Carole S. Couture

EAST BARRE – Carole S. Couture, 86, a longtime resident of Donahue Road, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 16, 2025, at the Gary Residence in Montpelier.

Born on December 24, 1938, in Barre, she was the daughter of Clark E. and Irene (Hill) Stimson. She attended Ward 5 Elementary School, Spaulding Graded School and graduated from Spaulding High School. After graduation, she attended the UVM School of Nursing from 1956-1957.

On September 27, 1957, she married John Couture in Barre. Following their marriage, they made their home in East Barre. John passed away in 1989. In 2019, Carole moved to Barre. Her final home was at Clara’s Garden in Montpelier where she passed peacefully with Cathy and Tim by her side.

Carole worked at Barre Town Elementary and Middle School, starting in 1978 as an assistant in the special education classroom until 1980 when she was part of Team 2 working with 5th-8th grade students helping them with math and science until she retired in 2008.

She was a member of the Mother Cabrini Catholic Church in East Barre and sang in the choir for many years. She was also President of the Paraeducators Association from 1985-1999. She negotiated a great deal for improving their pay and benefits.

Carole was a loving mom, grammie, and friend with an infectious smile and laugh.  She enjoyed her animals, entertaining and cooking. She loved to drive around town with her dog, windows open and the dog’s head out of the moonroof enjoying and looking for ‘dem cows.’  She truly loved watching and helping children. She had unending patience and took the time to make every child feel special. Carole was a great softball coach and started the Girls Softball League. She was also very competitive in Domino’s and Golf!!  She spent hours and lots of miles traveling to her kids and grandchildren’s sporting events. She cherished her friendships and especially enjoyed all her “girl’s trips” to Maine where she just loved to be, even just to sit and listen to the ocean sounds and eat her lobster and whole belly fried clams.

Survivors include her children John Couture and his wife, Carla of Ocala, FL; Cyndie Couture LaCroix and her husband, Moe of Ballston Lake, NY; Tim Couture of Barre, VT; Cathy Couture and Tom Couture, both of  South Barre, VT; her grandchildren Nicholas and Danah Couture; Ryan (Goose), Kyle (Topo), Haylee, and Kelsey LaCroix; Emily and Cole Couture, Matthew Systo and Jake Couture; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband John Couture, her daughter Susan Couture and her granddaughter Meghan.

Her family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at the Gary Residence for the wonderful care and compassion she received while she was a resident. Their kindness and dedication brought comfort to Carole and her loved ones.

The service to honor and celebrate her life will be held in the Summer of 2025 at a date and time to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Central Vermont Humane Society, 1589 VT-14S, East Montpelier, VT  05651, or Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice, 600 Granger Road, Barre, VT  05641.