Shirley Ann Gauthier of Cassie Street, Barre Town, passed away on November 6, 2014. Born in Barre on May 16, 1938, to Earl and Clara (Thorpe) Mason, Shirley lived on Brooklyn Street, Barre, and attended Mathewson and Spaulding High schools. On May 14, 1956, Shirley married James L. Gauthier and celebrated 55 years of marriage until Jim's death in December 2011. Shirley worked for 27 years in the Barre and, later, Burlington branches of the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, then spent several years in food services for the Barre City Elementary and Middle School before retiring to dedicate herself to her husband, pets, knitting, and raspberries. Shirley is survived by three children: Timothy and his wife, Vicki, of Barre Town; Keith and his fiancee, Jennifer Klein, of Fremont, CA; Kerry and her husband, Peter Oparowski, of Williamstown; nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren (in birth order): Eric and his wife, Michelle, and daughter, Ava, of Jackson Hole, WY; Courtney and her fiancee, Andrew Whiteford, also of Jackson Hole; Kate (Oparowski), her husband, Rick Townley, daughter, Jane, and son, Max, of Omaha, NE; Ian Gauthier of Barre Town; Gwyn Gauthier of Boston, MA; Anna Gauthier of San Francisco, CA; Jessica Oparowski and son, Carter ; Laura Oparowski of Londonderry, VT ;and Emily Gauthier of Cape Town, South Africa.. . Shirley is also survived by her brothers and sister:, Robert Mason and his wife, Mickey, of CA; Douglas Mason and his wife, Rhoda, of Barre; Stanley Mason and his wife, Sue, of Barre; Beverly LeClerc of Baton Rouge, LA; David Wheeler and his wife, Linda, of Austin, TX; and by numerous nephews and nieces. The family wishes to share their fondest memories of Shirley, known as "DU" to her children and grandchildren: From DU, I learned: be frugal but still generous to a fault; there's no place like Harvey's Lake; you can knit without looking; be organized but not overly fussy or neat; you don't have to wear your teeth if you don't feel like it; love your pets; laps are for children; you can endure adversity, hardship, illness, loss, and challenging children and still give and love unconditionally; nothing beats raspberry "Gram Jam"; be honest, strong, responsible, kind, hard-working, and truthful. We love and miss you, DU! -Tim (son) When our house flooded away on Brook Road in 1984, DU welcomed us into her home with open arms. In the midst of all the chaos and uncertainty, she made us feel safe and secure. Her life centered around her family and she was so generous to us all. There are memories of laughter and game playing around the kitchen table, friendly conversation and a welcoming cup of coffee, grandchildren hunting Easter eggs, Christmas eve visits from Mrs. Claus and Santa, water fights and paddle boat rides at Harvey's lake. Those memories and so many more will sustain us in years to come and make us smile. We will miss you, DU, and you are loved! -(Tim's wife, Vicki) "DU" to her grandchildren or "Shuby Gunther" to solicitors, loved to give to her family. Whether planning extravagant Easter egg hunts for her grandchildren, knitting sweaters, baking Christmas bubble bread, telling funny stories, or making jars of "Gram Jam," DU was always very generous. Some of our fondest memories are from summers spent together at Harvey's Lake, where she once hid sunken "pirate treasure" in a coffee can for her grandson (buried by notorious pirates Chase and Sanborn, of course). Most of all, DU was generous with her time, especially to loved ones, and that's the greatest gift you can give. We all have a little bit of our feisty DU in us, be it a love of animals, a passion for games, or an appreciation for off-color humor. We love you, DU! -Ian and Gwyn (grandchildren) Mom, The last time we spoke you asked me if you would ever get to see me again, since I moved west. As it turned out, it was I who never got to see you again. I wish that I had the opportunity to tell you how much you mean to me and how much I appreciate all you stood for and wouldn't stand for in my life. You worked hard all of your life but made time to enjoy the things that were important, that is, our family. You are a great mom and a great mother, and there is a difference. You rejoiced in my good fortunes and gave me that look and mommy voice when I needed it. You and Dad did an outstanding job raising Tim, Kerry and I.e are not perfect but we are a reflection of you and your best qualities. Your legacy will live on through your children, your grandchildren and your great-grandchildren. You love us all and we love you. will always remember you with a mixture of