LAURIS MARIE KILBOURN CHAMBERLAIN

BRISTOL — On Thursday, March 2, 2023, Lauris Marie Kilbourn Chamberlain, of Bristol, Vt., passed away peacefully, surrounded in light by her loving family and dear friends. She was 54 years old.

Lauris was born in Burlington, Vt., on Dec. 17, 1968, to Jeannine B. Kilbourn and John A. Kilbourn Jr. She grew up in Bristol, graduated from Mt. Abraham Union High School in 1987, and went on to Champlain College.

While working at the A&W in Middlebury, Vt., Lauris met her “boyfriend” and love of her life, Benjamin S. Chamberlain. On June 14, 1997, they were united in love. Lauris and Ben were married for 26 years, and together for 33 blissful ones.

Lauris inspired and touched the lives of many, many people. For over 20 years, her laughter and beautiful smile lit up the halls of the Special Education Department at Mt. Abe in Bristol, as she worked with her “work family” to help students navigate their years of school.

Lauris had an unforgettable laugh and giggle that would brighten your day. She saw the good in everyone and surrounded herself and others with joy, positivity, bubbles, rose petals, and a “little piece of magic in her pocket.” Lauris was the “sparkle in the pixie dust” and would share this specialness to brighten the eyes of a tearful child. She took all her life lessons and reflected them back into the universe each day, never taking one for granted.

She loved sunsets at camp, porch time, family, old and new friends, dancing, her dogs, community, arranging flowers, camping, writing poetry and creating artwork, and being by the river, lakes and ocean. Lauris brought people together. She lived in the moment, loved to laugh, gave the best hugs, practiced gratitude and forgiveness. She always shared fresh flowers at family gatherings, and cherished time with family and close friends.

Lauris was predeceased by her parents, Jeannine and John Kilbourn Jr., as well as her dear brother, Joel A. Kilbourn.

She was adored and is survived by her beloved husband, Benjamin Chamberlain; their son Linwood Chamberlain (his wife Katie); her stepmother, Sara Trudeau (John Kilbourn’s lifelong partner); sister Lynn Kilbourn, her son Michael Kilbourn, and his sons, Kai and Maks; sister Louise Kilbourn-Brynn, daughter, Devon Mroczek (her husband Ross) and their children, Ellie and Miles, and daughter, Callie Brynn (her partner Cam Barrows); and her brother Alan Kilbourn, his son John Kilbourn-Strout (his partner Calista Sargent) and  their daughter, Cassie; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, relatives, and the dearest of friends.

In Lieu of flowers, Lauris asked that you give a “Just because” gift to someone who needs it.

A celebration of Lauris’ life will be held in May, 2023.◊