Florence L. Abare

BARRE – Florence L. Abare, “Molly”, 90, a longtime Barre Town Resident, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 17, 2023, at Birchwood Terrace Rehab and Healthcare in Burlington.

Born on February 1, 1933, in Newport, VT she was the daughter of Wilfred and Evelyn (Laraway) Langevin.  Having lived in Barre all her life until 2018, she was proud to be “Barre girl”. She attended St. Monica’s and Spaulding Graded schools,  graduating from Spaulding High School in 1951.

Molly married Richard “Dick” Abare on June 30, 1951 and the two made their home in Barre until his death in 1998.  In 2014, she married Donald McKnight of Barre, and they were married until his passing in 2020.

Molly started working as a secretary for Jones Brother's in Barre in 1951.  After staying home to raise a family, she returned to work for the Green Mountain United Way of Vermont in Montpelier, having served as Executive Director for a time.  She retired from the United Way in 1995, but continued to work temp jobs, her favorite being her position at the Vermont Fish & Wildlife department in Barre.

Molly was a very active community member.  She was involved with her local Woman's Club and Altrusa Clubs of Barre, as well as the Vermont Children's Aid Society.  She was both a member and also served terms on their boards.  She was an active lobbyist, and her efforts help enact the seat belt law in Vermont in the 1970's, among other efforts.  She was very involved with St. Monica's Catholic church of Barre.  For many years she regularly helped fund raise for Capital Campaigns and organize annual food and clothing drives.  She was a devout Catholic, attending church regularly her entire adult life.

Survivors include her oldest son Stephen Abare and his son Mark, and great-granddaughter Taydence Renee as well as her daughter Amy Bombard and her husband Dave.

Besides her husbands, she was predeceased by her parents; her brother Wilfred “Junior” Langevin, and unexpectedly, her son Douglas Abare just days before her passing.

Her family acknowledge with heart-felt appreciation the incredible staff at Birchwood Terrace for the excellent and loving care she received while a resident there in her final years.  We also wish to acknowledge Fr. Leo Bilodeau for his years of love and friendship to Molly and her family.  In the spirit of Molly’s dedication to her favorite causes, donations may be made to the Green Mountain United Way or the Central Vermont Humane Society.  You may also donate your time to your local church or community organization.

A Mass of Christian Burial to honor and celebrate Molly’s life will be held on Saturday, November 25, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. in the St. Monica Catholic Church in Barre.  Inurnment will follow in Hope Cemetery on Maple Avenue in Barre.  There are no calling hours.