June F. Eddy

SOUTH ROYALTON—June F. Eddy, 84, died Thursday afternoon, June 21, in the Garden Room at Gifford Medical Center in Randolph.

She was born June 5, 1923 in Brattleboro, the daughter of Daniel and Olive (Millington) Wright. She graduated from Brattleboro High School and went on to further her education at Castleton College, where she earned her teaching degree. While attending college, she worked at a furniture store in Rutland, to help pay for her schooling. She taught school briefly in Brattleboro.

She married Stephen H. Eddy, August 14, 1948. For a short time they lived in Underhill, where they farmed with her father. They bought their first farm on Jigger Hill on the Tunbridge/Royalton town line. Later they bought a farm on Gilman Road in Royalton.

They operated "Jersey Slopes Farm" until Stephen’s retirement in 1995. Their herd was nationally recognized for its outstanding breeding, and Jane kept meticulous breeding records. Their cows received numerous awards from many organizations including the New England Jersey Breeders Association and the National Jersey Hall of Fame.

In addition to helping her husband with the farm and raising their two children, she enjoyed cooking, baking, doing all kinds of arts and crafts, canning, painting, and gardening. She always had a huge vegetable garden along with her flower garden. She was especially fond of her roses. She like raising donkeys and tending to her lily pond, which also contained gold fish.

The church was very important to her and she helped out in any way she could, baking and making crafts for the annual church sales and bazaars. Her husband died February 11, 2004, and she lived on the farm with her granddaughter and her granddaughter’s husband, Tina and Jim Spaulding.

Survivors include a son, Stephen "Lee" Eddy of Brookings, S.D.; a daughter, Ethel J. Dart of Royalton; seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; a sister, Virginia Wright of West Brattleboro; and many nieces and nephews.

Calling hours were held Sunday evening, June 24 at the Boardway & Cilley Funeral Home on Main Street in Chelsea. A funeral service was held Monday, June 25 at the United Church of South Royalton, with Pastor James Proctor officiating. Rev Proctor shared stories about her generosity and read a remembrance written by her good friend, Bev Gilman. Friends also gave their reflections. Organist Judie Lewis led the congregation in singing "Amazing Grace" and "The Old Rugged Cross." The closing song of celebration was "Swing Low Sweet Chariot."

Burial was held at the Branch View Cemetery in South Royalton. After the burial, family and friends were invited to the church hall for refreshments and fellowship which was hosted by the church women.

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