Betty St. John

MORRISVILLE: Betty L. St.John (Gramma Owl) 87 passed away peacefully into the arms of her husband on July 8th, 2021 with her daughter and granddaughter by her side at The Manor in Morrisville, Vermont. Betty married Ernest St. John August 12 ^th , 1953, Ernest Died June 30 ^th 2016. Betty was born March 3, 1934 in Montpelier, Vermont, Betty was the daughter of joseph & Mildred Lapan. Betty had 2 brothers Richard "Dick"Lapan and Gary Lapan, Baby Rickey Lee (1961) and Grandson Jeremy St. John (2021), all deceased.

Betty attended school in Montpelier graduating from Montpelier High School in 1952. Betty worked as a Candy Striper during her time in High School at Central Vermont Hospital, enjoying taking care of others was always a passion, before having children Betty worked for New England Telephone as a telephone operator and also enjoyed selling Avon. After moving to Waterbury Betty took care of children in home planning special events for all the holidays, these children became a very special party of her life. Betty was very creative, loved decorating for all the holidays but especially Christmas and doing things for others. Betty's home looked like it should be on a front page of a magazine; she took pride in how her home looked around the holidays. So much love went into making center pieces, Betty made arrangements, bouquets for her daughter's wedding along with decorating the archway for her daughter and husband to be married under. Betty was an amazing cook and loved to make chocolates, fudge and coffeecakes around the holidays, fulfilling multiple orders around the holidays, everyone loved Betty's goodies, her kitchen looked and smelled like a bakery even better. Betty always kept her coffeecake recipe a secret until last year when she shared her recipe with her children. It was difficult for Betty to realize that she no longer could make all her goodies, her recipes will live on with her family. Betty enjoyed going to Flea Markets, lawn sales along with traveling to Portland, Maine with her late Husband.

During Betty's time living at The Manor she was one of our "Resident Volunteers", whatever needed to be done Betty was there from calling bingo, making centerpieces, decorating wreaths, wrapping Christmas gifts, baking and making fudge. Betty was a huge help at our yearly Holiday craft fairs selling items to the public, staff and residents, she would often get up extra early to help her daughter make donuts. Betty would be found sitting out in the hall outside Life Enrichment selling raffle tickets for all of many raffles, anyone that would walk by she would stop them explaining about the raffle and where the proceeds goes, if they didn't have the money and they returned she would always remember them, many have said "I better bring money with me since I know Betty is going to be selling tickets. Betty attended many outings such as blueberry and apple picking, going out to eat and shopping at the Christmas Tree Shoppe, Betty loved to shop finding the good deals! Betty loved spending time with the resident's, looking out of them and was just a great friend to them.

Betty's greatest joy was her family, they meant the world to her. Saying I have the best kids in the world! Being Gramma Owl there was nothing that brought Betty so much joy, feeling their little arms wrapped around her. She always looked forward to their visits and even at her lowest times a sense of peacefulness and joy that was brought to her.

Anyone that knew Betty they knew how much she loved her Owl's. Betty was one of a kind having a Christmas tree year round in her room filled with owls and would always decorate it for all the Holidays, residents enjoyed stopping in to see how her tree was decorated, it certainly was a conversation starter. No owls were alike and she loved them all!!

Betty has left her family with such an empty Heart and sadness. Betty is now resting in the arms of her beloved late husband. She was the best Mother and Gramma Owl, words cannot describe just how much we all will miss you Mom and Gramma Owl, Thank-you for being you and always being there when we needed you.

Betty leaves her children Scott St. John and his Wife Tammy, Cabot, Vt, Laurie Shapleigh (St. John) and her husband Jeffrey, Northfield Falls, Vt;.;Grandchildren Ryan Raymond and his Significant other Ashley Hatcher, Plainfield VT, Amanda Koledo and her husband Christopher, Barre City, Vt, Jeffrey St. John and his significant other Erica Fowler, Cabot, Vt.;  Deceased's Grandsons Wife Rachel St. John, New Orleans; Great Grandchildren Madison Koledo, Brent Koledo, Sophie St. John, Kendall Fowler, Gavin Fowler, Zaiden Hatcher, Lochlin Hatcher and Nathan Hatcher.

The Family would like to say a special Thank you to All the Manor staff for their friendship, love, compassion and Caring through the years and at this most difficult time. Also a special Thank-you to Dr. Chloe Tartaglia, for her love and compassion given to our precious Mother and Gramma Owl.

Betty touched so many lives and Hearts during her life and her Memory will always be in all of our Hearts!! We love and miss you so much Mom and Gramma Owl, May you rest in peace.

A private graveside service will be held for Betty's family.

Memorial contributions in Memory of Betty can be made to: The Manor's "Making dreams come true" fund, 577 Washington Highway, Morrisville, Vermont 05661, Attention Laurie Shapleigh, Life Enrichment Director