Ernestine BOURASSA

ERNESTINE “SHORTY“ ROBERGE BURLINGTON — Ernestine “Shorty“ Roberge died Thursday, Dec. 15, 2005, in Fletcher Allen Health Care in Burlington. Ernestine most recently was a resident of Starr Farm Nursing Center in Burlington. She previously lived at the Cathedral Square Assisted Living in Burlington and Whitcomb Woods in Essex Junction. Ernestine was born in Newport on June 20, 1920. She was the daughter of Mary and Wilfred Bourassa. They moved to Burlington where she met and married her husband of 50 years, Louis P. Roberge. They were married on May 30, 1941. Her husband predeceased her in December of 1991. Louis P. Roberge was the originator of Louis Bread for Koffee Kup Bakery in Burlington. Shorty thoroughly enjoyed life. She was a very active person right up until the past few years of her life. She enjoyed entertaining, Bingo, playing cards, and the game of pool. She sang and played the guitar with her very dear friend, Walter Pretty Sr., and Sergio at many of the nursing homes and senior centers in the Burlington area. Shorty has one daughter, Dianna R. Blaise of Litchfield, N.H. Shorty was a totally devoted and loving mother. Her daughter was the center of her life. Shorty leaves three granddaughters and their husbands, Sherry and John Cushman of South Burlington, Cathy and Bill Foti of Manchester, N.H., and Carey and Steve Elmer of South Burlington. Her granddaughters brought her much pride, joy, and happiness. She loved them dearly. She leaves six greatgrandchildren, Derek and Alex Cushman, Nicholas, Christina, and Caroline Foti, and Theanna Elmer. Shorty leaves three sisters, Margaret Chagnon and her husband, Chester, of Burlington, Winifred Barlow of Winooski, and Bernadette Metevier of Milton; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sisters, Charlotte LaBrake and Antoinette Baker; and her brother, Frederick Bourassa. Shorty's family wish to express their sincere thanks and gratitude to the nurses, aides, and staff at Cathedral Square Assisted Living, Starr Farm Nursing Center, and FAHC, for their love and compassionate care. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, Dec. 19, at 11 a.m. in St. Mark Catholic Church in Burlington. Interment will follow in New Mount Calvary Cemetery. Visiting hours will be on Sunday, Dec. 18, from 4 to 7 p.m. in the LaVigne Funeral Home, 132 Main St., Winooski.