Laura A. Tomat

BARRE - Laura A. Tomat, nee Hendrickson, 94, recently of Westview Meadows in Montpelier, but a life-long resident of Barre and Ft. Myers, FL, died peacefully in her sleep Wednesday night, January 25, 2017.

The daughter of Carl and Anna Hendrickson, she had one sister, Ruth Macy of Barre and three brothers: Arthur who lives with his wife Linda in Moretown, Douglas, whose widow Judith lives in Nashua, NH and Carl Jr, whose widow Evelyn lives in East Montpelier.

Laura married Ado Tomat in Atlanta, GA on September 30, 1944. She lived with him there and in Indiana before moving back to Barre when he was deployed. Together they raised a family of three children: Gordon, who lives with his wife Dorothy in Woodbridge, CT; Kay who lives with her husband William O’Connor in Coventry; and Ralph who lives with his wife Susan in St. Albans.

Laura graduated from Spaulding High School in 1940 and she held early jobs at Rock of Ages, Montgomery Ward and the Central Vermont Railroad. While raising her family, she developed her love of handcrafting. She opened a ceramic studio where she shared her knowledge by giving classes and she created a line of maple leaf ceramic products which sold in local gift shops. She worked many years for the State of Vermont Department of Employment Security.

She was a member of the Hedding United Methodist Church and a Life Member of Eastern Star. She loved to sew and made aprons by the dozens for the Hedding Christmas Fairs. The sweaters she knit clothed hundreds of teddy bears for RSVP that are still being given to children in crisis. Her twiddle-muffs keep many Alzheimer patients busy for hours. She knit warm mittens for elementary school nurses to give out at their discretion to children in need. She loved to play cards, especially bridge, and was able to play at Westview until just recently.

As well as her sister, brother and children, she is survived by sisters-in-law Linda, Evelyn and Judith, granddaughters Julie O’Connor Banister, Margaret O’Connor Noah, Chelsea Tomat and Erica Tomat. Her great grandchildren are Nicholas Banister, Connor Noah, Ryan Noah and Rachel Banister. She also leaves several nieces, and nephews and their families.

At her wish, there will be no calling hours. A private interment ceremony will occur at the convenience of the family; who wish to thank the kind and loving staff at Westview Meadows for making her last four years easier for her and her family. Contributions in her memory may be made to the Hedding United Methodist Food Pantry, 40 Washington St, Barre, VT 05641.