Florence L. Perrin

BARRE – Florence L. Perrin, 96, died Thursday, July 27, 2017, at her daughter's home.

She was born January 26, 1921, in Alburg, VT, the second oldest of seven children of Glendon LeRoy and Elizabeth (MacDonald) LeRoy. She was twenty minutes older than her twin brother Floyd. Her family moved to Barre when she was young, and when she was ten to a home surrounded by the Perrin farm. She and her brothers and sister spent many hours roaming and playing in the pasture.

Florence attended Barre schools and graduated from Spaulding High School in 1939. She married Fred W. Perrin on July 9, 1954 and she worked alongside him on the dairy farm they operated in Barre where she continued to enjoy being on the land and was able to live independently until last week. She has two daughters, Margaret (Peggy) Hood and Beverly Hebert.

Before her marriage to Fred, she was a nurses aide at Barre City hospital, worked in the filing department at Rock of Ages main office, then at Green Mountain Power as a billing machine operator.

Later she worked in the dietary department at McFarland House until retirement in 1986.

Florence was in Dr. Jarvis' Junior Symphony Orchestra playing the cello. She was a member of the Washington County Symphony and a member of the Vt. Philharmonic Orchestra when it started.

Florence was secretary of the local business and Professional Women's Club and past State treasurer of the organization. She was Secretary of the Barre Women's Center. She belongs to the Ruth chapter of the Eastern Star and holds an office in Charity Chapter #57 of Williamstown. She was a member of the Barre Presbyterian Church, past president of The Elwood Club, elder of the church, taught Sunday school, and sang in the choir. She joined the Barre Senior Center and was their piano player. As part of the Montpelier Senior Center she played in the “Swingn' Over 60”orchestra group. She was a member and past president of the Barre Unit of Church Women United. After retirement, she received the Vermont Governor's Award of Outstanding Volunteer for Community Service for her 18 years of volunteer work at the Woodridge Nursing Home, RSVP, and Americorps. She also received the city of Barre Volunteer Award. She was a member of the Civilian Conservation Corps. She spent many hours picking wild berries, making delicious jams jellies and pies, singing and playing her instruments. Florence was an active and giving lady who enjoyed all the people she met throughout her life and visiting with them.

Florence is loved and mourned by her brother Ken and his wife, Gerri LeRoy, of Syracuse, NY, two daughters Peggy Hood and Beverly Hebert and her husband, Steven; grandchildren George and his wife, Heather Hood, Kim Hood, Ben and his wife, Amy Hebert, and Alex Hebert. Great-grandchildren include: Nick and Dylan Hood, Jack and Molly Place, and Josh Dent, and many nieces, nephews, and friends and neighbors. She was looking forward to the birth of her great granddaughter in September. She was predeceased by her husband Fred, brothers Norman, Floyd, George and Winston and her sister Edith LeRoy, as well as her son-in-law George Hood.

Her family would like to thank the Doctors and nurses at CVMC and CVHHH for helping grant her wish to enjoy being at home.

Calling hours will be Thursday Aug. 3 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Hooker Whitcomb Funeral Home, 7 Academy Street, Barre. A funeral service to honor and celebrate her life will be held on Friday, Aug. 4, 2017, at 11a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 78 Summer St., Barre. A reception will follow at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice, 600 Granger Road, Barre, VT 05641 or to the First Presbyterian Church, 78 Summer St, Barre VT 05641.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Hooker Whitcomb Funeral Home, 7 Academy Street, Suite 1 Barre, VT 05641.