CABOT − Sandy Ducharme was born on August 7, in St. Johnsbury. She was the oldest daughter of Ruth Stuart LaPoint and Avery LaPoint, and one of six children. She graduated from Cabot School in 1969. Sandy married her high school sweetheart, Richard Ducharme, also of Cabot, on May 22, 1971. They have resided in Cabot ever since. She is survived by her daughters Christina Ducharme, Cabot and Stephanie Ducharme, Vass, N.C. and her beloved grandson Nathaniel Munro-Ducharme, Montpelier.
Sandy lived a full and varied life. She loved the arts, walking, nature and being of service. She was involved in community arts from the time her daughters were small children through to the end of her life. In the ‘80s you could find her making hats and sculpted dolls. In the ‘90s she made costumes, arranged hair and did makeup for all of the high school musicals. In fact, she began making costumes and clothing for her siblings as a very young girl. As an adult, she expanded into creating and selling floorcloths, and eventually became known for her fabulous hooked rugs. Sandy loved rug hooking. She created several masterpieces that won internationally judged shows, and was regularly featured in rug hooking magazines. Sandy loved to share her joy of art through teaching and her classes were in high demand.
Nature was the inspiration for all of her art. She could be seen walking miles a day in her neighborhood watching for birds, noticing baby foxes and texting photos of each sunrise. She was also an avid flower gardener. Richard and Sandy ran Hillcrest Nursery for 10 years and loved the people and the plants.
Sandy fell on July 16, and suffered catastrophic injuries to her spinal cord and was paralyzed from the neck down. Her final days were spent surrounded by loved ones and making us laugh with her facial expressions, which spoke volumes. She made the choice to come off of life support on July 18. Sandy passed in a circle of loved ones sharing stories and favorite moments. She was a gem in our community and will be sorely missed.
Memorial services will be held at Richard and Sandy’s home at noon August 9, at 849 Ducharme Road, Cabot. Parking for the memorial service is located in the field behind the house courtesy of Under Orion Farm. Condolences and memories of Sandy may be shared with her family at dgfunerals.com.
