FERRISBURGH — Marie Shortsleeve passed from this earth peacefully and gracefully on Thursday, June 4. Her daughters, along with the loving staff of Ringers Home Care, were by her side. Marie passed at 98 (and 12) years young after living a very long and fulfilling life. She was born in Ferrisburgh on Dec. 26, 1921, to George and Stella (LaFlam) Langeway.
Marie attended UVM, where she earned her teaching certificate and taught in several one-room schoolhouses in Ferrisburgh. She married her only true love, Russell, on Aug. 21, 1943. With the birth of her first child she became a full-time mother and farm wife, a role she cherished, raising four lively children, maintaining a home and pitching in with farm chores whenever the need arose. She could sling bales with the best of them!
Marie loved gardening, flowers, and every craft imaginable. She was known as the original recycler, making something out of nothing and making do. All of her family have home décor that includes her handiwork. She was also an avid birdwatcher and could identify most by their song. In later years Marie enjoyed traveling, touring around America with her friends from Seniors.
Marie was predeceased by her husband Russell, her daughter Sharon and her brother Hosea and sister-in-law Gloria.
Marie is survived by her son George of New Haven, her daughter Diane of Ferrisburgh, and her daughter Susan of South Burlington. She is also survived by seven grandchildren: April and Zach Spraker of Georgia, Jeremy Shortsleeve of Milton, Vt.; Daniel and Stephanie Sweet of Belvidere, Vt.; Rebecca and Justin Fitzsimmons of Rutland, Vt.; Heather and Matthew Crowley of Vergennes, Vt.; Jonathan and Ashley Wainer of Hinesburg, Vt.; and Tyler and Lindsay Wainer of Williston, Vt. She was also blessed with 15 great-grandchildren whom she cherished. She is also survived by her special neighbors, whom she loved as family, Arthur and Anne Cohn.
A special heartfelt thanks from the family to Jim and Marlene Ringer and all the loving staff at Ringer’s Home Care. Also a well-deserved thanks to Anne and Anthony Myrick for their love and care for mom.
Calling hours were held Sunday, June 7, from 3 to 5 p.m., at Brown-McClay funeral home in Vergennes. A mass of Christian burial was celebrated at 11 a.m. on Monday, June 8, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Vergennes. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ferrisburgh Volunteer Fire Department, the Vergennes Area Rescue Squad or a charity of your choice in her memory. To send online condolences to her family visit brownmcclayfuneralhomes.com.◊