Obituary for Judith Ann Gratton (Flanders)
Judith Ann (Flanders) Gratton- Colchester, VT; 75, passed away peacefully at The Arbors in Shelburne, VT surrounded by her loving family on Sunday August 11th, 2019. Judy was born on August 9th, 1944 in St. Albans, VT. Daughter of Thelma (Wright) and Walter Flanders of East Fairfield, VT.
On August 5th, 1967 she married the love of her life Donald H.J. Gratton of Burlington, VT. With whom she celebrated 43 wonderful years with until his passing on September 24th, 2010.
Judy held many occupations in her life, her most loved being her day care center which she started after the birth of her beloved grandson David Michael Booska. During those years she had many families whose children spent their childhood growing up at Judy's day care.
Judy is survived by her children and their significant others Michelle Gratton and Michael Lacroix. Matthew Gratton and Kristi Blacklock. Her grandchildren who affectionately knew her as "nanny"; David and Stefanie (Barber) Booska, Mia and Sylvie Gratton Cliche and her great-grandchildren Ava and Anna Booska. Her siblings; Alice Rinehart, Roy (June) Flanders, Bonnie Benedict, Jeanne Flanders (Paul Snyder), Steve (Stefi) Flanders, Terrie Campbell (Gary Ellis) and brother in law Alphonse Gregoire. Many loved nieces and nephews and cousins; especially acknowledging Dawn Marie and Stevie Burt who provided extra love and support and many laughs, yummy dinners, sleepovers bonfires and more. Dawn also continued to provide love and support during her visits to help with Judy's stay at the Arbors. As well as her sister Jeanne who spent endless afternoons and evenings caring for and loving Judy providing comfort and dinners and bedtime rituals to help Judy's evenings be filled with love.
Judy is predeceased by her parents, her husband Donny, as well as her siblings; Frances Flanders, Laura Hamilton, Mary (Peggy) Gregoire, Patrick Flanders, and David Flanders and Brother-in-law Clarence Rinehart. As well as nephew Vaughn Flanders, and niece Jane Worden.
The family would like to express heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the staff at the Arbors, starting with Wendy Benoure Brodie for accepting and welcoming Judy into The Arbors back in April 2018 after suffering a TBI and a 3 month hospital stay. Moms stay at The Arbors over the last 16 months has been both challenging and rewarding. There is a lot of love and support in the halls of The Arbors. Special thanks and appreciation goes out to each of the incredible nurses and care staff who daily showed Judy (also known as nana) compassion, freedom and guidance to safely be herself. They took Judy in and made her family. It was home. And we are extremely grateful for that. We also like to extend thanks to the residents and families who have shared love and acceptance of our beloved Judy. And the Bayada Hospice staff who provided extra care and support over the last year.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday August 17th, 2019 at 10am at Holy Cross Catholic Church, Church Rd Colchester with light luncheon to follow.
Judy touched many people's lives. Her laugh was infectious. Her humor and quick wit thankfully was with her thru most of her journey. Even on her most trying days her quirkiness and expressiveness would shine through, bringing joy laughter love and hugs to all she interacted with.
She loved spending time with her family hanging out cooking dancing and baking with her granddaughters sharing silly laughs with all that knew her. We will greatly miss her. Such a little lady had such a huge impact on each of us. In remembrance of her please share a hug with your loved ones.
On August 5th, 1967 she married the love of her life Donald H.J. Gratton of Burlington, VT. With whom she celebrated 43 wonderful years with until his passing on September 24th, 2010.
Judy held many occupations in her life, her most loved being her day care center which she started after the birth of her beloved grandson David Michael Booska. During those years she had many families whose children spent their childhood growing up at Judy's day care.
Judy is survived by her children and their significant others Michelle Gratton and Michael Lacroix. Matthew Gratton and Kristi Blacklock. Her grandchildren who affectionately knew her as "nanny"; David and Stefanie (Barber) Booska, Mia and Sylvie Gratton Cliche and her great-grandchildren Ava and Anna Booska. Her siblings; Alice Rinehart, Roy (June) Flanders, Bonnie Benedict, Jeanne Flanders (Paul Snyder), Steve (Stefi) Flanders, Terrie Campbell (Gary Ellis) and brother in law Alphonse Gregoire. Many loved nieces and nephews and cousins; especially acknowledging Dawn Marie and Stevie Burt who provided extra love and support and many laughs, yummy dinners, sleepovers bonfires and more. Dawn also continued to provide love and support during her visits to help with Judy's stay at the Arbors. As well as her sister Jeanne who spent endless afternoons and evenings caring for and loving Judy providing comfort and dinners and bedtime rituals to help Judy's evenings be filled with love.
Judy is predeceased by her parents, her husband Donny, as well as her siblings; Frances Flanders, Laura Hamilton, Mary (Peggy) Gregoire, Patrick Flanders, and David Flanders and Brother-in-law Clarence Rinehart. As well as nephew Vaughn Flanders, and niece Jane Worden.
The family would like to express heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the staff at the Arbors, starting with Wendy Benoure Brodie for accepting and welcoming Judy into The Arbors back in April 2018 after suffering a TBI and a 3 month hospital stay. Moms stay at The Arbors over the last 16 months has been both challenging and rewarding. There is a lot of love and support in the halls of The Arbors. Special thanks and appreciation goes out to each of the incredible nurses and care staff who daily showed Judy (also known as nana) compassion, freedom and guidance to safely be herself. They took Judy in and made her family. It was home. And we are extremely grateful for that. We also like to extend thanks to the residents and families who have shared love and acceptance of our beloved Judy. And the Bayada Hospice staff who provided extra care and support over the last year.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday August 17th, 2019 at 10am at Holy Cross Catholic Church, Church Rd Colchester with light luncheon to follow.
Judy touched many people's lives. Her laugh was infectious. Her humor and quick wit thankfully was with her thru most of her journey. Even on her most trying days her quirkiness and expressiveness would shine through, bringing joy laughter love and hugs to all she interacted with.
She loved spending time with her family hanging out cooking dancing and baking with her granddaughters sharing silly laughs with all that knew her. We will greatly miss her. Such a little lady had such a huge impact on each of us. In remembrance of her please share a hug with your loved ones.