Song Jirai la voir un jour by Josee Vachon

ANITA C. GODARD

ADDISON - Anita C. Godard, 70, died Wednesday, March 2, 2005, in Fletcher Allen Health Care in Burlington. She was born in Weybridge on Aug. 11, 1934, the daughter of Oliver and Clara (Pommainville) Charlebois. Anita was a member of St. Peter's Church in Vergennes.

She was employed at Vergennes Union High School for 27 years.

While health problems placed limitations on travel, they did not curtail her interest and love for the community, family and friends. She and her husband would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this year.

Anita is survived by her husband, Reynald L Godard of Addison: son Reynald C. Godard and his wife Patricia of Essex Junction; two grandsons, Kevin and Brian; two daughters, Shelly Godard and her husband John Predom; granddaughter Sierra Roberts; two stepgrandaughters, Jessica and Allison Predom of Vergennes; Sherry Brunet and her husband Richard; granddaughter Kaitlyn of Waltham; four sisters, Simone Masse of New York, Rita Booska of New Haven, Jeanne Bernek of Greensboro, Rena Booth of Forest Dale; four brothers, Real of Burlington, Richard of Ferrisburgh, Bernard of Oregon, Eugene Charlebois of Addison; several nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, March 5, at 1 p.m. in St. Peter's Church in Vergennes. Interment will be in Resurrection Park Cemetery in South Burlington in the spring. Friends may call at the Brown-McClay Funeral Home in Vergennes on Friday from 7 to 9 p.m. Contributions may be made to the St Peter's Restoration Fund, Vergennes 05491, or Addison County Home Health and Hospice, Middlebury 05753.

Thanks For The Memories

At Aunt Anita’s funeral mass when asked by the priest if anyone would like to say a few words about Aunt Anita I know I, for one, could not have gotten up in front of everyone and spoken as well as Yvette did. Therefore, a few of us would like to share now with everyone, especially Uncle Rey, Rey, Shelly, and Sherry our memories of Aunt Anita…

When I was in my teens there were many summers that I would stay at Grammie's and Papa’s house in Vermont. Some summers it was for just a week, others longer. But most times I stayed, there was always a night or two that I got to spend at Uncle Rey’s house and hang out with the twins. Now here is where some might say “uh oh!” but we really did behave, most of the time, but that’s a different story!

Anyway, my most memorable moment spent with Aunt Anita was the day she took Shelly, Sherry, and I shopping in Middlebury. We shopped a while and then stopped at the Red Barn (I like to call it The Confessional) for lunch. The twins were probably 16 at the time and I was 15. We were sitting, eating, laughing, enjoying our lunch and all of a sudden Shelly must have felt she was in church and needed to confess some sins. She looked straight at her mom and said “mom, I just want you to know, Sherry and I smoke”. To which Sherry responded, “I didn’t want her to know, Shelly”. I guess Shelly figured since they were twins, they were going to confess together. Aunt Anita handled it like any good mother would and told the girls that they really shouldn’t be smoking and so on but I think she was just as surprised by the confession as Sherry was. I, of course, just sat there eating my burger hoping I wouldn’t be pulled into the conversation since I remember the night before stopping at the 4 Corners Store with them to buy some Virginia Slims!

I had a lot of good times staying at their house. I always felt very much at home since Aunt Anita was so much like my own mom with her caring and patience. She was a strong, loving person and I’m so blessed to have had her in my life. God Bless You, Aunt Anita!

Love, Carol

I have many memories, but the one that stands out the most is my first.

Shelly was living at her parents house. She and I had been dating, but I had not met the parents. I had decided to get to her house ahead of her, before she got home from work, to introduce myself. On the way I stopped at the Addison Corner Store to buy a soda (nervous, I think). My car decided that it did not want to start, I was driving a 1987 Saab and it had a mind of it's own. I called Rey and Anita's and talked to Sherry. Rey and Sherry came to the store and helped push my car down the hill on Rte. 17 to jump start it. That was when I first met Rey (nice impression, huh!). When I finally got to the house Anita was sitting at the table in the sunroom. She looked me straight in the eye and asked me, "Can you walk on water?". I responded, "I can barely tread water". Luckily, Sherry was there to help me out. She asked her mother to leave me alone, that I was a nice guy.

