EAST HARDWICK – Jane Mary Bachert, 81, of East Hardwick, died in the comfort of her home, on May 20. She was born March 7, 1941, in West Glover, one of 14 children born to the late Raymond N. and Margaret (Lussier) Gravel.
She attended West Glover public schools. In her earlier years, Jane and her husband operated a dairy farm in West Glover. She then worked for Newport Plastics before staying home to care for her two young children.
After moving to East Hardwick, Jane met Adolf Keene Jr., and the two settled in their long-time location to raise their children. Jane went to work for Concord Manufacturing in Morrisville, and she was employed there for many years until they closed their doors. Still young and ambitious, Jane returned to school and received her GED, before enrolling in the Vermont School of Cosmetology in Burlington. She opened her own beauty shop, Gravell’s Hair Care, at her home in East Hardwick, which she operated for many years. In her later years, she enjoyed outings with her niece, Brenda Beaupre. Jane was also very fond of her long-time caregiver, Brooke Foster.
She attended St. Norbert’s Catholic Church and enjoyed making wreaths each fall as it became a wonderful family tradition, a time to enjoy her family, work together and a time of laughter as the holiday season approached. Other enjoyments include sewing, crocheting, playing cards, puzzles, gardening, and going out to dinner where she could enjoy Chinese and seafood. Jane loved being a grandmother. She was often seen at school events and sports games, cheering for her grandchildren.
Survivors include: two children, Diane Holbrook (David) and Lawrence Bachert (Sherri) all of East Hardwick; nine siblings, Roland (Theresa) Gravel of Northfield, Conn., Lucien (Portia) Gravel of North Wolcott, Marcel Gravel (Barbara) of Wolcott, Norman (Stella) Gravel and, Eddie (Sandra) Gravel, all of East Hardwick, Arline Passette of Hardwick, Paulette Hill (Clifton) of Johnson, Hazel Bowen (Gordon) of Morrisville, Debbie Draper (James) of East Hardwick; three grandchildren, Jennifer Stratton (Eric) , Jessica Gouin (Ross), Caleb Holbrook (Kirsten); a step-grandson, Robert Witham Jr; five great-grandchildren: Gavin, Isabelle, Gracie, Kennidee and Brantle,y with a new great-granddaughter on the way; as well as numerous nieces, and nephews.
In addition to her parents, Jane was predeceased by her long-time companion, Adolf Keene Jr.; and four siblings, Susan, Delores, Raymond and Robert.
Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday June 1, from 6 to 8 p.m., at the Northern Vermont Funeral Home, 60 Elm Street, Hardwick.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., on Thursday, June 2, at Mary Queen of all Saints Parish, at St. Norbert’s Catholic Church in Hardwick.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to the Hardwick Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 837, Hardwick, Vermont 05843.
Arrangements are in the care of Dian R. Holcomb, of Northern Vermont Funeral Service, 60 Elm Street Hardwick. Online condolences are welcomed at northernvermontfuneralservice.com.
