OBITUARY: Loretta Christine (Burgess) Johnson

DATELINE: Swanton, Vermont

Loretta passed away suddenly at her home on Thursday, October 13, 2011. She leaves her husband, Christopher V. and two sons, Erik and Tyler. Along with an older brother, Tom Burgess of Maine, a niece, Barbara Morrison of Virginia, a niece, Lynn Beck of Oxford, Ma., a nephew, Allen Bissonette. sister-in-law Ruthie Bissonette, and a brother-in-law, Kimball Johnson, sister-in-law, Penny, and niece, Chelsea from Westmore, Vt. She also leaves her beloved dogs, Rose, Buddy, and Luna.

Loretta was born to H. Elwin and Christine Burgess of Oxford, Ma. She graduated from Oxford High School along with Christopher in 1974. The couple was married on May 20, 1978 after a long courtship.

Loretta was very active in her community. She belonged to the Oxford Women's Club, where she performed in many plays, and was co-chairman of the building of the bandstand in the Oxford park. Loretta was also a member of the Worcester County Van Club. She was a member of the board of directors and volunteer extraordinaire for the Franklin County Humane Society of St. Albans, Vt. and the Scottish Terrier Club of America and the New England Scottish Terrier Club. She is well known for her grooming business, Waggin Tails which she ran for 13 years in Swanton, Vt.

Her hobbies included piano and guitar playing, kayaking, snowshoeing, gardening, motorcycling, and breeding, raising, and showing Scottish Terriers. She was the proud owner of 3 Champion Scotties.

A Funeral Service will be held Thursday evening October 20, 2011, at 7 p.m. from The Kidder Memorial Home, 89 Grand Avenue, Swanton. The Reverend Doctor Marguerite C. Gage will officiate. Friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. Committal Services and Interment will take place Sunday morning, October 23, 2011, at 11 a.m. from the family lot in Lakeview Cemetery, Vermont Route 5A in Westmore, Vt with family friend, Father Charles Davignon officiating.

Loretta had many friends from many walks of life and she will be surely be missed.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Franklin County Humane Society, 30 Sunset Meadows, St. Albans 05478 or the New England Scottish Terrier Club “Scotty Rescue” league, care of Ray Rinaldi, Treasurer, Loretta Johnson Memorial Rescue, STCNE 92 Parklawn Drive, Waterbury CT 06708.

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