John

My pleasant memories of Aunt Anita were when the twins were born in 1961. I at the time was 12 years old and I went to their house and spent about a week after Aunt Anita came home from the hospital. It was great being a helper and enjoying Shelly and Sherry first hand and little Rey. I was very lucky to have shared those special times with Aunt Anita and her family. Of course while I was in their home all that was spoken for the most part was French. Of course I didn't understand it, but they would talk to me in English. It will also be part of my special memories.

Earlene

A fond memory I have of Anita is when she came to CT to be my maid of honor. My home was a second floor four room apartment. The temperature was about 85 degrees and very humid. Grammie, Anita and I slept on a hide-a-way sofa. I should say Anita slept. Grammie and I tossed and turned and listened to Anita snore all night long. She must have really enjoyed the heat even back then. I think of Anita with admiration. She had so much strength, courage and determination. She faced life head on and you never heard her complain. I remember the “religious” trip we took to Canada one summer with our husbands. We visited all the shrines and had a wonderful time. Most of all, when I think of Anita, I think of her with love. She was a dear and a wonderful friend and sister. I will miss her.

Alice

I can remember the summer when I was fifteen and we went for a visit to Uncle Rey’s and Aunt Anita’s house. We were all sitting out in the sun room acting silly. I found a baby bonnet with Huey, Duey, and Luey on it and put it on. I started dancing around and we all had a good laugh.

Wesley

Dear Rey and Family,

As I reflected on Anita’s life and death, I realized that I have always thought of her as a woman of great courage and strength and I admired her positive attitude. Her courage and strength seemed to increase with each new challenge that life put before her. Anita’s positive attitude enabled her to enjoy her life and continue to be very interested in other people and their life despite her own physical pain.

A special memory of mine is the time that I joined Rey and Anita who were vacationing in Maine. We went on a great shopping trip for china at the Villeroy and Boch China Outlet in Kittery. Ithink we found all the place setting and serving pieces including the coffee pot that is currently on the sideboard. Anita and I looked, touched, looked and touched some more while Rey patiently waited. It was worth the wait as a lovely set of china was purchased for the family holidays. Bon Appetite.

I will miss Anita both as a sister-in-law and a friend. I was fortunate to have spent time with her on Monday. During our conversation, I asked her what was one thing that she would like to do? She responded with to take a trip. At that time, I was not aware of the trip that she would be on but I pray she has a seat in first class and it is a safe and peaceful trip.

Love to all,

Rose

I remember staying at your and you gave me a bath because I was chaffed when I was about six. I remember you made a knob for my drum stand when I was in band. I remember playing with Kemo in the back yard , many fond memories of visiting your house with the family.

I remember all the times Aunt Anita gave me a ride home from school so I could play sports or participate in after school activities. I remember going to the post office just about every time I rode home with her. It was comforting having her in the office if I needed something, she was always glad to help, even if I was in trouble, of course I got the third degree from her before I ever saw the principal.

I still remember calling her TAUNT TAUNT God Bless and take care.

SFC Patrick Charlebois
IDT,RTNCO,88th RRC

I cannot think of just one occasion that stands out more than any other when I remember Aunt Anita. There are many times that come to mind. I, like Carol, had the privilege of spending summers with Grammie and Papa and also vacationing with my family in VT. Most of the times we visited, we got to spend time with Aunt Anita , Uncle Rey, Rey, Shelly and Sherry. We had some great times hanging out with each other but what I remember most is that Aunt Anita was so much like my own mom. She was very understanding and loving and always made me feel comfortable and at home. She was always there to lend a helping hand and seemed to take everything in stride. I am proud to have had her and Uncle Rey as my Godparents. If anyone could show you how faith could get you through the worst of times it was Aunt Anita and Uncle Rey. I only hope I can be as strong as she was as I face life’s challenges.

I will miss her, but she will always be in my memories and my heart.

David