SHELBURNE: Janet French Gillette, age 98, died peacefully on the morning of August 10, 2011 at her last residence, Wake Robin, in Shelburne, Vermont. Jan was born January 23, 1913 in Rochester Vermont, the daughter of Edward Sanborn French and Helen Campbell French. She attended Emma Willard School and later graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Wellesley College with a Masters degree in American history. She married Robert Stone Gillette in 1939. She was very active in many civic affairs, including serving on the Vermont state college board for 12 productive years. She is survived by her daughter Deborah Gillette Law of Sun Valley, Idaho, two grandchildren and one great grandchild. Her husband, Robert, her son Ned Gillette and her sister Betty French predeceased her in 1998. She was a wonderfully unique woman and a pillar of strength. Her ethical principles were a guiding light for all of those around her. Her sense of humor was always uplifting. And she was the model corporate wife, supporting her husband Bob Gillette in his role as President of Rock of Ages in Barre, Vermont and Chairman of National Life Insurance Company in Montpelier, Vermont. Jan instilled her strong New England sense of values and responsibility in both of her children. She and husband Bob were also strong supporters of their son Ned's efforts in becoming a national collegiate champion in cross-country skiing, in gaining a birth on the 1968 Grenoble Olympic ski team, and in carrying out numerous innovative and daring expeditions throughout the world. Through all of her life, she has developed close and warm relationships with her many friends, particularly in Vermont and Cape Cod. Though diminutive of frame, she had giant character, with a witty rejoinder and charming demeanor. She has been an inspiring example of living responsibly, being self-sufficient and contributing productively. A September memorial service will be scheduled in Falmouth, Massachusetts. For those wishing to convey online condolences to the family, please visit www.Barber-Lanier.com.