Harriet E. Leclair

BARRE - Harriett Emily (Sample) LeClair, 98, died peacefully on April 28, 2024, at the Burlington Health and Rehabilitation Center in Burlington, VT. In her final days she was surrounded by her loving family and was comforted by the angels sent to guide her along the way. Fittingly, it was a sunny Sunday bluebird day.

Born March 2, 1926, she was the daughter of the late William and Harriett (Emery) Sample and grew up on the family farm in Williamstown, VT with nine siblings.

On September 18, 1943, she married Theodore W. LeClair. Together they raised six children.

Harriet loved her childhood farm work and through it became a fierce, independent, and brave woman. She made the best of each phase of her life and made her homes gathering places where all were welcome, and food and laughter were abundant. She had many talents and interests including puzzling and painting, bird watching, gardening, and canning. She was lucky at cards and picking winners at the racetrack. She loved spending time with her family and friends and connected meaningfully with so many.  She adored her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and got to know each of them.

Survivors include her survived by her daughter Melinda Clain and her sons Michael, Charles, Daniel and Douglas LeClair, her thirteen grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren as well as her brother, Richard Sample and her sister, Kay Erff.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her loving husband in 1987 and eldest son Theodore LeClair Jr. in 1991 and her sisters Madeline Joyal, Ruth Beaton, Shirley Bernier and her brothers James, William, Douglas and George Sample.

As she requested, she will be buried at a private graveside service in Williamstown, VT alongside her loving husband and son marked by a bluebird adorned headstone.