ROSE ALBA (STONE) PLANKEY

MIDDLEBURY — Rose Alba (Stone) Plankey passed away peacefully Aug. 18, 2026, in Middlebury, Vt., one day shy of her 95th birthday. Born in Ferrisburgh, Vt., she was the youngest child of Oscar and Marguerite (Langeway) Stone.

Rose spent her entire life in Addison County, building a life centered around family, faith, friendship, and the simple joys that made each day special. Rose married the love of her life, William J. Plankey Sr., and together they shared 45 wonderful years of marriage before his passing in 1995. They made their home on Main Street in Vergennes, where Rose lived for 68 years. It was more than just a house — it was the heart of the family. Rose and Bill raised their six children there, and over the years it became a place where children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren gathered to celebrate birthdays and holidays, share meals, tell stories, and simply enjoy being together. For Rose, those moments with her family were among life’s greatest blessings.

Rose found her greatest purpose and happiness in her family. She is survived by four of her children, Kathleen Gourlie (William), Barbara McDonald (Barry), Susan Hatch (Michael Gingras), and Diana Hirshfeld (Drew). She was predeceased by her beloved sons, William Plankey Jr. and Michael Plankey. Rose was a loving grandmother to fourteen grandchildren, along with their spouses and partners, and a proud great-grandmother to thirteen. She is also survived by many cousins and friends who will miss her warmth and kindness.

Rose’s Catholic faith was a constant and important part of her life. She was a lifelong member of St. Peter’s Church in Vergennes and a member of the St. Ann’s Society. In her later years, she found great joy in being a dedicated volunteer at St. Peter’s Closet thrift store, where she enjoyed helping others and being part of her church community.

Rose and Bill shared a love of square dancing and were committed members of the Small City Steppers. Rose also loved baking, gardening, sewing, fishing, and reading. She had a wonderful appreciation for the things that made a house feel like home, and her collections of owls, nutcrackers, and salt and pepper shakers became legendary among family and friends.

Those who knew Rose will remember her devotion to her family, her strong faith, her generous spirit, and the love she poured into the home she created. Her family will forever treasure the many memories made around her table and in her home — the laughter, celebrations, stories, traditions and everyday moments that became a lifetime of happy memories.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Peter’s Church, 85 S. Maple Street in Vergennes on Saturday, Sept. 5, at 2 p.m., with burial to follow in St. Peter’s Cemetery. Friends may gather at St. Peter’s Parish Hall at 1 p.m. prior to the service. Visitation will be at Brown-McClay Funeral Home (48 S. Maple Street, Vergennes) on Friday, Sept. 4 from 6-8 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Addison County Home Health and Hospice (achhh.org, PO Box 754, Middlebury, VT 05753) or American Cancer Society (cancer.org, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741, or The Vergennes Fire Department for support and improvements (Stevens Hose Company, PO Box 224, Vergennes, VT 05491).

Rose’s family would like to thank the staff at The Residence at Otter Creek for their care and friendship. We are also grateful for the support of the Hospice Team at Addison County Home Health & Hospice.

Rose’s greatest legacy is the family she loved so deeply. Though she will be dearly missed, her love will live on in the many lives she touched and in the generations of her family who will carry her memory forward. Her home may be quiet now, but the love, laughter, and happy times she created there will remain in the hearts of her family forever. ◊