Dorothy B. (Johnstone) LaPlante-Ayers

West Pawlet, Vt. – Dorothy B. LaPlante - Ayers, 92, of West Pawlet, Vt. passed away peacefully on Monday, October 9, 2023 at Rutland Regional Medical Center in Rutland following a brief illness.

She was born on January 6, 1931 on Sugar Hill in Centerville, Vt., the daughter of James Johnstone and Catherine (Maranville) Johnstone.

She was a graduate of Mount St. Joseph Academy in Rutland, Vt.

Dorothy was predeceased by her first husband Edward LaPlante after 32 years of marriage.  She then met and eventually married Sherman Ayres in 2001. He passed away in 2007.

Dorothy was employed in the parts and postal department for Telescope Casual Furniture in Granville, N.Y. from 1964 to 1993.  Following her retirement from Telescope, she was employed for RSVP of Warren-Washington County transporting the elderly to their appointments. 

Dorothy was a faithful member of the Granville Baptist Church of Granville.  She walked the Via Dolorosa, (the walk of tears), symbolically taking the steps that Jesus took through Old City Jerusalem to his crucifixion. She cared for and helped people that were in need.  She led a 4H group for 10 years in Hebron, N.Y.  She was a member of the Pawlet Historical Society, Slate Valley Museum, The Pember Library and Museum and the Modern Woodsman of America, Chapter #10244-1 of Wells, Vt. and a former member of the RSVP of Rutland County, volunteering in the school reading program.

Dorothy was an international traveler, visiting Italy, Jerusalem, Ireland, Scotland, Germany and Alaska.  She was an avid reader, gardener, enjoyed bowling and sewing.

Besides her parents, she is predeceased by her brother, Clifford Johnstone and her son-in-law’s, William Weber and Robert Weber and her nephew, James Johnstone.

Survivors include her children, Catherine Weber, Mary (Dean) Nairn, Erin Weber, Andrena (David) Neary, Edward LaPlante, Jr., Michael LaPlante and James LaPlante.  She is also survived by 12 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Services will be conducted at 11:00 am on Saturday, October 21, 2023 at the Granville Baptist Church with Pastor Daniel Poucher officiating.  Friends may call on the family at the church from 10:00 am until the time of the services.  Burial will be private convenience of the family. A reception will follow in the church hall immediately following the services.

Dorothy request that in lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory be given to Mount St. Joseph’s Academy, 127 Convent Ave, Rutland, Vt. 05701, to the Granville Baptist Church, 23 Quaker Street, Granville, N.Y., 12832 or to a charity of one’s choice.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Michael G. Angiolillo Funeral Home, 210 Broadway, Whitehall, N.Y.  12887.

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