VERGENNES — Joan E Quesnel, “Gri Gri,” 83, passed away on Sunday, July 10, at the Helen Porter Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center. Born on Feb. 25, 1939, in Bellows Falls, Joan was the daughter of George and Dorothy (Bodette) Evans. Joan graduated from Vergennes Union High School and Champlain College and worked many years at Simmonds Precision and IDX as a secretary.

Joan is predeceased by her husband, John Quesnel and sister, Barbara (Evans) Handte.

Joan is survived by her two daughters, Stacy Paquin and Sasha Bradford; and the absolute loves of her life, her grandchildren: Dustin and his wife, Devon Bradford; Ryan Paquin and his fiancé, Anya Sonwaldt; Dylan Bradford; Kyra Bradford; Kaelin Sullivan; and bonus grandchildren Devin Bradford and Trevon Smith.

Joan was affectionately known by most as Gri Gri and lived her life for her grandchildren. You could always find her on the sidelines of an event one of them was participating in. She was their biggest cheerleader and always smiled ear to ear when she spoke of them. Over the years she became everyone’s Gri Gri and was loved by all who met her. Joan’s love for her grandchildren and any child, for that matter, was proven month after month with her generous donations to St. Jude.

Joan’s lifelong best friend and bonus sister Pat Wager was a constant by her side always there for her right up until the end.

A special thank you goes out to Justin McEntee for being there every step of the way and our Special Angel nurse Jackie, along with the rest of the staff at Helen Porter Nursing Home.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, July 19, at St. Peter’s Church in Vergennes. Interment will be in Prospect Cemetery in Vergennes. To send online condolences to the family please visit www.brownmcclayfuneralhomes.com. ◊