members and attending large family gatherings. Our mother enjoyed cooking, gardening, shopping, listening to music, and watching various kinds of law shows on television. Every year, she grew the most beautiful flower gardens, and flowers always brought her joy in any situation.  

Our mother spent most of her life working as a caregiver. She was an aide for Home Health and a nursing assistant at Pine Knoll nursing home for many years before switching to private caregiving and then eventually starting her own caregiving business in Wheelock, Vermont. Caring for the elderly was something that she enjoyed doing, and she was an excellent caregiver.

Our mother is predeceased by her parents and grandparents as well as by her husband, Alton Britch Sr. and by her grandson, Robert Lamotte.

Our mother is survived by her three sons, David Britch and his wife Heather Van Vliet Britch of VT, Alton Britch Jr. of VT, Joshua Britch of VT, and by her four daughters, Jillian Britch and her husband Mosabbir Hossain of MD, Tammy Ouimet and her fiancé Mike Ouimet of VT, Heidi Feustel of VT, and Melissa Jackman of VT. She is also survived by eight grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

A special thank you to Constance Frye and Lorraine Briggs who were exemplary sisters to our mother and took on the difficult role of caregiver in her final months. A special thank you also to Heather Van Vliet Britch who also took on a central role in caring for our mother, and without a doubt, succeeded in helping her to feel more comfortable in her final days. Thank you to our mother’s closest friends, Betsy, Marion, Jeanine, and Linda. You brought so much good to her life, and we will forever be grateful for that and how much you showed up for her when it really mattered.

In honor of our mother, we would like to take time to recognize some of the shining stars of the Northeast Kingdom who helped care for her and who represent all that is still good and beautiful about this part of Vermont. Much gratitude to Dr. Joyce Dobbertin for caring and sticking by our mother for all the ups and downs of her health over the years and consistently working extra to help her achieve the best outcomes possible. Thanks also to Dr. Sexton and all the amazing nurses at NVRH in the ED who gave excellent care to our mother, especially this past year. So much gratitude to Rose Donaghy, Barb Hash, and Marion Newland for taking on the difficult task of helping us to find caregivers for our mother. Last but not least, we would like to thank Wendy Rowell and Nancy Bandy for their efforts in caring for our mother this past year.

A celebration of life event will be held at the community center in North Berwick, Maine from 12pm-3pm on July 13, 2024. Anyone who would like to contribute something in honor of our mother can make a donation to her favorite charities, St. Jude’s and Shriners, or you can simply take time during these warm spring and summer months to plant a flower in someone’s garden.