Frances Hazard Theoret

Frances "Butchie" Theoret, 85, passed away on Saturday, October 10th 2026 at Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital in Plattsburgh NY, following a brief illness.

Born on September 15th, 1941 in Fairfax, Vermont, she was the daughter of the late Edward Montgomery Sr. and Frances Montgomery. Her beloved nickname "Butchie", came before she was even born. Her father, convinced they were expecting a boy, began calling the baby Butchie and the name stuck. It became a cherished part of who she was, a name she carried proudly and affectionately for the rest of her life.

On September 17th, 1960, Butchie married Lawrence Theoret, Sr., with whom she shared more than 60 years of marriage before his passing on December 23, 2022.

Butchie spent 23 years working as a maintenance technician at IBM before retiring in 2000. She was very proud of her work in a male-dominated field. Although she lived in Connecticut for a decade, Vermont was always home and she spent more than 50 years making her life in Alburgh.

A gifted seamstress and crafter, Butchie found great joy in quilting, knitting, crocheting and sewing. Her hands were rarely idle, and she created countless beautiful things throughout her life. Particularly meaningful are the quilts she made for her daughters from their father's old shirts, transforming cherished pieces of clothing into lasting reminders of love and family.

Butchie had a special place in her heart for animals, particularly for her beloved cats. They brought her tremendous compantionship and happiness throughout the years. She held an especially deep affection for her cherished cat, Moses, whose loss she felt profoundly.

She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Post # 60 as well as the Alburgh Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary. She served as a Justice of the Peace for many years and on several town and community boards. When her sons were young, she was a Cub Scout Den Mother. She also taught Catechism and was involved in 4-H.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law Richard and Crystal Theoret of Alburgh; her daughter and son-in-law Michelle and Rick Blair of Isle La Motte; and her daughter and son-in-law Mary and Kyle Gratton of St. Albans. She also leaves behind several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her son, Lawrence Theoret Jr., in 2004; her siblings Victoria and her husband Gerald Theoret, Edward Montgomery Jr., and Christopher Montgomery.

Butchie was a woman who was impossible to forget. She was fiercely independent, outspoken, quick-witted, and never one to keep her opinions to herself. She had a sharp sense of humor, a colorful vocabulary, and a talent for telling it exactly how she saw it. The world will be a little quieter without her--and a lot less interesting

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A private Mass of Christian Burial will be held followed by interment at St. Amadeus Catholic Cemetery in Alburgh. There will be no public calling hours.

Condolences and memories may be shared at www.gossfs.com

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made by check to From Feral to Furever 49 Pine Street, Swanton Vermont 05488 or for online donations, Venmo @Charlotte-Benedict-3