Montpelier, VT Valerie "Dianne" Wilson, age 55, of Montpelier died suddenly after a short-term illness on August 25, 2008 at Central Vermont Medical Center. She was born on February 14, 1953 in Charleston, SC, the daughter of Ida Juanita (Earley) and Chauncey Wilson. She graduated from high school in Anderson, SC, where she grew up. She later earned her Associate degree at Community College of Vermont in 2001. Dianne married Richard Harvie, a student at Clemson, in 1971. Shortly thereafter, Rich's pursuit of a pharmacy degree took the young couple to Framingham, MA. In 1981 Dianne and Rich had the first of two wonderful daughters, Sarah; Kaitlin followed in 1983. In the same year, Dianne and Rich settled in East Montpelier, VT. Dianne began working at International Coins and Currency in 1987, where she continued to work until her passing, some 20+ years later. Dianne and Rich divorced in 1990. Dianne met Barry Rufenacht in 1991 and they began a domestic partnership in 1992. With Barry having two sons of his own, Graham and Jesse Rufenacht (born in 1982 and 1984, respectively), Dianne and Barry ended up with a full and ever-lively household. The family grew further in 2006 when Sarah gave birth to Dianne's grandson, Mason Harvie. Dianne and Barry remained partners for more than 16 years. At a gathering of friends and family last summer they commemorated their relationship when Barry surprised Dianne with rings to exchange. Dianne enjoyed spending time gardening both flowers and vegetables. She also cared deeply and conscientiously for the number of pets her family had throughout the years. Dianne always eagerly awaited her (at least) annual trips to Florida with Barry, where they visited friends and family, and also enjoyed the often hard to come-by private moments together. Though Dianne and Barry lived in Naples, FL for two years, their favorite places were the Sanibel and Captiva Islands and Barefoot Beach. Dianne will be remembered for her unconditional and infinite supply of love and generosity. There were no bounds to Dianne's devotion to her family: she maintained exceptionally close relationships with her daughters, talking to both multiple times a day; she loved and cared for her step-sons as her own; she felt privileged and awed to be part of the deep love and commitment between herself and Barry; and she was a calming figure of strength and sensitivity not only to her immediate family, but also to an extensive network of nieces, nephews, in-laws, and friends. With the arrival of Mason, Dianne's dedication amplified, as even before his birth, he became the greatest joy in her life. As anyone who saw her with or spoke to her about Mason can attest, she was an incredibly joyful and grateful grandparent. Dianne always thoughtfully extended her compassion to neighbors and friends. Particularly, Dianne and Barry made it a priority to create a space for their kids and their kids' friends to enjoy and be safe. Dianne welcomed the constant flow of friends with a sense of humor, sincerity, and good food. Her Sheppard's Pie, pasta sauce, and meatballs were particularly popular with the many U-32 sports teams she followed faithfully and enthusiastically. Dianne also offered her care to the greater community around her. She volunteered at East Montpelier Elementary School in various roles, including room mother and leader of Sarah's Brownie troop. Later she became a volunteer for the Battered Women's Services and Shelter. Dianne is survived by her domestic partner of 16 years, Barry Rufenacht, his two biological sons, Graham and Jesse, her two biological daughters, Kaitlin and Sarah, her beloved grandchild Mason, her mother Ida Juanita, her sisters Patsy McBride and Shirley Carter, Shirley's husband Mike Carter, Barry's sisters Andrea Lissette and Sharon Henry, his mother Mary Rufenacht, as well as her numerous significant nieces, nephews, and in-laws. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Dianne Wilson may be contributed to Battered Women's Services and Shelter of Washington County (P.O. Box 652, Barre, VT 05641). A memorial service will be held at the Old Meeting House in East Montpelier Center on Saturday, August 30 at 2 p.m. Following the ceremony, please join us at Dianne and Barry's home at 231 Bliss Road, Montpelier for a casual potluck gathering to share your memories, love, stories, pictures and support. In addition, the family would like to begin a collection of letters addressed to Mason, Dianne's grandson, to create a collage of memories and perspectives of Dianne through which he, and future grandchildren, can come to know their "Yami". If there is anything you would like to contribute to this collection, stationary will be available at the service and reception. The family invites attendees wear casual and comfortable attire.