Monique Renaud Martin – Georgia/ SwantonMonique Renaud Martin of Georgia, and most recently Swanton, passed away on July 27th, 2010 after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on Feb. 25th, 1939, she was a cherished sister, mother, friend, and teacher, born the seventh eldest of fifteen to Alice and Rosaire Renaud of Hardwick, Vermont. Monique led a full life as a teacher, social worker, mother, and volunteer, all the time bringing people together and touching people with her boundless energy and selflessness.
Raised in Hardwick, Vermont, and a graduate of Hardwick Academy, she went on to a Bachelor’s at Trinity College. She spent 1960 to 1966 at the Missionaires des Notre-Dame des Anges. Upon leaving the convent, she returned to Winooski, and married Jim Martin in 1967 and started a family in 1968. Jim and Monique were married for 39 years, devoting much of their life to their two sons, Mike and Dave. Monique founded The Country School, a Pre-School and Kindergarten in Georgia, in 1970 in part to give her sons formal education beginning at age 4.
In 1992, she went on to a Master’s in French in 1992 from University of Vermont, followed by adjunct assignments at UVM, St. Michael’s College, and Norwich University. Her teaching career included curriculum development in French Language at South Burlington Middle and High School, and French teaching at Missisquoi Valley Union High School and Alliance-Francaise. In 2005, she became President of the Alliance-Francaise of the Lake Champlain Region.
Monique organized the first Renaud Family Reunion in 1968 and initiated the event for 34 years. This event continues to this day, a source of family bonding for Monique’s family, her brothers and sisters, and their extended families.
Monique lived most her adult life in Georgia, where she was active at Ascension Parish as Music Director and parishioner. She was organist and choir director, building on her training as an accomplished pianist and classical vocalist, which she taught privately. Beyond the music ministry at weekly Masses, Monique prided herself on an outstanding concert at the Christmas liturgy.
She was a devout Catholic and considered herself part of a wider spiritual community. She organized ecumenical events in Georgia Plains with the Baptist and Methodist churches.
She was a world traveler, visiting France, England, Holland, Switzerland, Germany, Italy, Sweden, Croatia, and China.
Monique leaves son Dave and his fiancée Katie, son Mike and his wife Ellie, and ex-husband Jim. Surviving siblings are Laurette, Cecile, Roland, Gemma, Arthur, Madeleine, Bernadette, Michel, Rachel, Denise, Rosaire, Alice, and Patricia.
The Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, July 31, 2010 at 11 a.m. from Ascension Roman Catholic Church, 3157 Ethan Allen Highway, Georgia. Father Daniel Lokanga will be the celebrant and homilist. The Rite of Committal and Interment will take place later at the family lot in Hardwick, Vt. Friends may call at The Kidder Memorial Home, 89 Grand Ave. on Friday from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m.
Rarely in a lifetime does one meet someone who touches so many lives; Monique was such a person. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Ascension Parish, 246 Lake Street, St. Albans, VT 05478.
To offer on line condolences please visit:
www.kiddermemorial home.com
