Dorothy J Lacillade

Dorothy “Dot” J. (Peake) Lacillade, 89, a longtime resident of Williamstown, passed peacefully after a long illness on Sunday morning November 22, 2015 at Mayo Rehabilitation and Continuing Care in Northfield, Vt., surrounded by her loving family.

Born June 30, 1926 in Barre, Vermont, she was the daughter of the late Edwin and Susan (Badger) Peake. She attended schools in Williamstown, graduating from Williamstown High School in 1944. She was the last surviving member of that class. In 1945 she entered Nurse’s Training at the former Heaton Hospital School of Nursing under the auspices of the U. S. Nurse Cadet Corps formed during World War II.

On March 8, 1947 she married Raymond Menard at St. Sylvester’s Church in Graniteville. After a short period of living in Philadelphia, PA where Ray was stationed in the U. S. Navy, they made their home in Williamstown Village where they raised their four children. In 1965, Ray and Dot built their dream home on Chelsea Road where many family get-togethers took place throughout the years. Ray predeceased her on July 16, 1991.

Dot worked a few years at the Sprague Electric plant in Barre and for many years at the former Heaton Hospital. She later worked at Central Vermont Hospital as a unit secretary/coordinator retiring in 1991 after 32 years of service. She was one of the first Vermonters to become a nationally certified member of the National Association of Health Unit Coordinators. She was an early member of the Happy Moments home-demonstration club and a lifetime member of the Williamstown Federated Church where she served on many committees. As a young mother, Dot and a few close friends formed an informal sewing club that continued for many, many years. She became a member of the Board of Civil Authority and Justice of the Peace in 1992. She was an avid homemaker who loved sewing, traveling and gardening. Her pride and joy were her family and she loved to have as many of them around as possible. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

December 10, 1994 Dorothy married Walter Lacillade, and for another 16 years they continued to tend the gardens and watch the wildlife roam around their home on the hill. They loved to travel, so with their RV and two furry passengers, Buffy and Tommy, traveled across country several times. They visited all 50 states including Alaska and Hawaii. In November, 2010 they sold the house and moved to The Gardens Senior Housing where they continued to enjoy their later years until moving to Mayo Healthcare in June, 2015 due to failing health.

She will be sadly missed by Walter, her loving husband of 21 years, her children, Susan Menard and her husband Dave Noyes of Gardner, MA, Diane Thurston of Littleton, N.H., Raymond Jr. “Rick” and his wife, Kyong of Jacksonville, FL, Michael and his wife, Linda of Essex Jct., Vt., a stepson, James Lacillade of Essex Jct., Vt., 8 grandchildren, 3 step-grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. A brother, Dean Peake of Northfield and a sister-in-law Jean Jangraw of Maine also survive her. She was predeceased by one infant sister, Clara, three brothers, Stanley, John and Guy Peake and one stepson John Lacillade.

Her life will be celebrated in the Williamstown United Federated Church, 2426 Vt 14, Williamstown, VT on December 5, 2015 with calling hours beginning at 11:30 followed by a celebration service at 1:00 p.m. Burial will be in the East Hill Cemetery in Williamstown at the convenience of the family.

Dorothy’s family would like to thank the many wonderful people at Mayo Rehab and Continuing Care for their compassionate care that always went above and beyond.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the American Diabetes Association, 10 Speen Street, 2nd Floor, Framingham, MA 01701.