Elsie L. Sumner

Elsie L Sumner, 97, passed away at home on January 17, 2022, born October 5, 1924, daughter of Delbert Jr and Frances C. Lafayette of Milton, Vermont. She graduated from Milton High School and Burlington Business College. Elsie was a secretary at the Agronomy Department Vermont Extension Service for five years. She married John T. Sumner September 15, 1946 at Trinity Episcopal Church in Milton, Vermont. Elsie and John moved to Newport in 1963. She was the Secretary of the Vermont district office for the Vermont Department of Health in Newport for 20 years. She was an active and contributing member of Saint Mark's Episcopal Church in Newport for over 60 years. She enjoyed many family gatherings, camping, ski touring, knitting, board and card games, gardening, crossword puzzles, watching the Red Sox, cooking and baking, playing the piano and many wonderful pastimes. She and John explored 49 states together including two visits to Alaska and Canadian provinces. She is survived by her three children Joanne Vachon and her husband Serge of Newport, Bill Sumner and his wife, Shirley of Derby, Carol Bushaw of Springfield, her six grandchildren Lisa Osinuga and her husband, Greg of Springfield, David Sumner of Derby, Jonathan Bushaw of Keene, New Hampshire, Danielle Murphy and her husband, Sean of Brunswick, Maine, Margaret Young of Proctor, and Thomas Sumner and his wife, Julia of Colchester, 9 great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, sisters in law Jane Lafayette and Norma Lafayette, and brother in law Paul Mears of Milton. She is survived by many special friends. She was predeceased by her husband, John T. Sumner, an infant son, her sister, Doris Mears, her brothers Doug and Wayne Lafayette. There will be a funeral and committal service in the spring. She touched many lives, taught many lessons, loved with her whole heart and will always be remembered for the beautiful person she was. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to St. Mark's Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 125 Newport, VT 05855.