Leona N. Garback

BARRE CITY - Leona N. Garback, 86, of Barre, VT, died April 20th with peace and grace at home with her loving family and caregivers by her side. Immediate family survivors include her loving husband, Rudolph Milan Garback of 65 years, two daughters, Sue Garback-Morton, of Barre, husband Robert Morton and their two sons, Jeff and Eric, and Gloria Garback, of Essex Junction, close friend Randy Parker, and Gloria's daughter Alison Cooley. Other family members include Leona's sister, Jeanette Culver and husband Jim of Lebanon, NH, as well as other family relations, including numerous nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind her feline companion, Oliver, who was always by her side until the end of her life. He continues to sleep where he always has and will miss her as we all will.

Leona was born at home in Calais on March 26, 1931, daughter of Robert Converse and Alice Slayton Converse. She grew up on the Converse farm, riding her horse to school daily, something she enjoyed doing for many years. She graduated from Montpelier High School in 1949. She met her lifelong sweetheart, Rudy, during her senior year. They eventually married on September 28th, 1952, at the Old West Church in Calais.

Leona and Rudy lived many years on Barre Street in Montpelier. During that time, they had their two daughters, Susan and Gloria. They eventually purchased the Alpine Motel in 1969 and ran that until they sold it in 1987 and built their home in Barre where they have resided since.

Leona worked most of her life as a secretary for the Vermont State American Legion Headquarters in Montpelier. She worked hard, managing the motel, working, and raising her children. She was an active member of the Rural Carrier’s Auxiliary, the American Legion Auxiliary, and Hedding Methodist Church.

Favorite times for Leona were spending time at the family camp in Lake Elmore, going out dancing with Rudy and friends, and travelling to Florida during the winter months for many years. She also loved playing piano, gardening, cooking, knitting, and animals, of which she had many over the years. Her main priority, however, was caring for her husband and daughters, and later, spending time and spoiling her granddaughter, Ali. A natural gift Leona had was her kindness and being a natural caregiver to others, from injured birds she and Rudy would rescue to family and friends.

A graveside service is planned at the Berlin Cemetery on Saturday, April 29 ^th , at 2:00 pm. Arrangements are being handled through Hooker and Whitcomb Funeral Home of Barre.

Special thanks go out to the Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice team who cared for her until the end with such grace and dignity, while sprinkling bits of humor just when we all needed it, as well as wonderful private caregivers who were with her over the past few years of her life. Special thanks to long time caregivers Lauren and Marie for allowing her to be all that she could as she declined and slipped away as a result of Alzheimer’s disease.

Memorial contributions can be made to Central VT Home Health & Hospice, 600 Granger Road, Barre, VT 05641, or to the Vermont Alzheimer’s Disease Association, 300 Cornerstone Drive, Suite 130, Williston, VT 05495. Leona leaves all who knew her rich in memories.