BRENDA JOYCE (SHACKETT) SMITH

SHOREHAM — Brenda Joyce (Shackett) Smith, 84, passed away June 19, 2025, at her childhood home; surrounded by her family. Brenda was born in Shoreham on July 17, 1940. She was the daughter of Quentin & Clarice (Couture) Shackett. She grew up in Shoreham where she received her early education, and graduated from Shoreham High School, class of 1958. Music was her life’s work, started playing piano at age four by ear for family members, playing in school concerts, church choirs, town events. She earned her Music & Arts degree from Trinity College. Brenda had worked as a music therapist at Brandon Training School, and taught several students to play organ and piano. Over the past 60 years she played piano in several restaurants, with musical friends, in the area and conducted hundreds of church services around Addison, Rutland County, Utica, Gloversville, and Hudson Falls N.Y.

She was proceeded by her parents Quentin & Clarice Shackett, brother Robert Shackett, Allen “Bill” Shackett, Bill’s wife Marlene, niece Stephanie, Jill Shackett, husband Burton E. Smith and former husband Edgar E. LaDuke and thirteen brothers & sisters in laws.

She is survived by her children Kirk LaDuke, Kelly LaDuke Peckham, husband Rick of Shoreham, Dana LaDuke his partner Donna of Salisbury, Scott LaDuke of Orwell, grandson Travis LaDuke, his partner April Smith, Her great grandchildren Kailyn, Aiden, Madelyn LaDuke all of Shoreham and extended family April’s children Jade, Sophie, and Vance. Her brother Tom Shackett of Vero Beach, Fla., several sisters & brothers in laws, Jean Shackett of Shoreham, Shelly Shackett of Vergennes, Donna Shackett Bristol, Conn.,  Maryann Villeneuve and her family of Los Angeles, Calif., Marilyn Stewart husband Mike Peru, N.Y., brother in law Tony Golovach Peru, N.Y., Philis Goddeau, husband Ron Peru, N.Y, Karen Hathaway Lewis, N.Y, Jessy LaDuke, wife Harriet of Old Town Fla., Bonnie LaDuke of Kingsland, Ga. and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends around the country.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on July 22, 2025, at 10 a.m., at St. Bernadette’s Catholic Church in Bridport. Rev. Brandon Schneider, will be the celebrant. The graveside committal service and burial will follow in St. Genevieve Cemetery in Shoreham.

Our Family would like to thank Community Health Center Shorewell, UVM Porter Medical Center, Addison County Home Health & Hospice, family members, and her friends for helping, with her care. In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be made to; Addison County Home Health & Hospice or Shoreham Fire & Rescue.

Arrangements by Miller & Ketcham of Brandon. ◊