Velma I. Billado

RICHFORD - Velma I. Billado, age 93, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 20, 2019 at the University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington.

She was born in Highgate Springs on April 30, 1926, the daughter of the late George and Addie (Rollo) LaFrance.

Velma grew up in Highgate Springs and married Robert Billado Sr. in 1944. The two raised their eleven children in Enosburg. She worked as a car detailer for surrounding businesses, and owned and operated Billados General Store all while making a home for her family. Velma enjoyed singing, listening to music, playing the guitar, sewing, cooking, gardening, long talks on the phone with loved ones, watching the trains go through town, taking Sunday day trips, and attending annual family reunions. She will be remembered for her happy-go-lucky personality she maintained even during hard times. Velma was an outstanding mother, grandmother, and friend whose legacy will be carried on for many years to come.

She is survived by her children, Carolyn Cooper and her husband John of Enosburg, Connie Barton and her husband Bill of Goldsboro, NC, Robert Billado Jr. of Enosburg, Susan Rice of Cedartown, GA, Ruth Cooper and her husband Fred Sr. of Franklin, Doreen Corey and her husband Ernest of Franklin, Jeffery Billado Sr. of Richford, Ricky Billado and his wife Carrie of Richford, and Tammy LaPan and her husband Todd of Tarboro, NC; 36 grandchildren; 80 great-grandchildren; 26 great-great grandchildren; brother, Carlton LaFrance and his wife Bertha; sons-in-law, John Howard, Arnold Lagrow, Raymond McCuen, and James Gendron; her special cat, Lucky; and several nieces and nephews. Besides her parents, Velma was predeceased by her loving husband Robert Billado Sr.; daughters, Diana Lagrow, and Joyce Howard; grandson, John Cooper Jr.; brothers, Herbert, Lewis, Lawrence, and Harlan LaFrance; and sister, Dot Rhoden.

Velmas family would like to thank the UVM Medical Center and the Northwestern Medical Center for the excellent care she received, and a special thanks to the Franklin County Rehab Center for treating their mother like family.

Visitation for Velma will be held on Thursday, May 23, 2019 from 4-7:00 PM at Spears Funeral Home, 96 Dickinson Avenue, Enosburg.

A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, May 24, 2019 at 10:00 AM at Spears Funeral Home. Interment will take place in the Missisquoi Cemetery in Enosburg Falls.

For those who wish, contributions in Velmas memory may be made to the Franklin County Rehab Center, 110 Fairfax Road St. Albans, VT or to Franklin County Animal Rescue, 30 Sunset Meadows, St. Albans, VT 05478

Condolences, photos and favorite memories may be shared through www.gossfs.com