Jeannette LaCasse Spence, 94, passed away at McClure Miller Respite House in Colchester, Vermont on February 4, 2025. She was a resident of Williston, VT and previously resided in Jericho, VT and Essex Jct., VT.

Born October 2, 1930 in Alburgh, VT, she was the daughter of the late Alfred H. and Phyllis Amore LaCasse. After the death of her mother, she was raised by her uncle and aunt, Charles and Lena Ralph. Her Uncle Charlie and Aunt Lena loved her like a daughter and she considered them her parents and cared for them as they grew older. Jeannette graduated from Burlington High School and from Mary Fletcher Hospital School of Nursing. She worked for many years as a registered nurse in the intensive care unit at Fanny Allen Hospital until retiring from nursing and then working for several years at IBM.

In retirement, she made special occasion (wedding, birthday) cakes professionally and for family (including her granddaughter Heather's wedding cake). She encouraged her grandchildren and other family members to describe the cake that they wanted and she would create it for them. Her grandchildren remember the cakes made by Grandma as "MAGICAL". Jeannette was a wonderful cook and baker. She loved making food for her extended family and friends and hosted many special family meals.

Jeannette excelled at arts and crafts, and the homes of many family and friends are graced by the wonderful items she created. This art work ranged from ceramics to pinecone wreaths to Christmas ornaments. She knitted many beautiful items for her grandchildren that are now being enjoyed by her great-grandchildren. She was especially proud of a ceramic tiger that won a blue ribbon in a local craft show.

All her life, Jeannette loved gardening. She was a master gardener and the beautiful landscapes she created in her yard were enjoyed by many.

Jeannette lived with her daughter, Cheryl Young, for many years. Cheryl provided loving care for Jeannette during her last years, and Cheryl's pug dog, Henri, gave Jeannette great joy.

Jeannette is survived by three of her children and their spouses: Jeanne (Spence) Bickford and spouse Douglas Bickford of Essex, VT, William Spence Jr. and spouse Jessica (Beadles) Spence of Lake City, FL, and Cheryl (Spence) Young of Williston, VT.; a daughter-in-law, Jean (Ruell) Spence of Colchester, VT; and four grandchildren: Andrew Bickford and spouse Michelle (Cole) Bickford, Rebecca Bickford, Tyler Spence and spouse Shea (Walker) Spence, and Heather (Spence) Dandrow and spouse Nathan Dandrow. She is also survived by eight great-grandchildren: Amelia "Mia" Bickford, Marjorie "Rory" Bickford, Everett "Ev" Spence, Brianna Dubuque, Shane Blase, Matthew Laverly, Amanda Laverly, and Nathan Dandrow; and

two great-great grandchildren: Harlan Simons and Miles Dubuque; and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her son Charles Spence and her brothers and their wives: Alfred and Barbara (Kline) LaCasse, Edmund "Mert" and Dawn (Kline) LaCasse, Erwin and Marilyn (Phillips) LaCasse, and Winston and Clarabelle "Cathy" (Lafountaine) Lacasse.

A private celebration of Jeannette's life will be held at the convenience of the family. Gifts to Audubon Vermont (https://vt.audubon.org/) would best honor her memory. Arrangements are in the care of Champlain Cremation (champlaincremation.com).