NORMA LAPLANT DUBOIS

RICHFORD — Norma LaPlant DuBois, 79, of Richford, Vt., passed away on the evening of May 21, 2026.

Born Dec. 15, 1946, Norma was the beloved daughter of Viola and Howard LaPlant. She was the youngest of the LaPlant siblings, following Howard “Junior”, Robert “Bob”, Roger “Bill”, and Audrey. Raised in a loving, hardworking, and musical family, she carried those qualities with her throughout her life.

Norma grew up playing the piano and trumpet, ice skating and cross-country skiing, reading, cooking with her mother, wallpapering with her father, and following her older siblings everywhere.

A proud Franklin County girl and graduate of Bellows Free Academy, Norma went on to earn her nursing degree. She had a special gift for welcoming new life into the world and spent many years caring for new mothers and babies. Later in life, she earned her real estate license and enjoyed a successful second career helping families throughout Addison County find places to call home. She especially loved getting behind the wheel, exploring back roads, and sharing in the excitement of helping people begin a new chapter in their lives.

Mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, auntie, and friend to many, Norma will be remembered for her witty personalized limericks, her ability to play both lively polkas and Beethoven with ease on her treasured piano, her love of books and photography, and the care she showed by sending boxes of goodies near and far to those she loved.

She is survived by her brother, Bill LaPlant (Margot); her daughter, Sarah Bicknell (Peter); her son, Joe LaBerge; her grandchildren, Gavin Bicknell, Michaela Bicknell (David Gundersen), Isaac Bicknell, Delaney Bicknell, Alexis LaBerge, and Reilly LaBerge; her great-grandson, Augustus Gundersen; and her much-loved nieces, Sharon Jedware (Mike), Diane Stowe (Larry), Bev Doe, and Barbara Martin (Bob), and her nephew Kenneth LaPlant (Doreen). She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Junior and Bob; her sister, Audrey Gagne; and her nephew-in-law, Jamey Doe.

Above all, Norma will be remembered for her deep love of family, her fierce opinions, and her independent spirit. Her love, wisdom, humor, and presence touched many lives and will be deeply missed.

A private family service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Addison County’s animal shelter, Homeward Bound, 236 Boardman Street, Middlebury, Vermont 05753.

The family extends their gratitude to the MICU staff at The University of Vermont Medical Center for their compassionate care.

Honored to be serving the family of Norma DuBois is Rett Heald of the Heald Funeral Home, where messages of condolence are welcome at www.healdfuneralhome.com. ◊