Jeanne Irene Brunelle

Jeanne "Jane" Brunelle, 90, passed away peacefully on August 16, 2025, at the McClure Miller Respite House in Colchester, surrounded by her loving family and the devoted staff who cared for her.

Born November 7, 1934, in Burlington, Vermont, Jeanne was the daughter of Henry and Philomene Brunelle. On January 12, 1953, she married Napoleon Jean, and together they raised six children - four sons and two daughters.

A devoted mother and homemaker, Jeanne filled every corner of her home with warmth. She was a skilled seamstress and a talented cook whose recipes became cherished traditions. Jeanne's laughter was contagious-she had an uncanny gift for making friends wherever she went.

For many years, Jeanne worked at IBM in Burlington, first as part of the cafeteria team and later in security. She treasured her colleagues and the friendships she formed there. In her later years, she made her home at Pinecrest Senior Housing in Essex, where she was the spark that brought neighbors together in the common room. Her presence there fostered community and camaraderie; she will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Jeanne was one of fourteen children. She was preceded in death by her siblings Yolanda, Henry Jr., Leonard, Theresa, Cecile, Claire, Robert, Marion, Arlene, and Annette. She is survived by her brothers Donald, David, Raymond, and many nieces and nephews.

Later in life she spent many loving and happy years with her devoted companion and friend, Tom Bushey who preceded her in death.

She is lovingly remembered by her six children: Rick, Diane Hogan (Dennis), Bruce (Louanne), Mike (Michelle), Kevin (Karen), and MaryAnn (Mike Bushey). She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Judy Ashley (Walt McLaughlin), whom Jeanne helped raise during Judy's early years - a lifelong bond filled with love and gratitude. She also leaves behind 13 grandchildren 18 great-grandchildren who will carry forward her legacy and spirit.

The Brunelle–Jean family extends heartfelt thanks to Jeanne's closest friends at Pinecrest; Robin, Perri, and Yolande, and others too numerous to mention for their unwavering love and support. A special thanks to her brother Raymond who assisted her in so many ways in the later part of her life. We are profoundly grateful to VNA Home Health & Hospice and the staff at McClure Miller Respite House for the exceptional care they provided.

Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, August 26th, from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm at LaVigne Funeral Home, 132 Main St., Winooski. A Mass will follow at 1:00pm at St Francis Xavier Church in Winooski, followed by her burial in St Francis Xavier Cemetery.

The family requests donations be made to the McClure Miller Respite House, UVM Health Network, 3113 Roosevelt Highway, Colchester, VT 05446.