Lucille (Bourgeois) Fortuna

WATERBURY/BURLINGTON -

Lucille (Bourgeois) Fortuna finished her journey April 4, 2008, at Birchwood Terrace surrounded by her children Cara, Patricia, and David.

She was born October 6, 1925, in Swanton, Vermont, the daughter of the late Henry and Dorothy (Ouimette) Bourgeois. She graduated from St. Ann’s Academy on June 15, 1943, and the Bishop DeGoesbriand School of Nursing on June 10, 1947, where she was an auxiliary member of the Army Nurse Corps.

On July 18, 1949, Lucille married Peter Fortuna, son of Luigi Fortuna and Caterina LaBella. Lucille practiced nursing at both St. Albans and Kerbs Memorial Hospitals in St. Albans, Vermont from 1947 to 1959. Along with being a full time Mom, Lucille worked at Farrington’s Florist and Greenhouse on North Avenue in Burlington from the 1960s to the 1980s. She loved the interaction with people: especially at holiday time, working with flowers and plants, and spending time with her good friend Sandy Farrington. In the late 1980s, Lucille took great pride in becoming a grandmother and providing daycare for two of her grandchildren until 2000. In 2003, Lucille retired to reside with her Daughter Cara, son-in-law Gary, and her grandson Ethan in Waterbury Center, Vermont. She enjoyed watching the beautiful sunsets over Camels Hump, migrating birds, deer, and being with her family.

Lucille was predeceased by her husband Peter Fortuna January 3, 1984, and a daughter Gail (Fortuna) Cote on July 23, 2004. She is survived by her son and three daughters, David Fortuna of Richmond, Vermont; Patricia and Peter Koledo of Richmond, Vermont; Cara and Gary Griswold of Waterbury Center, Vermont; and Cheryle and Jeff Jimmo of Burlington, Vermont. Her Grandchildren, Ethan Griswold of Waterbury Center, Vermont; Christie Cote of Saco, Maine; Roxy Jimmo and Jillian Jimmo of Allston, Mass., And of course, her special sister and brother-in-law Elaine and Francis L’Esperance and their family, all of Swanton, Vermont. Lucille is also survived by two sisters-in-law, Mrs. Frances

Villemaire of Winooski, Vermont and her family; Mrs. Nancy Raine of Frankfort, Kentucky and her family, and also the familes of John and Anna DePaul of Winooski, Vermont, and James and Louise Fortuna of Jacksonville, Florida.

Lucille requests that special thanks be given to Cara, Gary, David, Patricia, Pete, Ethan, and Christie for the love, joy, and consideration given her. “Everything can be replaced except time”.

Lucille’s indomitable spirit, joyous laugh, giving nature, and nurturing soul will be greatly missed by everyone who knew and loved her.

Per Lucille’s request, donations may be made in her name to the Ronald McDonald House.

A Memorial Service for the family will be held at The Louisa Howard Chapel, Burlington, Vermont, followed by internment services at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Swanton, Vermont. In lieu of attendance, online condolences may be made at www.kiddermemorialhome.com.

“Lucy’s” (“Red’s”) family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to everyone at Birchwood Terrace, Dr. Frank Landry, and Rosemary Dale, ANP for recognizing and loving Lucy’s adoring and fun-loving spirit. Arrangements are under the direction to The Kidder Memorial Home, 89 Grand Avenue, Swanton 05488. To print this obituary or offer on line condolences please visit: www.kiddermemorialhome.com

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