It is with the deepest sadness that we share the loss of our most beloved wife, mother, and grandmother. Grace M. Plante, 72, of Hinesburg passed away on Thursday June 12, 2014 at home, surrounded by her loving family. Grace was a fighter and never gave up; her husband constantly reminded everyone how tough she was. When she put her mind to something, she would succeed. Grace was born June 4, 1942 to Alonzo and Emma Blackmore in Essex Jct., VT. She graduated from Essex High School in 1958. In April, 1962 she married the love of her life, Robert J. Plante Sr. Grace was one of those people who had to be in constant motion. She started working at a very young age and never retired. She had many jobs over her lifetime, including tree planting at the state tree farm, waitressing, and over fifteen years in the banking industry. The job she enjoyed most, though, was her last. She spent the last twenty years working with her daughters, starting and growing their family businesses: Once Upon A Child, which was eventually sold, and later Plato’s Closet, where she worked daily until shortly before her death. She never wanted to retire. Grace had many loves. In her earlier years, she enjoyed woodworking, camping, crocheting, and ceramics. Her true hobby, however, was gardening. Any of her past or present neighbors could tell you it was her true love; if she had a spare minute, her flower gardens were where she could be found. She also enjoyed birds and had several feeders. Her favorite were her cardinals, and she loved watching for the elusive Mountain Bluebird, which arrived this year on April 19th. Any opportunity she had to travel she took with great anticipation of seeing something or some place new. She traveled with her family to many warm spots during the cold weather in the past decade, including the Bahamas, Jamaica, and Hawaii. In April of 2012, she had a surprise celebration for her and Bob’s 50th anniversary in Florida with her family. Gambling was one of Grace's later loves. She loved to play the slot machines and she often recruited her children and grandchildren to go with her. Bingo at the Champlain Valley fair was always a fun spot for her, where she never failed to come home with something, including a television. Her most passionate love, though, was her family. There was not anything Grace was not game for trying if it included her children or grandchildren. This included going on a submarine ride, a helicopter ride, hiking on the trails at Jay, or venturing into the ocean at Atlantis. She was the true Matriarch of the family, and each holiday or special occasion was spent with the whole family, usually at Grace and Bob's house. Grace is survived by her husband Robert, her four children, Laura M. Plante of St. Albans, Stephanie A. Longshore and husband Stephen of Williston, Roberta M. Hipes and husband Mark of Fletcher, and Robert J. Plante Jr. and wife Laurel of Shelburne, her six cherished grandchildren: Lewis A. Hipes, Catherine E. Longshore, Alexandra G. Longshore, Logan J. Hipes, Ethan R. Plante, and Sadie E. Plante, and her very special brother and sister-in-law David and Christine Blackmore of Underhill, Vt. She is also survived by her siblings, Mary and Paul Ouellette, Nancy and Ken Ruggles, Joyce Blair, Alonzo and Joan Blackmore, her sister in laws Cynthia Blackmore, Marguerite Zywiak, Marie Plante, Pauline and Clint Paquin, and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, her brother Robert Blackmore, and her brother and sister in laws Charles and Beatrice Plante, Albert Plante, Mary Plante, Laurence Plante, Roland Plante, and Hank Zywiak. As per Grace’s wishes a private family service will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made in Grace’s name to the American Cancer Society, 55 Day Lane, Williston, VT 05495 or the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 11454, Alexandria, VA 22312. The family invites you to share your memories by visiting www.awrfh.com.