Beverly Wilmott

BARRE TOWN – Beverly “Bev” Wilmott, 99, beloved mother and grandmother passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 4, 2024, with her family at her side. She passed away with style, dignity, and on her own terms.

Born on September 9, 1924, in Barre, she was the daughter of George and Martha (Reid) Fowlie. She attended Mathewson School and graduated from Spaulding High School in 1942.

After graduation she was employed at American Fidelity Insurance until 1945 when she wed James “Jim” Wilmott who was in the Navy and stationed in Norfolk, Virginia. Following their marriage, they lived in Virginia for a year before returning to Vermont, where they made their home on Trow Hill raising their three children Cheryl, Allan, and James.

In 1966, Bev became a single parent when Jim passed away at the age of 42 from cancer. She raised her children with a firm hand, always letting them know when she was disappointed in them and there were times we gave her a run for her money with some of our exploits. However, we always knew in our hearts that she loved us.

Then in 1979, she met William Crowther, Jr., and they were married in December. Unfortunately, Bill was also diagnosed with cancer, and he passed away in 1986.

Bev’s life was rich in experiences. She was a member of the Northfield Savings Bank Passport Club and traveled extensively throughout Europe, Australia, Alaska, and Hawaii. She volunteered at Central Vermont Hospital, Home Share Now, became a mentor at Barre City Elementary School and was a long-time member of the Barre Congregational Church.

She loved her family and friends dearly. Bev loved attending and watching her children and grandchildren's sporting activities, music concerts, and family camping trips. Her family was especially important, and she loved it when the family got together for holidays, as well as birthday, graduation, and wedding celebrations. Anyone that knew Bev knew that she was not an early riser, however when her grandchildren started school, she set her alarm clock and went to every house to take pictures of their first day of school even when they were in high school! Of course, they were not impressed that she followed them there and took their picture as they were going in the door!!  She also looked forward to her weekly after church luncheons with her wonderful friends Betty Reid and Rosemary Wheelock.

Bev was a social person who enjoyed visits, calls, and cards from her grandchildren and friends along with her neighbors from The Gardens who stopped in to see how she was doing. With her health issues, she welcomed Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice into her life. From her nurses, the social worker, the spiritual group and palliative group, she was surrounded by caring and wonderful people. As her family, we were very pleased with the care they gave not only to our her, but to us as well.

Survivors include her daughter Cheryl (Wilmott) Zanleoni, her sons Allan Wilmott, and James (Karla) Wilmott, her stepson William (Anna) Crowther, her eight grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild as well as her very special friends whom she considered family, Linda and Ernie Perkins.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband’s Jim and Bill, her son-in-law Charles (Chip) Zanleoni and her daughter-in-law Margaret (Peg) Wilmott.

A memorial service will be held in late spring or summer at a date and time to be announced.   There are no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice, 600 Granger Road, Barre, VT  05641.