happiness, at who you are, and sadness, as you have left us. -Keith (son) Shirley, I want to thank you for how you so graciously welcomed me into your home, your family and your heart! It was such a treat to watch you with each and every one of your own grown children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, no matter the age. It was as much of a treat to watch them with you, as you always knew how to fill everyone's faces and hearts with a special light and happiness. You had such a magical way with everyone you loved! You were surprisingly protective of those you cherished. We had many intimate talks over the years I've had the pleasure of knowing you. Asking questions without ever judging the personal answers and always there with a dose of laughter when needed. All of these qualities and SO MUCH more are the wonderful and amazing attributes I see within each member of your family...what a beautiful gift you have given us all Shirley - your legacy! And for me, the true icing on your cake, my sweet, was the day I finally earned enough of your trust, respect and love to have the honor of you giving me the permission and pleasure of calling you DU! You will be missed by all who had the good fortune of calling you family and friend. All my love forever! -Jennifer (Keith's fiancee) If you don't finish your Christmas list, you're not getting anything. Gram was a rock of truth in a storm sea of Gauthiers. Her wit and charm always kept you on your toes and laughter always kept the joke rolling. Remember, we love and miss our Gram. "Nadine was #2." -Eric (grandson) Dear The best Gram in the world left us too early but her sense of humor, her gram jam. her awesome knitting projects and gram sweaters, epic easter egg hunts and the memories of summer days at Harvey's lake will live in our hearts forever. She taught us to be good people, to (try) to be on time and all the other important Gram things- but she also taught us to play cards, to love life and to have fun no matter the circumstances. We will miss you Gram! -Courtney (granddaughter) Grammy DU, You taught us to play poker when we were young, advising us to be cautious and quick witted. You designed us elaborate Easter egg hunts,every year, never fail. Advising us to be creative and broad thinkers. You sent us to collect raspberries every summer, for your famous gram jam, Showing us the best and most ripe fruit to pick. While the bubble bread was baking in the oven, you finally wrote down the secret recipe so it could live on, giving us another dish to make every year. We got kisses everyday in line during lunch at school, and knew who we could always run to when in need of a hug. Your sweaters kept us warm, Your love kept us warmer still. These are memories we keep, Just a few of an endless store. They all live on in our hearts. You created and glued our family together, Using simple dedication, And strong unconditional love. You are the matriarch of our clan. And you knit our family close. Most of all, you showed us the importance of one another. Love you forever. -Anna and Emily (granddaughters) Mom; You left too soon. I wasn't done spending time with you. There are so many things I need to tell you. I didn't thank you enough for all your patience and understanding; and God knows I tested those. You taught me some of life's most important lessons. One was it's ok to call each other the "B" word, but only while playing cards. Another was that happiness comes from within. But the most important was to love your family with all your heart. I love you Mom, and will miss you so much. Be happy with Papa and Brandy. Love, your favorite daughter, -Kerry.(daughter) When I think of my grandmother (DU), a wave of comfort, happiness and love washes over me. She was the smell of fresh laundry on the line, the raspberry stains on my fingers, the bubble bread oozing, the cards being shuffled, the Pall Mall's in the ashtray, the sound of knitting needles clicking, the sharing of stories, the splash of someone being dumped in the lake, the touch of aloe being gently rubbed on a sunburn, the gentle discussions about growing up. She meant the world to me, and I will miss her more than words can say. –Kate Townley (granddaughter) There will be no calling hours. Shirley will be interred, with a brief memorial service, beside her husband, James, in the Vermont Veterans Cemetery In Randolph, VT, on or about her birthday, May 16, 2015. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Shirley's memory can be made to the Central Vermont Humane Society. Online condolences may be sent through www.guareandsons.com under Shirley's obituary.