Jean A. Rousse

BARRE TOWN - Jean Avery Rousse, a long-time resident of Oak Drive, passed away at the age of 91 after several years of ill health. She was born on June 20, 1924 in West Topsham, Vermont to Orin and Mary (Tillotson) Avery.
A graduate of the West Topsham elementary school and Spaulding High School, she was married on September 19, 1941 to Ernest J. Rousse of Graniteville. He passed away on August 15, 1989.
Jean began her working career as a private secretary for a law firm in Portland, Maine where she lived while her husband served during WW II. After returning to Vermont she was employed as a secretary at the Barre Chamber of Commerce. In 1957 she began working at the Rock of Ages Corporation, retiring in 1989 after thirty years as the switchboard operator and receptionist.
She is survived by her sister, Marjorie (Leo) Dexter of East Barre, Vermont and her two children, Robert (Susan) Rousse of South West Ranches, Florida and Nancie (Raymond) Proulx of Waterville, Vermont. She leaves three grandchildren, Michael (Karlyn) Proulx of Calais, VT., Jennifer (Scott) Tromans of Sunrise, Florida and Kimberly (John) Beitz of Davie, Florida. Her granddaughter Kristen Proulx predeceased her in 2013. There are nine great grandchildren; Olivia, Aubree and Jake Eisenwinter; Tiffani and Justin Beitz; Sean and Kristen Tromans and Addison and Ruby Jane Proulx.
Her hobbies were rug hooking, painting and quilting. Her passion was collecting antique dolls and she was a long time member of the Green Mountain Doll Club of Vermont.
A graveside service will be held Thursday, October 8, 2015 at 10:00am in the Elmwood Cemetery in Barre City. There are no calling hours.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart/Stroke Association, Tribute Processing Center, PO Box 3049, Syracuse, NY 13220-3049.