Obituary: Florence Saucier, 1919-2017 

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• Florence Saucier

Florence Saucier, who has been called a "Queen of Winooski," passed away peacefully at the Converse Home in Burlington, on December 21, just shy of her 99th birthday. Florence was a citizen of Winooski for more than 70 years, coming to the city in 1945 as a new bride. She remained in her own home on Florida Avenue until moving to the Converse Home two years ago.

She was born Florence Marie McKeough in Amsterdam, N.Y., on January 3, 1919. She graduated high school from St. Marie's Institute, where she met her future husband, a Vermonter, Lafayette Saucier. She earned a bachelor’s degree at the College of St. Rose in Albany, N.Y., graduating in 1941. Lafayette and Florence were married on June 9, 1945. Florence was Lafayette's anchor, providing stability and devotion as he proceeded from teacher to superintendent in the Winooski school system. She was also the wonderful homemaker and mother to one son, John. She worked for Saint Michael's College for 25 years as an executive secretary. Florence found much joy and comfort in the Catholic faith. She was active in the Catholic Daughters, soliciting for the bishop's fund and helping in other functions of St. Stephen's Parish in Winooski. In later years, Florence and Lafayette had many happy times traveling with the senior bus tours, camping at Malletts Bay, meeting with many dear friends at the Winooski Senior Center and enjoying visits with their granddaughter Kristin.

In 1987, Lafayette died unexpectedly. Florence learned to drive at the age of 75. She delighted in the birth of her second granddaughter, Abby, in 1988, a year to the day after Lafayette's death. Florence lived independently in her own home until two years ago, when she moved to the Converse Home. She remained close to her Winooski friends and neighbors while receiving the help she needed from the wonderful caring staff at Converse. Florence retained a positive outlook and a held a true interest in the lives of all she met. She was always kind and welcoming. She was an exemplar in how to age gracefully.

Florence is predeceased by her husband, Lafayette Saucier; her parents, John and Helen McKeough; and her brothers, John and Robert McKeough. She leaves her one son, John Saucier MD, and daughter-in-law, Karen Saucier, of Yarmouth, Maine; granddaughter Kristin Saucier and her husband, Jose Romero, and great-grandson Leo Saucier Romero, all of Washington, D.C.; and granddaughter Abigail Saucier and her fiancé, Alex Gallant, of Augusta, Ga. The family would like to thank the wonderful support of the many friends of the City of Winooski and the compassionate care of Dr. Dan Donnelly and the staff of the Converse Home. There will be a funeral service at 11 a.m. on Monday, January 8, at St. Stephen's Parish in Winooski, followed by a reception. Arrangements are under the care of LaVigne Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 132 Main St., Winooski, VT 05404.

Florence gave to a number of charities, but the following were the most significant in her life. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to: St. Michael's College, 1 Winooski Park, Box 256, Colchester, VT 05439; St. Stephen's Parish: 115 Barlow St., Winooski, VT 05404 (655-0318); the Winooski Historical Society, Champlain Mill, Suite 42, 20 Winooski Falls Way, Winooski, VT 05404; or the Winooski Senior Center, 27 W. Allen St., Winooski, VT 05404.