1941
2016
Diane LaClair
Age: 74 • Williston, VT
Diane Dolloff LaClair, 74, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 17th, in Zephyrhills, Florida. She was born in Portland, Maine, on the 26th of May, 1941. She moved to Vermont with her family during her childhood, graduating from Spaulding High School. She went on to earn a degree from Wells College.
Diane and her husband of 54 years, Kermit LaClair, raised four children in Williston - Randy, Sharon, Steve, and Mike LaClair. Diane worked at the Thomas Chittenden Health Center as a bookkeeper for many years, and later worked for Howard Mental Health as an office manager until her retirement.
Longtime residents of Williston, VT, Diane and Kermit divided their time between their Williston home and beloved camp on the shores of Lake Champlain. She enjoyed having company, and friends and neighbors often gathered at camp on the large back deck. She loved visiting with them, but was always happy to walk down to the dock and supervise the grandchildren playing in the water. A proud grandmother, she loved to attend their sporting events and participate in all their milestones.
Diane was a very talented and productive quilter. Her quilts grace the homes of many friends and family, and she often exhibited her work at the Champlain Valley Fair. She was very involved with an active community of quilters. Despite her vast experience, she recognized that there was always more to learn, and she enjoyed the challenge of trying new techniques. She often helped others with their projects as well.
Diane made time for her friends; playing cards, quilting, or simply visiting across her kitchen table. She was as active a woman as her health would allow, and was always on the go.
She is survived by her loving husband, Kermit, their son Randy LaClair, daughter Sharon LaClair, her husband John Uzelac, son Michael LaClair, his wife Jessica, and grandchildren Nicholas LaClair, Liam Maxwell, Keenan LaClair, Ava LaClair and Elias LaClair. Sadly, she was predeceased by son Steven LaClair. She is also survived by numerous dear friends and extended family.
The family will hold a private service for family and friends of Diane later in the Spring. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Vermont Respite House in Williston, VT.
Visit burlingtonfreepress.com/obituaries to Express condolences and sign the guest book.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Kermit and Family,
I am very sorry for your loss. I have countless great memories of time spent at camp and visiting. Diane was like my second mom.
Bernie Pientka
March 29, 2016
Dear Kermit and Family,
My sincerest of sympathies to you all on the loss of your beloved Wife, Mother, Grandmother. May the strength of your family and memories carry you during this difficult time.
With Prayers and love,
Lynn McClintock
March 29, 2016
Kermit, I am very sorry to hear about Diane's passing and I know you must miss her terribly. I saw that you stopped in school today and I'm glad to see that you're getting out and about. Take care of yourself, Pat
Pat Troxell
March 28, 2016
Dear Kermit,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your wife. It is a painful thing to go through, but having friends and family to support you helps .
I am sending you my deepest sympathy.
Louise Plouffe
Louise Plouffe
March 28, 2016
Dear Kermit and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I only had the pleasure of meeting Diane a few times but even in our limited interactions I could tell what an amazing woman she was. I hope you find comfort in spending time together and sharing old memories. My thoughts are with all of you.
Angie Thibault
March 28, 2016
Dear Kermit and family,
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Diane's passing. She was a loved member of my extended family and I will miss seeing her when I am in Vermont. I was going through some things the other day, and came across a beautiful quilted tote that she made me. It has traveled with me to Asia and beyond and is a token of her talent and thoughtfulness. RIP, Diane. I will miss you. Take care of each other. I love you all. Stefanie
STEFANIE SWANSON
March 28, 2016
Kermit and family I am so sorry to hear about the loss your wife and mom. I remember your sons at CVU and when you worked at WCS.
Leon Lestage
March 28, 2016
Dear Kermit:
I am so very sorry. I was happy to see you visiting today at school today. Please know how very sorry I am for your loss. Cindy Cole
Cindy Cole
March 28, 2016
Kermit and Family,
Sending heartfelt sympathies for your lossour thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Sarah Schoolcraft
March 27, 2016
Kermit and family, so sorry for your loss. What a lovely obituary, she sounds like a wonderful lady. She was clearly loved by many. Take care of yourself
Lisa Bisbee
March 27, 2016
Kermit and Family
So sorry for your loss! Thinking of all of you during these difficult times!
