BELMONT - Vesta Burleigh Corriveau, 92, of Belmont, left to be with her Father in Heaven on July 11, 2016. She was born Vesta Sturtevant Burleigh on July 21st, 1923 to Chester F. and Helen S. Burleigh. Vesta’s childhood was the idealistic farm life, as she grew up on a farm on Jamestown Road in Belmont. During the Depression, the family farm was virtually self-sufficient and thrived even in the hardest of times. They brought meats, eggs, and baked goods to market by horse and carriage. A very musical family, they were always surrounded by friends and family, with their farmhouse being a central social hub in town. She and her mother played piano on Sunday evenings. Her grandfather, William Sturtevant from Hiram, Maine, was the first flutist to the Boston Symphony Orchestra.
Vesta graduated from Belmont High School in 1941 and married her high school sweetheart, Gerard Corriveau, in 1945. She went on to raise 7 children with her husband and loved to tend to her vast gardens, selling her produce at a tiny farm stand on Hurricane Road called “The Green Thumb”, where the profits would finance shoes for school. After her children were mostly grown, she rejoined the work force in 1971, at the former Allen Rogers, where she retired in 1988. She decided to fill her time under the direction of Loran Percy, where she learned to oil paint. She took to it quickly and produced a plethora of beautiful landscapes and still-life over the years, teaching her grandchildren painting techniques along the way. Countless people have her breathtaking artwork hanging in their homes.
Besides painting, gardening, and music, Vesta was also a spiritual poet, leaving us many writings to cherish. She also enjoyed camping and fishing and loved travel by water. She crocheted many afghans and was an accomplished seamstress, making clothes us when we were young, and more recently, nightgowns. She was a great cook and baker, we would get together for fall bake-off's, producing many squash and ‘TOOT-KAY’ (pork) pies. Vesta would welcome all into her home and would never let anyone leave hungry.
Vesta felt totally at one with nature, enjoying the birds and creatures. Above all, Vesta’s heart soared when she was surrounded by family members. Her gift of love for us all will resonate in our hearts forever.
Vesta is survived by her sons, Allan Corriveau of Gilmanton, Glenn Corriveau of Belmont, her daughters Beth Ley of Sanbornton, Suzanne Lutz of Laconia, and Amy Corriveau of Laconia. Vesta is also survived by 13 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind a dear daughter-in-law, kindred spirit Aleta Corriveau of Ticonderoga, NY, as well as a cousin, Nancy Burleson of Damariscotta, ME, and a host of friends.
Vesta is also survived by countless nieces and nephews of her dear sister Grace Elizabeth ‘Betty’ Eberle and her husband Clifford, of Summerfield, FL and their children; James Eberle of Cambridge, MD, Patti Rockwell and her husband Gary of St. Michaels, Beth Roos of Glenwood Springs, CO, and Douglas Eberle of St. Michaels.
She was predeceased by her husband, Gerard Corriveau in 1981, a daughter, Jean Dowling in 1995, a son, James (Jim) Corriveau in 2004, and a son-in-law Adrian (Jay) Ley in 2010.
Much heartfelt thanks goes to the professionals at LRGH, the Belmont Fire Dept. and EMT Services, Central VNA and Hospice and all other caring individuals in our time of need.
Memorial calling hours will be held on Saturday, July 23. 2016 at the Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral home, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, between 1pm-3pm. A memorial service to immediately follow at 3pm. An extended post service gathering will be announced at the service. A private burial will be held at the family’s discretion at the Elkin’s cemetery on Jamestown Rd, Belmont, at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Central New Hampshire VNA & Hospice, 780 North Main St., Laconia, NH 03246.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, N.H. is assisting the family with the arrangements.