• Arlitha Racine

Arlitha Anne (Howrigan) Racine, 76, died on Saturday, January 4, 2020, at the McClure Miller Respite House in Colchester, Vt., following a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by her loving family and friends.

Born in Colchester on November 15, 1943, Arlitha was the daughter of Wilson P. and Katherine E. (Harte) Howrigan. She attended elementary school in Westford, Vt., and graduated from Bellows Free Academy in Fairfax, Vt., in 1961. On May 15, 1965, Arlitha married Conrad H. Racine at St. Luke’s Catholic Church in Fairfax.

Arlitha was employed by IBM in Essex Junction, Vt., until her retirement in 1996, after 29 years of service. She had previously worked at the Mary Fletcher Hospital (now the University of Vermont Medical Center) for five years and General Electric (now General Dynamics) for two years. She was last employed as assistant town clerk in Westford, retiring in 2008 after six years of employment.

Arlitha enjoyed spending quality time with her friends, going to movies and plays, luncheons and dinners, shopping and just spending time visiting with them.

Arlitha is survived by her loving husband, Conrad, of 55 years; her sister-in-law Alice Buinicky of Milton, Vt.; Alice’s daughter Melodie Lafromboise of Milton; and many cousins in Vermont, New York and Québec. She was predeceased by her parents, Wilson P. and Katherine E. (Harte) Howrigan; her father-in-law, Conrad L. Racine; her mother-in-law Edith (Martin) Racine; and her brother-in-law, Dennis W. Racine.

Donations in Arlitha’s memory may be made to the Franklin County Humane Society, 30 Sunset Meadow, St. Albans, VT 05478. Arlitha’s family would like to thank Dr. Unger and his competent and caring staff. Thank you, Margaret. Visiting hours were held on Monday, January 13, 2020, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Minor Funeral Home in Milton. A Funeral Service followed at 7 p.m.