Suzanne Julie Cloutier Shute

Suzanne Julie Cloutier Shute, 72, passed quietly on June 1, 2023. Daughter of Edgar Cloutier and Doris Duncan Cloutier, she was predeceased by her husband Alan Barrett Shute and is survived by her daughters Christa Barrett Shute (husband Llewellyn Cobden) and Janessa Cloutier Shute Deal (husband Capt. Steve Deal, USN, Ret.); grandchildren John and Kathleen Deal; sister Arlene Rex; sister-in-law Elaine Bishop; brother-in-law Denny Shute; nephews Kevin and Stephen Rex, and Rory Shute; and niece Melissa Pruyn.
Suzanne grew up in the Westmount district of Montreal and attended St. George's School of Montreal. She then studied haute de couture and used that fashion design excellence to make a series of gorgeous wedding and prom gowns for both daughters, along with a host of other clothes. She came to the Jay Peak area as a ski bunny when she was 18 and met her husband of 45 years in Montgomery Center - from Granny Grunts to the Shop Out Back to the house on Route 242. Suzanne moved to Stowe, Vermont in 1983.
An artist in so many ways, her paintings were shown in galleries, stores, and libraries. She loved to paint the human form in abstract interpretation. She also sculpted with clay and metal. Suzanne applied her creativity and talent as she supported her husband Alan Shute in his business ventures. She contributed to the design of the Hearthstone soapstone woodstoves and the development of many national trade show booths. Working with her husband and daughter Christa at Caldera she was the key industrial designer in the aesthetic design of some of the first touch-controlled glass cooktops in the country – winning multiple national awards and publicity.
Later in life she earned her living through jewelry design. Her copper jewelry could be found in stores throughout Vermont and the eastern seaboard. She cherished the ability to share her work at all of the farmers markets, artist festivals, and craft fairs. Never one to shy away from new experiences, her last few years included moving to Montpelier and then Calais, camping, a trip to Roatan, Uruguay, much dancing, live music, and the Montreal Symphony.
Suzanne was spirited, loving and humorous. She loved to read, play cards and cook. Family was the most important thing in her life. Her funny wit and devilish smile will be greatly missed.
Many thanks to the neurology department at Dartmouth-Hitchcock, Central Vermont and University of Vermont Medical Centers, Maple Ridge Memory Care, and the McClure Miller Respite House.
There will be no public service. Please consider supporting local Vermont artists or making a donation to the Vermont Arts Council in Suzanne's memory. Please visit awrfh.com to share your memories and condolences.