Françoise Grenier

BARRE - Françoise Grenier, aged 82 years, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 19, 2025, at her home in Barre surrounded by her loving family. She died as she lived, with love and gratitude in her heart.

She was born on May 3, 1942, to Francois and Jeannette Coulombe in Piopolis, Quebec. Her  family immigrated to the United States in 1961 where she met and married Frederick Colby in 1964. They had two children Brian and Tina Colby of Barre, Vermont. She later remarried Merile Guillette. They celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary last year.

She had an unmatched capacity for joy, warmth, gratitude and kindness and brought this to everything she did. Whether it was in her various jobs or her many interests…dancing, sewing, quilting, basket weaving, gardening, cooking, she brought her unique joy to it all.

Fran had a special gift for bringing people together whether it was with family reunions or translating English or French so more relatives could connect. She bridged her love of family with her devotion to her Canadien roots by purchasing and creating a second home in Piopolis with her sister. Renewing this connection between her two worlds brought her family great joy. It was always a home where all were welcome. She spent many happy years tending to the Piopolis home where she enjoyed gardening, swimming, quiet walks, slow conversations, card games and connecting to the natural beauty of Piopolis.

Françoise is survived by her husband Merile, her children Brian and Tina, her siblings Suzanne, Carole, and Alain (Jan) as well as stepchildren Stanley Guillette, Elizabeth “Liz” Prevost, and Joanna Guillette and a host of nieces and nephews whom she adored.

She was preceded in death by her brother Pierre, father Francois, mother Jeanette, and stepmother Irma.

Family and friends may call on Saturday, February 1, 2025, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., in the Hooker Whitcomb Funeral Home, 7 Academy Street, Barre, Vermont. Françoise will be laid to rest at Saint Zenon Cemetery in Piopolis, Quebec in the spring.

Our family would like to express sincere appreciation to Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice for their compassionate care, thoughtfulness, and support extended to our family.

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