Ann Patricia Whitcomb

Ann Patricia Whitcomb of Springfield, VT, passed peacefully away on September 18 surrounded by her family and a loved caregiver, Caitlyn Laskevich.

Ann was a proud member of the farming community of years past in VT and some might characterize her as a true product of it. She spent her whole life with her hands in the dirt, from playing in it as a child, farming it with her family where she was raised, and ultimately raising her children there as well. She embodied the rare skill of being a truly masterful gardener throughout her life.

Ann obtained a BS from UVM. Upon graduating, (she was actually on a ship in the Atlantic Ocean en route to Europe during her graduation ceremony), she became part of the IFYE program - a young farmer's foreign exchange program. She spent many months in France and made countless lifelong friends in doing so. Many of these friends she stayed in touch with for over 60 years.

Ann worked at Skyline Nursery in Springfield, VT and at the Dartmouth College greenhouse in Hanover, NH after farming for most of her adult life. She enjoyed contra dancing, shape- note singing, handwork and cutting paper snowflakes.

Ann was a truly special woman and someone whose honesty and practicality in life inspired those around her. From her exquisite skills in the garden to her ability to see the best in situations others might be unable to, Ann created a life full of peace and true gratitude of the little things so many of us take for granted. A typical day of stepping into Ann's home would consist of Vermont Public Radio wafting quietly through her kitchen, fresh air blowing through her open porch windows, and her quiet presence wearing a warm, hand-knitted cardigan ready to fold some origami or simply sit in the stillness with company.

She is survived by her sister, Polly Whitcomb; her children, Mark Germain (wife, Wendi), Suzanne Germain-Ruse and Leonard Germain, Jr. (wife, Beverly); her grandchildren, Max Ruse (wife, Leighanne), Alyssa Jewett (husband, Chris), Brittany Ribitzki (husband, Dan), and Chad Germain (wife, Melinda); and her great grandchildren, Christopher Ruse, Madison, Carter and Reagan Jewett, Caden and Ensley Ribitzki, and Oliver Germain.