Gerda S. Thibault

SWANTON – Gerda (Saur) Thibault, passed away peacefully at her daughter’s home with her son Michael playing the guitar and her daughters by her side on Saturday June 25, 2022.

She was born in Mainz, Germany on February 27, 1941 to the late Helmut and Hilda Saur. 

Gerda married the love of her life, Robert R. Thibault on March 31, 1962.

She is survived by her children, Sonja Cox and husband Kelly, Colleen Sears and husband Alan, Tanja Garrow, and Michael Thibault and wife Kate; grandchildren, Brent Cox and wife Ashley, Jessica Stearns and husband Pat, Tiffanie Bourbeau and husband Jason, Daniel Cox and partner Meaghan LaChance, Tatiana and Aidan Garrow, Mya and Catherine Thibault; great grandchildren, Trey, Samantha and Sabrina Sears, Gage Stearns, Jennessa and Jason Bourbeau Jr., Liam and Kaidyn Cox, and Emilia (Emi) LaChance Cox; her very special sister, Elsbeth Klenk; nephew, Peter Klenk; brothers, Helmut Saur, and Gerhard Saur and wife Christa; sisters-in-law, Jeannette Rice and Carol Thomson; and brothers-in-law, Lorne Thibault and wife Judy. Besides her parents, Gerda was predeceased by her husband, Robert in 1988; brothers and sisters-in-law, Alex Klenk, Phillip and Pauline Douglas, Reginald Rice, Robert Thomson, Bill Spencer; and a nephew, Jorg Saur.

Gerda had so many special people in her life, especially her grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews who she loved to be surrounded by. She was also blessed with many special friendships, including Geoff Garrow, George and Mary Rusnak and several others who were there for her when she needed them most. She had a special bond with her canine companion, Lily and her protector, Keyta who was by her side until the end.

Gerda worked at Fonda Container until her retirement. She was a volunteer at Habitat For Humanity, NMC Ladies Auxiliary, Quilters Guild, Ladies of St. Anne and the Red Hats Society. Gerda sang for many years with the Grandma’s and Grandpa’s where she would proudly sing Silent Night in her native language. She was an avid gardener, quilter, seamstress and enjoyed going to the pool with her special friends every day.

Most of all, we want to thank our special angel, Heather Hughes whom mom adored and trusted completely in helping us make the right decisions for her care.

Family and friends are invited to Gerda’s Life Celebration events to include visitation on Friday, July 1, 2022 from 10-11:00 AM, followed by a Memorial Service at 11:00 AM at the Goss Life Celebration Home, 89 Grand Avenue, Swanton, VT 05488. Please dress casually. The family will hold a special gathering this summer with family and friends.

Mom has requested donations in her memory go to the Church of the Nativity, 65 Canada Street, Swanton 05488, to restore the stained-glass windows.

Goss Life Celebration Homes is the area’s exclusive provider of Life Celebration events. Please visit our website to share condolences, photos and favorite memories at www.gossfs.com