Marcel Masse Obituary
Obituary published on Legacy.com by A.W. Rich Funeral Home - Fairfax on Apr. 19, 2024.
Marcel Masse died peacefully at his home on Thursday, April 11, 2024. Marcel was born on July 5, 1941, in Sweetsburg, Canada and became a United States Citizen in 1964. He was one of 10 children born to Aline and Albert Masse. They immigrated to Vermont when he was six years old. His family settled on a farm in Elmore, Vermont and later moved to Craftsbury where he went to school through 8th grade. He is predeceased by his brothers, Florian Masse and Donald Masse and his sisters, Denise LaCroix, Jeaninne Morel and Theresa Ward. He will be missed by his sister Giselle Whipple and brother in law Alton of Derby; his brothers Real Masse and sister in law Pauline of Cheshire, CT; Conrad Masse and sister in law Bronwyn of Greensboro and Ronald Masse of Wolcott.
He met the love of his life, Paula, when they were in grade school in Craftsbury and they were married for 59 years. They had four children, Vaunne Masse and partner Calvin of Albany, Tina Sweet and husband Steven of Craftsbury, Christopher Masse and wife Amy of Craftsbury, Jason Masse and wife Heather of Craftsbury, and son in law Bernie Alden also of Craftsbury. They also have eight grandchildren, Matt Alden, Josh Alden, Abbie LeBeau, Jennifer Sweet-DeMasi, Noah Sweet, Ian Masse, Logan Masse, and Colby Masse. He has ten great grandchildren, Ellie LeBeau, Ollie LeBeau, Xavier Sweet, Noah DeMasi, Isaac DeMasi, Ivan Masse, Chase Tallman, Leah Masse, Colson Masse, Audrey Patch, Evelyn Patch and Garrett Patch.
Marcel loved his family deeply. He spent much of his time working, playing and getting into trouble with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren inspiring a multitude of "Pop" stories. He would play table hockey, basketball, and go hunting with them. He rarely missed a birthday party, basketball game or family/friend get together where he was always up for a spirited game of Horse and Pepper.
One of his favorite morning rituals was to go to the local stores for "morning coffee" to visit and tell stories with anyone that came in. Marcel made many people laugh with his unique stories, especially about all of his misadventures and how things were in the "old days".
His lifelong love of learning led him to get his GED at 43, participating in the graduation ceremony with his youngest daughter, Tina in 1984. Marcel's real love, though, aside from Paula, was farming. He and Paula purchased their farm in East Craftsbury from his parents, and later moved to Eden Mountain to farm. They originally farmed with dairy cows, but later diversified into dairy goats, eventually building their herd to 200. There weren't many animals that Marcel didn't have on his farm at one time or another. He had geese, goats, cows, pigs, chickens, a donkey, peacocks, and even emus. He also ran Masse Poultry Processing with his son Jason for many years.
Marcel's love of children was apparent as he was a 4-H leader for forestry, a Hunter's Safety instructor for more than 30 years, and taught French lessons to elementary school students. He was a gifted dowser and found water for many people over the years. He was passionate about helping others and being able to do so was a point of pride for him. He was an active member of the Horse and Buggy Club and a member of the Deacons at the United Church of Craftsbury.
A celebration of Marcel's life will be held on May 11 at 11:00 at the United Church of Craftsbury. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the United Church of Craftsbury Deacon's Crisis Fund or the Lamoille Area Cancer Network.
