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BARRE CITY - Anna Stafford Grearson, 97, died Monday, Sept. 23, 2013, at the Woodridge Nursing Home in Berlin.A complete obituary will be published in a future edition of The Times Argus.
The Hooker and Whitcomb Funeral Home, 7 Academy St., Barre, is in charge of the arrangements.
Published in Times Argus on September 24, 2013.
BARRE CITY - Anna Stafford Grearson, 97, a longtime resident of Hill Street in Barre, died Monday, Sept. 23, 2013, at the Woodridge Nursing Home in Berlin, with family at her side.
She was born Nov. 9, 1915, in South Wallingford, the daughter of Clarence Stafford and Elise Piche.
A lifelong Vermonter, Anna grew up in Island Pond, where she graduated from St. Mary's Academy.
On Sept. 4, 1941, she married Lloyd S. Grearson of Barre, and made her home on Hill Street for the next 72 years, until her brief stay at Woodridge Nursing Home.
She raised five children in the family home at which the yard - often overflowing with children - served as the center of neighborhood activity. Anna was proud of her home and particularly enjoyed sharing her fine culinary skills with family. She loved hosting holiday gatherings and welcoming the sixth generation of Grearsons to 123 Hill Street.
Talented and gifted, she enjoyed a variety of art forms, including water color and pastel painting, stenciling and rug hooking, in the process creating priceless pieces cherished by family and friends. Her love and knowledge of flowers was evident in beautiful gardens at her Hill Street home, tended lovingly by both Anna and Lloyd.
An avid reader, Anna always had the day's crossword puzzle and a mug of tea at her side, with a stack of books which she enjoyed reading in both English and French.
Her Catholic faith was a pillar of her life and she instilled a solid religious foundation for her children and grandchildren.
In earlier years she volunteered with the Central Vermont Hospital Auxiliary, was a proud member of the Court St. Monica Catholic Daughters of the Americas, and enjoyed taking art classes, where countless friendships bloomed.
She was predeceased by her husband Lloyd, son John, and brothers David and Nicholas Stafford. She is survived by four of her children: Lloyd S. Grearson Jr. and his wife, Denham, of Honolulu, HI; Norman S. Grearson of Hampton, N.H.; Virginia A. Sabens of Barre; and Brian J. Grearson and his wife, Melanie, of Berlin; eight grandchildren: Kelly, Robin, Rachael, Katherine, Anna, Geoffrey, Christopher and Amanda; and four great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Alice Otis of New York City, as well as nieces and nephews.
While still living at home she appreciated the special friendship of caregivers Helen Sabens, Andrea Poulin and Rita Benoit.
Her Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Saturday, Sept. 28, 2013, at 10 a.m. in St. Monica Catholic Church in Barre. Burial will follow in the Elmwood Cemetery in Barre.
Friends may call at the Hooker and Whitcomb Funeral Home, 7 Academy St. in Barre, on Friday, Sept. 27, from 6 to 8 p.m.
Published in Times Argus from September 24 to September 25, 2013
BARRE - The Mass of Christian burial for Anna Stafford Grearson, a resident of Hill Street for over 70 years, was celebrated Saturday, Sept. 28, 2013, at 10 a.m. in St. Monica Catholic Church. She died Sept. 23, 2013, at the Woodridge Nursing Home in Berlin.
The Rev. Leopold Bilodeau, pastor of the church, was the celebrant and homilist. Crucifer Lawrence Reilly led the Prayer of the Faithful, and the altar servers were Steven and David Poulin.
Granddaughter Katherine McKenney read from the Old Testament, and the New Testament was proclaimed by granddaughter Anna Grearson. The gifts were brought to the altar by granddaughter Amanda Grearson and nieces Susan Moeykens and Anne Stafford.
Words of remembrance and reflections were offered by her son Brian Grearson.
Court St. Monica of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas, of which Anna was a longtime member, provided the honorary escort.
Organist Rosemary Badeau accompanied singers Ronald Routhier, Richard Shadroui and the congregation in the hymns, "On Eagles Wings," "You Are Mine," "Ave Maria," "Song of Farewell" and "How Great Thou Art."
The bearers were grandsons Christopher and Geoffrey Grearson; nephews Tim Stafford and Leo Moeykens; and cousins Ted and Tom Goulette. Burial was made in the Elmwood Cemetery in Barre, with Father Bilodeau reading the committal prayers.
Representatives attended to honor Anna's longtime membership in the Central Vermont Hospital Auxiliary.
Fellowship and luncheon followed at the Hilltop Restaurant in Barre Town.
Father Bilodeau led the prayer vigil service Saturday morning before the Mass, at the Hooker and Whitcomb Funeral Home, 7 Academy St., Barre.
Published in Times Argus on October 1, 2013
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1915 - 2013 (97 years)
