Jacqueline Alice (Gay) Leclair passed away into paradise at her home in Burlington, Vt., on February 27, 2026, surrounded by her loving sons and daughters.
Jacqueline was born in Winooski, Vt., on November 28, 1934, where she lived on East Spring Street with her mother, Florence; father, Albert Gay Sr.; sisters, Joyce and Joanne; and brother, Albert Jr. She was predeceased by daughter Alice Ploof (2001) and by her loving husband, lifelong partner and best friend, Paul J. Leclair Sr. (June 13, 2006). Paul and Jacqueline were married on August 11, 1956, in St. Stevens Catholic Church in Winooski, where she attended Mass for many years, together with her family of seven children.
Jacqueline attended St. Francis and became the salutatorian of her graduating class. She graduated from Trinity College in Burlington, where she excelled and was awarded a scholarship to the prestigious Sorbonne University in Paris, France. As a young woman Jackie worked at the Winooski Woolen Mill as a secretary to the vice president. She also worked at the Burlington Telephone Company and also as a partner alongside husband Paul at their store in downtown Burlington, Lawrence and Leclair Furniture on Cherry Street.
Jacqueline is survived by her three sons, Paul Leclair Jr. and Joseph Leclair of Burlington and John Leclair and his wife, Tina, of Lake Mary, Fla.; daughters Mary Leclair of Burlington, Patricia Leclair of South Burlington, Vt., and Judith (Leclair) Crabtree and husband David of Richmond, Vt.; and by Alice’s husband, Joseph Ploof of Ferrisburgh, Vt. Jacqueline also leaves 20 grandchildren: Farrah Hoffman and husband Justin; Sharrah Wrobel and husband Mike; Cody Ploof and wife Maggie; Jesse Ploof and wife Heather; Chelsa Ploof; Briena Flynn and husband Max; Alysha Curtis and husband Scott; Annalise Leclair and fiancé Benjamin Lagos; Hunter Leclair; Katie and Kasey Crabtree; and Amy Treat and husband Cole; as well as 15 great-grandchildren: Noah, Calvin, Miley, Liam, Kevin, Christian, Jayden, Cameron, Allie, Jack, Randi, Ellen, Ellie, Jace and Oaklyn.
Jackie was a loving wife and a wonderful mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who treasured her family always, remembering birthdays and special occasions with cards and thoughtful handwritten letters, packed with family news and blessings! She loved spending summers at her lake house on Malletts Bay, caring for her beautiful garden, and celebrating special times with family and friends. She was blessed with a joy-filled, storybook marriage and a long, happy life, always cooking and caring for family and friends while sharing wisdom with her heartfelt kindness and devotion to our Lord and savior Jesus Christ and the blessed Virgin Mary.
Family and friends are invited to call on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, 4 to 6 p.m., at the Ready Funeral Home, 261 Shelburne Rd., Burlington, VT.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on March 5, 2026, 11 a.m., at Christ the King Church, 136 Locust St., Burlington. Interment will be at a later date determined by the family. Contributions may be made to Vermont Foodbank or Covenant House.
Arrangements are in the care of Ready Funeral & Cremation Services. To send online condolences, please visit readyfuneral.com.
This article appears in March 4-11 • 2026.