Joella (Jody) Sweeney Horton was a beloved mother, grandmother, aunt and friend to many! She passed peacefully in her sleep at home.
She was born in Derry, N.H., to the late Virginia and Thomas Sweeney. She graduated from Poultney High School in 1958 and then went on to UVM and Castleton College. She taught in the school systems in Vermont and Massachusetts, worked retail and was employed for 25 years at IBM in Essex, Vt.
After her retirement from IBM, she worked in the Williston school lunch program for a few years. Jody was a very generous person and donated to charities that she believed in, throughout her life.
Jody was loved by so many that are too numerous to mention, but they know who they are. She loved time spent with family and friends and hosted many gatherings. She was a fantastic cook and also loved crafting, gardening, playing cards and traveling. One of Jody’s specialties was her homemade Kahlúa. Her infectious smile and contagious laugh, along with her sparkly outfits, could instantly light up a room upon entering.
Her family meant everything to her. She was so proud when she became a grandmother and especially so when she became a great-grandmother. She is survived by her children, Thomas Horton of Williston and Eva and Anthony J. Pellegrino of Colchester; grandchildren, Anthony Pellegrino of Milton, Emily Horton Cardinal (Mason) of Belvidere, Ethan Pellegrino (Jaylin) of Essex and Ella Pellegrino of Somerville, Mass.; great-grandson, Wilder Cardinal of Belvidere; sister, Linda Sweeney Jackson (Tony) of Columbus, Ohio; brother-in-law, Ronald Vaughn (Vicky) from Poultney; nieces and nephews, Lisa Lamarre (Jason) from Granville, N.Y.; Ryan Gorton of Rutland; and Ginger Vaughn (Denver) from Whitehall, N.Y.; and her lifelong canine companion, Chloe; plus numerous other extended family members.
She was predeceased by both parents; her former husband, Chesley Horton of Hinesburg, in 2002; and her sister, Vicky Vaughn from Poultney, in 2023.
A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.