Aurora J. Atherton

BARRE - Aurora J. Atherton, 99, a former Essex Street resident, passed away Thursday, Nov. 8, 2012, at the home of her grandson and granddaughter, Chris and Cheryl Atherton of Williamstown.

Born on Feb. 10, 1913, in Northfield, she was the daughter of Angelo and Maria (Gargentini) Ambrosini. At a young age, she moved to Barre with her family. She attended Barre Elementary School and graduated from Spaulding High School in 1931.

On July 14, 1935, Aurora married Sheldon C. Atherton in Barre. They first made their home in East Barre before moving to Essex Street in Barre where they lived for many years. He died Jan. 15, 2010. For the past three years, she made her home with Chris and Cheryl Atherton who were her caregivers.

In earlier years, Aurora worked in the office of Ladd's Store in Barre. She remained at home with her children while they were young. After they were in school, she began work at the former JC Penney store located on Main Street in Barre. Later, she retired as the office manager for the Bond Auto Parts in 1978.

Aurora loved her family and friends dearly and always enjoyed cooking and baking for company. She also enjoyed crocheting, knitting, gardening, traveling to Italy and Hawaii, and time spent at their "Camp Rora-Shel" in East Orange.

She is survived by her daughter, Norine Dennis and her husband, Bob of Punta Gorda, Fla.; her daughter-in-law and guardian, Norma Atherton of Williamstown; three grandsons, Chris Atherton and his wife, Cheryl of Williamstown, Scott Dennis and his wife, Melissa of Beverly, Mass., and Geoff Atherton and his wife, Sheila of Jacksonville, Fla.; three granddaughters, Laura Howard and her husband, Warren of Seattle, Wash., Laurie Lerner of North Vancouver, BC, and Shelley Rhea and her husband, Jason of Columbia, S.C.; nine great-granddaughters, Amber Raigne, Erika Clement, Nicole Howard, Paige Howard, Casey Atherton, Bethany Dennis, Sarah Dennis, Samantha Rhea, and Hannah Rhea; four great-grandsons, Ryan Atherton, Seth Atherton, Cody Atherton, and Zachary Atherton; one great-great-grandson, Bentley Clement; her brother, Angelo Ambrosini of Barre; two sisters-in-law, Jean Girompini of Williston and Orcelia Safford of Sharon; a brother-in-law, Homer Fuller of West Topsham; nephews and nieces including a special niece, Donna Tomasini who called Aurora every day for many years.

Besides her parents and her husband of 74 years, Sheldon Atherton, she was predeceased by her son, Glenn Atherton; her stepfather, John Girompini; two brothers, Avenire Ambrosini and John Girompini Jr.; a sister, Louisa Fuller; and two nephews, Ronnie McLeod and Paul Tomasini.

Her funeral service will be held Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012, at 1 p.m. in the United Federated Church in Williamstown. Interment will follow in the Hope Cemetery in Barre. There are no calling hours.

Contributions in her memory may be made to Project Independence, 81 North Main St., #1, Barre, VT 05641.

The Hooker and Whitcomb Funeral Home, 7 Academy St., Barre is in charge of the arrangements.