Mary Helen Larmie

HOOVER, AL- Mary Helen Larmie, 86, died on December 13.  She was born on July 11, 1934, in Bellows Falls, VT, the daughter of Patrick and Helen (Donegan) Lawlor and sister of Patty Bullock, of Guilford, VT.
She married at the age of 22, to Merl C. Larmie Jr. who preceded her in death in 2002.  Only referred to by his last name, she would keep him in the forefront of their minds as she talked about him affectionately, the fun they had, and his great qualities.  The family can only imagine their loving reunion.
Mrs. Larmie was a dedicated mother first and, foremost. She treasured her children and grandchildren, embracing every moment with them.  While her peers were content staying put, she, at the age of 83, left her longtime home in Brattleboro, VT, to relocate to Hoover to be close to her cherished grandchildren, Riley and Spencer Drouin, imparting on them her unique combination of honest frankness, sensibility, and zest for life.  Even in her last days, she again would prove to be the unselfish person people knew, loved, and will miss terribly.
She is survived by her four children, Merl C. Larmie III, of Manchester, NH; Jill (Kip) Record, of Dummerston, VT; Lynn (Daryl) Bucossi, of East Dover, VT; and Juli (Tim) Drouin, of Hoover.
A family friend described her as a force of nature and a fountain of knowledge on how to lead a great life.  Her most often overlooked but enduring quality was her ability to listen, hearing a problem or complaint unfold, and then provide just enough guidance. 
Always the optimist, the family often referred to “Ma” as looking at life with a “rainbows and butterflies” attitude.
Fiercely independent, she was kind and caring, exemplifying these qualities in her daily activities.  Never out of fashion, she valued hard work, character, and integrity and chose to surround herself with those who met her high standards.
During this Christmas season of hope and joy, she would tell people not to be sad but to embrace those we love and enjoy every moment. 
Donations in her memory can be made to Friends of the Valley Foundation, PO Box 1641, Wilmington, VT  05363, or online at www.friendsofdeerfieldvalley.org
A family gathering will be held in the summer of 2021 when her ashes will be combined with her husband’s and spread in North Myrtle Beach, SC, a place where they spent many happy family occasions during their life together.