Obituaries 11/26/07
Albert Eugene Surprise
NORTH FERRISBURGH — Albert Eugene Surprise, 77, died Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2007, at Helen Porter Health and Rehabilitation Center in Middlebury. He was born April 29, 1930, in Ferrisburgh, the son of Howard and Jennie Hastings Surprise.
He worked at Basin Harbor Club for 50 years.
He is survived by three brothers, Benjamin Surprise of Westfield, Mass., Leonard Surprise of Northfield Falls, and Harry Surprise of Vergennes; two sisters, Norma Raymond of Burlington and Hilda Surprise of Randolph; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother Herbert Surprise in 1993.
Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 27, at Brown-McClay Funeral Home in Vergennes. Interment will be in Gage Cemetery in Ferrisburgh. Friends may call at Brown-McClay Funeral Home in Vergennes on Tuesday, Nov. 27, from noon until the funeral. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Vergennes Area Rescue Squad PO Box 11 Vergennes, VT 05491.
Charlotte Ann Johnson
BRANDON — Charlotte Ann Johnson, 75, died Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2007, at her home in Brandon. She was born in Center Rutland on Jan. 3, 1932, the daughter of Spencer and Ruby (Parker) Shepard.
She received her early education in New Haven schools and helped on the family farm. She was a graduate of Brandon High School, class of 1951. On July 25, 1953, she married Reginald Ray Johnson at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Brandon. He died January 17, 1978.
In her earlier years she worked at the old Brandon Training School. She was the co-owner and operator of Otter Valley Grocery and Laundry for several years. She belonged to the Brandon Senior Citizens. She served the town of Brandon as a member of The Brandon Area Rescue Squad for 13 years. According to family, she was a wonderful mother and continued to nurture and care for adults in need after her family grew up.
She is survived by two sons, Scott R. Johnson of Swanton, and David W. Johnson of Kennebunk, ME; two daughters, Tammee J. Johnson of Brandon, and Tracee L Stevens of Forestdale; a brother, Robert Shepard of Brandon; a sister, Shirley Denton of Middlebury; six grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by a son, Kim E. Johnson, in June 1991; two sisters, Helen Newton and Beverley Fisher; and two brothers, Eugene Shepard and Harold Shepard.
The funeral service was held on Saturday, Nov. 24, at St. Thomas Episcopal Church. The Rev. Margaret Lee Ferry, interim pastor, officiated. The graveside committal service and burial followed in the family lot at Forestdale Cemetery.
Memorial gifts may be made to The Brandon Area Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 232, Brandon, VT 05733.
Norman J. Gendreau
VERGENNES — Norman J. Gendreau, 75, died Monday, Nov. 19, 2007, at Burlington Health and Rehabilitation Center in Burlington. He was born Nov. 12, 1932, in St. Armonds, Quebec, Canada, the son of Adlore and Clara Humaton Gendreau.
He is survived by nine brothers, Adlore Gendreau and Alfred Gendreau, both of Canada, Alcide Gendreau of Buffalo, N.Y., George Gendreau of Canada, Donald Gendreau of Vergennes, Paul Gendreau of Shoreham, Armond Gendreau, Antinoe Gendreau, and Morse Gendreau, all of Canada; two half sisters, Shirley Tatro and Gladys LaPointe of Canada; and several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his wife, Betty Freeguard Gendreau, on January 20, 2006; a sister, Eve Gendreau; and a brother, Red Gendreau.
A mass of Christian burial was celebrated on Saturday, Nov. 24, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Vergennes. Interment will be in Prospect Cemetery in Vergennes.
Memorial contributions may be made to Burlington Health and Rehabilitation Center, 300 Pearl St., Burlington, VT 05401.