Burial Date
Obituaries » BERTHA GARAND
GARAND, BERTHA PINARD, 99, died November 2, at Central Vermont Hospital, surrounded by her family. She resided at Rowan Court for the past three years where she received such tender, loving care. Bertha was born on September 21, 1914 in Ham Sud, Quebec, Canada to Didace Pinard and Georgiana (Lebfevere) Pinard. In 1923 at the age of nine she and her family moved to Montpelier after their home and general store was destroyed by fire. After graduating from St. Michael’s High School in 1934, she was employed as a switchboard operator for New England Telephone Co. On September 29, 1938 “Berti” married her childhood sweetheart, Leo Garand in Montpelier where they resided and took great joy in raising their family. She was a wonderful homemaker and was always there supporting her family’s endeavors. She loved a good time and especially had fun at family parties with all her siblings singing French songs. She enjoyed bowling and taking leisurely walks with friends. Often Berti would join Leo on business trips associated with S.L. Garand Granite Co. which Leo co-owned with his brothers. Weekend get-a-ways to Stowe were always treasured. Following retirement the Garands made their home in Barre for many years while enjoying winters in Florida. Bertha was a long standing member of St. Jean de Baptiste Society, St. Augustine Church, St. Monica Church in Barre and, Lady of Lights Church in Estero, Fla. The couple traveled the U.S. and Canada in their R.V. meeting many people and making life-long friends on the way. They moved to Estero, Fla. in 1988, later returning to Vermont where they lived at The Gardens in Williamstown. Family was always very important to Berti and they attribute her longevity to good genes, deep faith and lots of love. The Garands celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary this past September with their family at Rowan Court. Bertha is survived by her loving and devoted husband Leo, her six children: Suzanne Corning and husband John, Richard and wife Virginia, John and wife Elizabeth, Dorothy Vautier and husband Neil Davis, Jayne Walker and husband David, Stephen and wife Lorie. She leaves 13 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her six siblings: brothers Gaston, Conrad and John Paul and sisters Simone Bisson, Jeannette Babic and Regina Fabrizio. She leaves a special brother-in-law, Rico Babic of Sarasota, Fla. and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Berti touched the hearts of all who knew her with her beautiful smile, kindness, sense of humor and wit.
