Mary P. Searles

BARRE TOWN - Mary Paul Searles of Barre VT passed away on April 10,2024 with her loving family at her side due to surgical complications. Mary was born in Barre hospital on April 11,1944 to Paul Benoit and Rita (Chaloux)Benoit of Barre. Mary graduated from Spaulding High school in Barre. She went on to study early childhood development later in life and ended up with an associate’s degree. Mary also had a degree in sign language and used that to teach others. In her early years she married Edwin Peake and worked as a waitress at the wayside restaurant. They went on to have three children, Eddy, Tina and Paul, they divorced and later on she met the love of her life Robert Searles. They were married for 50 years and went on to have three more children Bobby, Jason and Chrissy. Mary made a life in Barre Town with her loving husband and children. Mary spent her life doing what she had a passion and heart for and that was caring for children and teaching others how to care for children. Mary provided a large, registered daycare for 35 plus years in her home. Mary and husband Bob were amazing foster parents in fact they fostered 104 children throughout their lifetime and even awarded Foster parents of the year for the state of Vermont. Mary and her husband were runners up in nationals for Foster Parenting as well. Mary retired from providing a loving daycare for so many years and started working for Washington County Mental Health as the transportation Director of children’s and families and Developmental Services. Mary had many joys in life, one of which was spending time with her sisters Yvonne, Carmen and Lori. In fact, they started a sister get away that they did yearly and sometimes more often. She and her sisters shared a love like no other. Mary will be missed so much by all of her loved ones she leaves behind her memory will be forever cherished. Mary was predeceased by her Parents Paul and Rita(Chaloux)Benoit, her brother Norman Benoit, her first husband Edwin Peake and current husband Robert(Bob) Searles ,two sons Eddy Searles and Paul Searles, a step daughter Sherry Leblanc and grandson Judson Leblanc. Mary is survived by her children Tina and Mike Dindo of South Barre, Vt ,Paul Searles and wife Lisa Searles of Swanton, Vt, Bobby and Stephany Searles of Cabot, Vt ,Jason and Gaiamae Searles of Grass Valley CA, Chrissy and Annette Searles of South Barre Vt, and one step son Dennis and Eve Searles of Cabot, Vt. Mary also had 29 Grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren and was so very proud of each and every one of them. A graveside service will be held at Hope Cemetery at 11am on April 20th. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Central Vermont Foster Parents Association 17 Jorgensen Ln Barre Vt 05641 Arrangements are in the care of Pruneau-Polli Funeral Home, 58 Summer Street in Barre. Those wishing to express online condolences may do so at: www.pruneaupollifuneralhome.com

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Mary P. Searles

April 11, 1944 - April 10, 2024