Laura Doane

BAKERSFIELD - Laura Burgess Doane, age 83, passed peacefully into her new life on July 6, 2008 at the Fletcher Allen Health Care Facility in Burlington with her husband and children at her side.

Laura was born February 12, 1925 in Jackson, MI the daughter of the late Grant & Clara (Vetter) Burgess. She graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in Animal Husbandry. She used her training for two years at Guacio Presbyterian Mission in Puerto Rico where she met Holden T. Doane of Bakersfield who was also serving there. They were married September 21, 1952 and bought the Solomon Davis farm in Bakersfield where they have worked side by side for nearly 56 years. Laura was responsible for all the farm books and records and spent many hours beside Holden canning and packing maple syrup and making deliveries around the state, and once even in New York City.

Laura was a long standing member of the United Methodist Church, serving in many facets from church treasurer, Deacon, and member of the WSCS that is now the United Methodist Womens Fellowship. Her commitment to Christ as Lord and Savior was an integral part of all she was and all she did. In addition to her farm and church duties, Laura served as town auditor for many years and a term as Town Clerk/Treasurer.

Together Holden and Laura raised four children and their home became known affectionately as the Doane Hotel as they welcomed friends, relatives and occasionally complete strangers for a night, a week or even months as needed. Laura was always a warm and gracious host genuinely interested in the well-being of her family and friends. Her quick wit and love of learning made her a delight to be around. She was loving and patient and could tolerate anything except fulsome praise .

Townspeople will remember her for compassion and caring, always ready to serve with a helping hand, a card, a ride or a pot of corn chowder.

Her grandchildren will remember her stories, her never-ending supply of ice cream and twix and the loss of her ability to say no !

She is survived by her soulmate and love of her life. She and Holden had the kind of marriage others envy, completely one, each always for the other.

In addition she leaves her four children, Linda of Bakersfield, Martha Cooper and husband Reid of Providence, RI, Tennyson and wife Joy of Bakersfield, and Perry and wife Rebekah of Decatur, IN; seven grandchildren, Matt & Catherine Cooper of Providence, RI, Tennyson Doane and wife Jennie of Quincy, MA, Cameron & Caelyn Doane of Bakersfield, and Holden & Rebekah Doane of Dectaur, IN; several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents; two sisters, Barbara Gabriel and Elizabeth Richards; three daughters, Margaret, Elizabeth and Carol; and a grandson, Anderson Doane.

A Memorial service will be held Saturday, July 12, 2008 at 1:00 PM at the Bakersfield Methodist Church with Rev. Sue Marie Baskette officiating. In lieu of visiting hours, immediately following the memorial service, Lauras family will visit with family and friends at a gathering which will be held at the Bakersfield Elementary School.

For those who wish, contributions in Lauras memory may be made to the United Church of Bakersfield & Fairfield, P.O. Box 215, Bakersfield, VT 05441 or to the Hope Lodge, Lois McLure Building, Burlington, VT 05401-3412.