With Sympathy
Kateie Cuttitta
March 27, 2016
Dear Kermit and Family,
May you find peace in the knowledge that Diane was loved by many. She was thoughtful and kind, especially to my son, who spent many days at your home as one of Mike's best friends. She will always be remembered in our prayers.
Sincerest Condolences,
Kathy
Kathy Boulanger
March 27, 2016
Kermit and family, I was very sorry to hear of Diane's passing. I feel fortunate that I have had the chance to get to know the both of you over these past few years. I always enjoyed talking to Diane about our shared experiences of living in the Portland area and attending college in Western New York and I will certainly miss those conversations. All three of my kids still fondly remember visiting your camp and catching fish up there. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to be of any assistance to you and your family during this difficult time.
Jason Ruwet
March 27, 2016
Mia, Kathy and I were very sorry to learn of Diane's passing and will miss her very much. I will always remember the many fond memories growing up with the LaClairs at their home in Williston and their camp on Lake Champlain. Diane's beautiful quilts continue to keep us warm. Our thoughts are with the family.
Jay Boulanger
March 27, 2016
Im so sorry to hear about Diane's passing. I will never forget her kindness and her help with Nick was he was born . She was a very kind and talented woman and will be dearly missed by grandchildren. I just folded the beautiful quilt she made for Nick today. May god bless you all during this difficult time .
Stephanie Smith
March 26, 2016
My fondest memories will always be gatherings at camp. Summer time fishing, kids splashing in the water, and always Kermit and Diane waiting at the camp. Diane willing to watch the children, help them with whatever they need, offering cookouts and "visit anytime!" She made us a quilt for our wedding gift, and not only made quilts for my newborn children but an extra special small one for my daughter's doll. She was full of laughter and love and will be missed.
March 26, 2016
Stephanie Smith
March 26, 2016
To Kermit, and the LaClair family. So sorry to hear of the loss of Diane. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time.
Jennifer Martell
March 26, 2016
Ken Drew
March 24, 2016
Kermit and Family, We wish to extend our condolences to you and your family on the loss of your love one. Keith & Nancy LaClair
March 24, 2016
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. I know she will missed.
Jan Colburn
March 24, 2016
Kermit & Family,
I was so sorry to hear you lost Diane - what a gifted and caring person. My thoughts go out to you.
Kathleen Mahar
Kathleen Mahar
March 23, 2016
Sharon - So very sorry to hear about your Mom. I know the 2 of you were close along with the rest of your family. Remember the best. I will help you through the years to come along with your friendships and your family.
Debby Payne
Debby Payne
March 23, 2016
Kermit, Randy, Sharon (John), Mike (Jessica) Nocholas, Liam, Keenan, Ava and Elias and your extended family and friends....my deepest and most sincere sympathy I extend to you all.
Kermit & Diane have been my husband, Ken's (dec) and my landlords for over 30 years. Ken working side-by-side with Kermit as Police Officers (back in the beginning days of the department) for the Town of Williston.
I enjoyed times when I'd get a chance to visit with Diane when delivering the rent checks (mostly after she retire) and the times when she'd show me the beautiful quilts she had or was in the process of making. Summer you couldn't find them as Kermit and Diane were at camp in St. Albans, a welcoming place.
Being a true New Englander, Diane often displayed an honest Yankee sense of humor and true wit!
Diane always talked and showed a true love of her family and especially the times spent with her grandchildren. She will truly be missed.
Sharon Palady
March 23, 2016
To the Laclair family... Just wanted to let you know you are in our thoughts and prayers at this time. We had just started playing pinochle this fall and Diane was really having fun... We will miss that . Don & Sue foss
Don & Sue Foss
March 23, 2016
Kermit & family,
So sorry for your loss, I ran into Diane shopping shortly after you arrived, here in Zephyrhills & we had talked about getting together, it was a pleasure to have know Diane, our prayers are with you
Judy & Dan Pillsbury
March 23, 2016
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