It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved matriarch, Joyce Mary Perrotte.
Joyce passed away peacefully on December 22, 2025, surrounded by her family, at Northwestern Medical Center in St. Albans, Vt.
Born on October 14, 1943, in Burlington, Vt., Joyce was the daughter of Robert and Jane Allen (Bessett). Joyce grew up in a close-knit community and attended Nazareth School, where she met her lifelong best friends, Lynn (Roland) Bergeron and Suzanne (Tony) Villanti.
Joyce graduated from Rice Memorial High School in 1961 and later pursued her education at Trinity College in Burlington, earning an associate’s degree in business in 1982. She worked in various roles throughout her life before retiring in 2002 from the University of Vermont Medical Center, where she worked as an administrative assistant.
Music was inseparable from who she was; it shaped her spirit and gave voice to her joy. She began singing under the guidance of Maurice Villemaire and continued for 30 years as a devoted member of the choir at St. Joseph’s Cathedral Church. In pursuit of new creative expressions, she later became a talented photographer and cocreated Middle Hero Arts, where she made beautifully unique greeting cards that captured Vermont’s natural landscapes.
Beyond her creative pursuits, Joyce embraced life with a sense of adventure and zest. On her 50th birthday she swam from Savage Island back to her family’s camp in Grand Isle, an impressive achievement that showcased her strength and determination. Whether she was soaking up sun on the beach, participating in water sports or perfecting her best cannonball off the dock, Joyce found a great deal of peace by the lake’s edge.
Family was the heart of Joyce’s world. Married to her beloved husband, Kenneth, for nearly 62 years, their enduring partnership was a true testament to love and commitment. Together they raised three children — Kenneth, Daniel and Jennifer — and shortly afterward she became “Binny” or “Aummie” to her grandchildren. Joyce poured love into every moment with her family, whether playing with her grandchildren, hosting family gatherings or choosing the perfect Christmas tree. Her home was always filled with warmth, especially during the holidays, when she delighted in decorating every corner with festive cheer. She was always present at life milestones with a camera in hand and a big smile on her face.
In the words of her husband, “All she ever wanted was to be a great wife, mother and grandmother — and she succeeded beautifully at all three.” Her loving nature, adventurous heart and infectious humor will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Joyce is lovingly remembered by her husband, Kenneth Perrotte; sons, Kenneth and Daniel (Renae Desautels); daughter, Jennifer (Philip) Anthony; grandchildren, Kayla, Kelsey, Marley, Sullivan, Sam and Luke; sister-in-law Marlene Perrotte RSM; sister-in-law Vivian Pajala; brothers-in-law, John (Elizabeth) Perrotte and John Keefer; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She was predeceased by her parents, Robert and Jane Allen; brother, David Allen; father- and mother-in-law, Theodore and Pauline Perrotte; sister-in-law Diane Keefer, and several aunts and uncles.
A celebration of Joyce’s life is planned for spring 2026 at St. Joseph’s Cathedral Church in Burlington, Vt.
Those who wish to make a donation in memory of Joyce are encouraged to donate to Joseph’s House, located at 113 Elmwood Ave., Burlington, VT 05401.