Rolande (Ronnie) Lavigne Conti of Moretown, Vermont, died peacefully at Woodridge Rehabilitation and Nursing Center on June 12, 2016.
Ronnie was born in Barre on October 6, 1924, the daughter of Arthur and Emma (Duquette) Lavigne. She graduated from St. Michael’s High School in Montpelier in 1943. Upon graduation Ronnie worked at National Life Insurance Company. On November 9, 1946, Ronnie married the love of her life, Conception Joseph Conti. Their 69-year marriage served as an inspiration to all who knew them.
Ronnie is survived by her children, Loretta and her husband Roy Nicholson of Scottsdale, Arizona, Michael Conti and his wife Pam of Gaithersburg, Maryland, Patty and her husband Paul Haverstick of Waterbury Center and Jackie and her husband Steve Yandow of Moretown. Grandchildren include Braden Nicholson, Carrie Nicholson, Ami Conti, Andy Conti, Amanda Knowlton, Kathryn Baccaglini, Jean Haverstick, Nicola Grasso, Laura Conti, Angelina Redding, Corey Minor, Natasha Yandow, Taylor Yandow and Alison Yandow. In addition, Ronnie has six great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Marie Lavigne of Magnolia, New Jersey, Rose Roy of Westfield, Massachusetts, and Lenora Conti of Barre; brother-in-law, Peter Conti and his wife Beverly of Berlin; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Ronnie was predeceased by her parents; husband, Conception Conti; son, Andy Conti; brothers, Dennis, Frank and Daniel; and sisters, Delores Lavigne and Jackie Sweetser.
Ronnie and Conception initially resided in Barre where they owned a meat market and grocery store. They later moved to Montpelier where they raised their family. During that time they opened several businesses in the Waterbury area including a grocery store, laundromats and a furniture and appliance store. In 1972, they moved to Moretown. In addition to working in the family business, Ronnie enjoyed sewing, ceramics, cooking and creating beautiful mosaics. She was an active member of the Vermont Automobile Enthusiasts for over 35 years. Ronnie’s home was open to everyone. She will be remembered for always having One More Seat at Our Table, which is also the title of the cookbook she authored.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated from St. Andrew Catholic Church in Waterbury on Friday, June 17, 2016, at 11 a.m. with a reception to follow in the church parish hall. Family and friends may call at Perkins-Parker Funeral Home, 48 South Main Street in Waterbury, on Thursday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. Interment will take place in St. Sylvester Cemetery in Barre Town. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be sent to the Waterbury Area Senior Center, 14 Stowe Street, Waterbury, VT 05676 (www.waterburyareaseniors.org), or to the Woodridge Activity Fund, P.O. Box 550, Barre, VT 05641. To send online condolences visit www.perkinsparker.com.
