Suzanne Merchant Credit: Courtesy Suzanne J. Merchant, loving wife and mother, peacefully went home to be with Jesus on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at the Cathedral Square Assisted Living Facility in Burlington, Vt. She was 90 years old. Suzanne was born on January 19, 1936, in Winooski, Vt., to Austin and Lillian (Langlais) Feeney. Suzanne was employed by IBM Corporation, moved on to the University of Vermont Medical Center, and spent the last of her working years at her favorite position, as a receptionist at Hickok and Boardman. On May 30, 1956, she married the love of her life and high school sweetheart, Vernon L. Merchant. Together for 71 years, Suzanne and Vernon raised four children. She had a passion for crafting, a love of babies, and, more importantly, a quick wit and sense of humor which brought out the best side of all around her. Her greatest joy was decorating for Christmas and the celebration of the season and all that it brought. Suzanne was a regular attendee of Ignite Church in Williston, Vt., and cared deeply for her church family. She had many wonderful friends and deep relationships that brought her great encouragement, and she was never ashamed of sharing her love of Jesus with anyone that crossed her path. Suzanne shared her love of Jesus with arms wide open, even in her last breath. Along with her parents, Suzanne was predeceased by her loving husband of 67 years, Vernon, in 2023, and her sister Clair Phillips in 2012. Suzanne is survived by her four children: Tim and Kelley Merchant, Steve and Lynn Merchant, Judy and Joseph Senesac, and Kris and MJ Merchant; and her sister Rita and Bob Gauthier. She also leaves behind a legacy of seven grandchildren, whom she loved more than life itself: Abigail and her husband, Winston; siblings Lily and Levi and his wife, Kelley; and siblings Brooke, Bethany, Bridget and David. Visiting hours will be on Friday, July 31, 2026, 5 to 7 p.m., at LaVigne Funeral Cremation Services, 132 Main St., Winooski, VT. There will also be a celebration of her life on Saturday, August 1, 10 a.m., at Ignite Church, 1037 South Brownell Rd., Williston, VT. To send condolences to her family, please visit vtfuneralhomes.com. The post Obituary: Suzanne J. Merchant, 1936-2026 appeared first on Seven Days. ...read more read less