Peter Wilson Champagne

Peter Wilson Champagne, who was a beloved father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away on August 16th at Woodridge Nursing Home in Berlin, Vermont, surrounded by his family. He was 81 years old.
Born on April 25, 1944, in Saint Albans, Vermont, Peter was the son of the late Helen Champagne and Wilson "Willy" Champagne. The oldest of three boys, he grew up in Essex Junction and graduated from Essex Junction High School before joining the United States Navy. He made his home in Essex Junction, Vermont, where he lived for most of his life.
Peter proudly served his country from 1964 to 1970, achieving the rank of Petty Officer 2nd Class (E-5). He served two years on active duty during the Vietnam War and four years in the Navy Reserve before being honorably discharged in 1970.
After completing his military service, Peter first worked at the Moran Plant for the City of Burlington before beginning a long career at IBM, where he served as an engineer responsible for maintaining Nikon microscopes. His technical expertise, strong work ethic, and steady dedication earned him the respect of his colleagues and friends.
In 1970, Peter married Sandra Champagne, and together they built a family that remained the center of his life. After Sandra's passing in the summer of 1989, Peter dedicated himself to raising their two children as a single father. His strength, selflessness, and love guided them through the years that followed. Later, he was blessed with the companionship of his longtime partner, Gaye Lucil Simmons, with whom he shared many years of love and support.
Beyond his work and service, Peter will be remembered for his love of boating and cars, his eye for finding a good deal, and his generosity in mentoring and helping others in need-whether family or not. He enjoyed collecting knick-knacks, going out to brunch with his family, and sharing laughter and stories with those closest to him. He had a wry sense of humor, even close to death, and was often the life of the party in his younger years.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Helen and Wilson "Willy" Champagne; his wife, Sandra; his brothers, Mark Champagne and Terry Champagne; and his partner, Gaye Lucil Simmons.
He is survived by his daughter, Karen Champagne Glass, and her husband, Dustin Glass; his son, Andrew Peter Champagne; and his grandchildren: Violet Evangelyn Jarvinen of Florida, daughter of Andrew; and Norah Sandra Glass, Kayla Lynn Glass, and Ashlyn Rose Glass, daughters of Karen and Dustin.
A celebration of Peter's life will be held on Wednesday, September 3rd from 5-7 PM at Corbin and Palmer Funeral Home, located at 9 Pleasant Street in Essex Junction. There will be a graveside service at Fairview Cemetery on Sunday, September 7th at 11 AM.
Peter will be remembered for his laughter, kindness, and unwavering love for his family. His legacy of devotion, service, and resilience will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting the Woodridge Rehabilitation and Nursing facility where Peter received outstanding care at the end of his life. You can make a gift to the Woodridge Life Enrichment Fund in honor of Peter Champagne through the Central Vermont Medical Center (CVMC). This fund directly supports enriching activities for residents to support their physical, mental, and emotional well-being (and also includes gardening projects).
There are two ways to donate to the Woodridge Life Enrichment Fund:
1. Donate online Visit the CVMC donation page: www.cvmc.org/donate-2. Select "Woodridge Life Enrichment Fund" from the "I want to support" dropdown menu. Complete the gift by filling in your donation details. Please check the box for "This is a tribute" and add "In honor of Peter Champagne". 2. Donate by mail Make your check payable to "Central Vermont Medical Center". Include a note stating that the gift is for the Woodridge Life Enrichment Fund. Mail your donation to: Central Vermont Medical Center Office of Development P.O. Box 547 Barre, VT 05641 Or contact the Development Office For questions about your donation or to discuss a gift, contact the Director of Development at CVMC. Barbara McAndrew Phone: 802-371-4311 Email: Barbara.McAndrew@cvmc.org